Hidden away at the end of a classic, tree-lined avenue, Lucknam Park is a beautiful stone Palladian mansion that certainly has the wow factor of a bygone era. A five-star country house hotel, six miles from Bath, we sweep down the grand circular drive and crunch around on the gravel, half expecting a butler to bustle out to get our bags. (The porter does instead, which is just as good). Once inside, the hotel beautifully blends old with the new. Rooms are huge, and subtle wallpapers and plush carpets are mixed in with period furniture. Ask for a room looking out to the front of the house, along the sweeping drive, for a real to the manor born moment.
You'll also have the most wonderful views of the surrounding grounds, which are the star attraction here. Set in 500 acres, the gardens are magnificent and echo back to a time nearly forgotten. There are nooks and crannies to be explored, exquisite archways to peak through to lavender-filled idylls, ponds, lakes and hidden gardens filled with scented blooms to stumble across. I wouldn't be surprised if I arrived upon Elizabeth and Mr Darcy at any minute. The equestrian centre offers horseback tours and lessons but wandering around is the best way to discover the charm of the place.
While the house is elegant and subdued, the spa, located in the stable block, is state-of-the-art and sparkling with newness. Based in honey-coloured stone buildings and surrounded by walled, sculptured gardens, it's beautifully designed with an Asia meets Cool Brittania vibe. There's a 20-metre indoor pool, an indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool and saltwater plunge pool. As well as nine treatment rooms, offering Anne Semonin and Carita treatments, there's a great choice of relaxing thermal cabins — from Japanese salt steam room to the amethyst room. You are beyond help if you manage to leave here still feeling stressed.
The Park restaurant is Michelin-starred. Pre-dinner drinks and snacks are served on the terrace or adjoining drawing room or library. Executive chef Hywel Jones has created an inventive menu, using organic and locally-sourced produce, many ingredients sourced from the hotel's herb and kitchen gardens. For a sublime melt-in-your-mouth experience, try the braised fillet of wild turbot, crisp belly of suckling pig, pumpkin and Bramley apple puree, hand rolled macaroni, truffle butter sauce. It's a mouthful enough just saying all that and, yes, that all those items are found in the one sumptuous dish. The hushed tones, the elegant dining room with its crystal chandelier and dreamy sky fresco on the ceiling lends eating here a serious air. But, like in Bath itself, this old-world charm is Lucknam Park's best feature.
Dinner is from £66 per person for three courses. A Standard Room costs from £295 per room per night on a room only basis. A minimum two night stay is required at weekends. Lucknampark.co.uk
Read our review of the Spa at Lucknam Park
