Grand 17 outsideth The century-old façade of The Elms Hotel and Spa is like many other picturesque country house hotels, surrounded by lush lawns and formal gardens. But as soon as you step into the lobby of this beautiful hotel, you are transported into a magical forest world where creativity is celebrated and original ingenuity is everywhere.
Hotel
On the outskirts of the cute and quiet Worcestershire village of Abberley, The Elms is a striking Baroque building designed by Gilbert White of Worcester and named after the elm trees that once lined the driveway. I was.
Taken over by the Aberley Hall Estate in 1840, the country house remained part of the estate until it was sold to a racehorse breeder nearly 100 years later. It was rebuilt in 1946 and opened as a hotel.
In 2020, The Elms reopened after a major multi-million pound renovation project, transforming the 24-bedroom hotel into a whimsical woodland wonderland. Today, a modern adaptation of a typical and classic manor house, Bougie decoration meets historic buildings. Boutique hotels now offer luxurious accommodations, stunning spas, and relaxing dining facilities for guests to enjoy.
room
We stayed in the Epicurean Suite on the first floor and had views of two sides of the garden. Here contemporary art meets high-end design, classic style and flashy flare. The suites are well-proportioned, with expansive dimensions and four large traditional windows, providing plenty of space to relax, pamper and sleep. Thick drapes frame the windows, while wood paneling and decorative corning add traditional grandeur to the tastefully furnished rooms.
The room was finished with contemporary artwork and a grand chandelier that cascaded down with delicate glass shards that looked like raindrops falling from the ceiling.
There is a cozy lounge with a large sofa and coffee table for your morning coffee or reading the newspaper. A large flat-screen TV is mounted on the wall with access to the usual channels as well as apps such as iPlayer and Netflix. There is a desk and vanity area to work or get ready before stepping onto the platform that defines the relaxation area.
A luxurious king size bed with a huge velvet headboard provides a very comfortable place to rest and sleep. There’s also a romantic free-standing roll-top bath, rainfall shower and stunning marble-finished bathroom with Elemis products for a relaxing lather after a busy day.
Each individually designed and styled bedroom is opulent and opulent, yet offers a glimpse into a traditional country house that has hosted local gentlemen for centuries. Beneath the opulent and opulent grandeur of the bedroom is still a historic home full of stories and memories. It has rickety floorboards, large windows and high ceilings.
spa
The Greenhouse Spa is an explosion of botanical beauty. Relaxing Oasis has been voted 5 out of 5 by Good Spa Guide. Rustic tones, rustic wood and wicker baskets, lush design, and more foliage than you’ll find in most hotel gardens.
Exploring the two-story spa is like wandering through a magical forest. Greenery tumbles down the ceiling and walls, plants climb around manicure stations and bathroom sinks and mirrors, and oversized plant tumbles out of pots, vases and urns strewn with them. The jungle atmosphere continues through the pretty reception areas and shops, the relaxing lounges and the main pool atrium. Exposed wooden vaults above large windows overlooking actual flowerbeds and lawns inspired the interior finishes.
There’s a large sparkling pool with tiled stairs where the warm water and powerful jets help you knead your neck and shoulders. Leaves stream down from overhead on hanging planters and suspended platforms, and each corner is decorated to emulate a much-loved gardener’s greenhouse.
We sat in the swirling jets of the indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi bubbling with warmth. First step through the door in the heat of the sun and relax outside in the cool misty rain. There is also a sauna and steam room, plenty of cozy sofas and seating areas for guests to relax. We were really missing out on a plush lounger where you could sit and lounge with a magazine for hours.
A state-of-the-art gym is located in a separate building with an outdoor weight room and punching bag, as well as a studio for classes and activities. Cozy and quiet relaxation lounges, sunny roof terraces, and well-stocked drink stations serve tea, coffee, cold water with lime and fresh apples. Each treatment room is like a secluded forest glade deep in the forest. A peaceful and private sanctuary. The dark room is softly lit, as if tiny slivers of sunlight are creeping through cracks in the lush canopy overhead.
I had an Izzy and New Beginnings massage to soothe my rapidly growing and aching pregnant body. It was a relaxing feast from head to toe. Beginning with a cleansing of my feet, her delicate touch gently rubs my sore muscles before moving on to a relaxing full body massage, ending with a wonderful scalp and mini facial massage. Her warm, soft hands slid over my skin, gently kneading the knots on her back to ease the pain of pregnancy.
food
After a relaxing day by the pool, guests can enjoy drinks and snacks in the hotel’s stylish lounge and bar. The extensive menu offers options for all tastes, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and provides a lively atmosphere for guests to chat and laugh with friends and family.
The forest theme continues next door at Badger’s, a cozy and intimate restaurant for a delicious dinner. The menu is simple but mouth-watering, offering gastropub-like options and dishes that celebrate the best of Britain’s flavors. I started with a smooth, light goat cheese salad with thick, creamy, rich mushrooms and red onion chutney.
Then fish and chips (coated in a light, crunchy crust and served with mushy peas and tartar sauce) served with salmon fillets, Thai soup, tagliatelle, bok choy and sugar snap peas. I was. The salmon was nicely cooked and the vegetables were nicely chewed, but the broth was a disappointment. Finally, I chose a sweet and crisp lemon tart and a delicious chocolate and banana delice.
As if that wasn’t enough, we returned to Badgers the next morning for a rejuvenating breakfast. Enjoy a buffet of cereals, pastries, and fruits while you sip on a hot cup of coffee or sweet fruit juice. I tried the hotel’s sweet, gooey homemade granola with natural yogurt and honey before ordering a vegetarian breakfast consisting of vegetable sausage, baked beans, spinach, hash browns, and eggs.
in brief
Here at The Elms, there’s more than meets the eye. The pretty, plain exterior blends easily into the country setting, but the hotel’s originality and unique flair are evident to all. One thing is for sure, once you visit The Elms, you won’t forget your stay!
fact box
Rooms at The Elms Hotel and Spa start at £169 per night for bed and breakfast.
address: The Elms, Stockton Road, Abberley, Worcester WR6 6AT
phone: 01299 896666
Website: theelmshotel.co.uk
