The Bite Magazine - Spring 2019 - Issue 24

Revive Me Weekend When the cold winds have left you feeling like you have lost your glow, what better way to start spring than with a little rest and recuperation. Magdalena Kaczmarek shares her serenity experience at the sumptuously cosy and grand Down Hall Hotel & Spa. bite spa review Down Hall Hotel & Spa N othing can make me feel more nurtured and pampered like a weekend of peace and tran- quillity in beautiful surroundings. If you are a city dweller like me hoping to truly forget all of those work-related stresses and seasonal anxieties, Down Hall Hotel is a real show-stopper when it comes to searching for a zen-like state of relaxation. Pulling into the driveway, my friend and I were wel- comed to a harmonious blend of nature and Italian in- fluenced architecture. Nestling in the warm greenery of Hertfordshire countryside, the luxury estate has been designed to create a haven from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As one of England’s longest-established country hotels, Down Hall has a history as rich as its luxurious interiors. The impressive Italianate mansion itself is a grand house that dates, in some form or an- other, to the 14th century. Since 1322, when founded as the site of a monastery, it has been inhabited by artists, painters, lords, baronets and, at one point, it became a convalescent home for wounded soldiers and Downham School, a girls’ school whose alumni included Frances Shand-Kydd, Diana, Princess of Wales’ mother. It has only been operat- ing as a hotel since 1986 when it opened its doors to discerning guests. Just a mere 45-minute train journey away from London and in close proximity to Stansted Airport, this countryside escape is surrounded by 110 acres of woodland, parkland and landscaped gardens for visitors to explore. With the tranquil stillness of the estate, I was ready to switch off my phone and forget the rest of the world. Exceptional first impressions of the picturesque settings promising to relax your mind, body and soul did not disappoint. Once inside, the ambience of the elegant interior is quintessential British making this stately home the ideal base for a country chic staycation. High ornate ceilings, dazzling chandeliers and large windows fill the corridors with light.

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