After suffering a major comedown from the perfection that was summer 2022, I knew I had to get something in the diary to lift my spirits. I decided that a good spa break would do the trick, and so an invitation to Ardencote in the rolling Warwickshire countryside couldn’t have come at a better time.
A blissful retreat, boasting Victorian manor house charm aplenty, 83 acres of pristine green space, a luxury spa hotel, and an 18-hole golf course, this idyllic retreat has got plenty to shout about. There are also tennis and squash courts and a gym for anyone feeling sporty.
Flanked by lush gardens and a beautiful lake, Ardencote radiates an immediate sense of peace and tranquillity as soon as you drive through its vast grounds.
The hotel interiors are contemporary in a way that complements the classic Victorian style of the exterior building. Our suite was spacious and cosy, with a great view of the outdoor pool and oversized 24-seat hot tub. Rooms come equipped with all the mod-cons you’d expect including super-comfy beds and an assortment of White Company toiletries.
Having arrived just before midday, a couple of hours after the spa itself opened, we wasted no time in checking out the facilities. Our first stop is the Himalayan Salt Sauna, which is a great place to begin given the fact it’s pretty mild heat-wise compared to the other saunas.
The eye-catching salt wall claims to benefit everything from mental health to aches and pains due to the negatively charged ions in the salt. It would be easy to spend a good hour here if time is on your side.
The Monsoon Shower and Ice Fountain area provides an ideal spot for freshening up in between experience rooms and has plenty of citrus fruit-infused water on hand for refreshment. There’s also a foot spa, a tepidarium and a tranquillity room for anyone looking to kick back with a book.
Stepping outside to my favourite part of the spa, we entered the Tyrolean Kilo Sauna which turns up the temperature considerably with a welcome blast of heat as you enter. With excellent outdoor pool views, it’s a great spot to unwind.
Next to the pool itself, which is usually heated, but was acting as an ice-cold plunge pool during our visit. Having watched a woman swim several lengths without so much as flinching, we did wonder just how cold it could be. Turns out it was like jumping into the Arctic and not something neither me nor my companion could withstand for longer than 30 seconds.
It certainly woke me up and made chilling out in the outdoor hot tub even sweeter. Able to seat up to 24 people, this is the place to be if you want to enjoy a leisurely drink or two as you soak your cares away.
Feeling a million times more relaxed than just two hours before, it was time to take lunch in the Brasserie. With no dress code and robes and slippers allowed, it’s a relaxed affair offering a small but tempting menu of light bites.
We went with the delicious Charred Lamb Koftas with chilli, house salad and toasted garlic and coriander flatbread, and the Japanese-style Karaage Chicken with Asian Slaw and punchy Sriracha mayo.
After lunch, it was time to head up to the spa treatment rooms for my Wellbeing Harmony massage. Lasting for a full hour, this treatment combines warm oils with a full body massage that was so soothing, I almost fell asleep. After a stressful month, it was just what the doctor ordered and I walked out feeling reborn.
That feeling didn’t last too long, unfortunately, as I missed a step descending the staircase to the spa and almost took a tumble. The bewildered ladies in reception were kind enough to say I came back from it pretty strong, but I still walked out feeling like a complete douche.
My embarrassment soon disappeared after another session in the outdoor sauna, plunge pool and hot tub, which is somehow even more peaceful once the sun has gone down. This is a top-class spa that must attract a lot of repeat business from locals.
After unwinding in the room for an hour it was time to change for dinner, which again takes place in the brasserie. With a perfectly crafted menu designed by award-winning chef Ian Buckle, there are plenty of dishes on offer that allows Ardencote to shine.
We began with the Rillette of Dorset Duck with cranberries, ciabatta toasts, and plum and apple chutney, which was excellent. This was complemented with a cracking bottle of Argentinian Malbec which came highly recommended by our waitress.
It also paired well with my main course of Slow Cooked Chipotle Chilli and Treacle Marinated Beef Cheek, served with home-baked beans, buttered spring onions, and a BBQ glaze. The beef was melt-in-the-mouth good, which was elevated by the sweet and smoky flavours of the chipotle and treacle.
My companion enjoyed the rather exceptional Curried Swordfish, which had just the right balance of warming spices to enhance the mild sweetness of the fish. We finished with the indulgent Dark Chocolate Mousse dessert, served with a bold espresso ice cream and salted caramel sauce.
After dinner, we decided to skip a visit to one of the local pubs in favour of catching the World Cup match in the adjoining bar. Here, we enjoyed a couple of pints and a round of Espresso Martinis expertly mixed by the friendly barman.
After a good night’s sleep, we managed to catch the tail end of breakfast, where an extensive range of options is offered on a self-serve basis. We went for the full English and were impressed by the quality and choice available.
After a brief dip in the indoor pool, we checked out and took time to walk around the lake which looks incredible with the manor house in the background.
Final verdict
Ardencote is one of the many gems of Warwickshire and offers plenty for those looking to recharge their batteries. The service across the board was impeccable, the spa is amazing and there are culinary delights galore.
The location too is wonderful, with Warwick Castle nearby and Shakespeare’s birthplace just a brief drive away in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Whether you live locally or up north, Ardencote is a blissful retreat and a place well worth visiting that commands repeat visits.
Ardencote, The Cumsey, Lye Green Rd, Warwick CV35 8LT
Reviewed by Jordan Fletcher.
