A complete transformation
While Gloucestershire is blessed with many chic and stylish accommodation options for those seeking a Cotswold getaway, Tewkesbury Park’s recent renovation has brought a sense of luxury, opulence and ultimately, love, to what was previously a tired and dated venue.
The hotel and golf course has undergone a £10 million transformation in recent years, meaning that it now feels far more like a destination resort in its own right. Offering enough activities on site to entertain guests for an entire short stay in Gloucestershire, the hotel boasts a 6,579 yard, Par 72 golf course; well equipped health suite featuring an outdoor hot tub, pool, gym, sauna and steam room; and a range of fabulous restaurants, bars and lounges, with 24 hour assistance only a phone call away.
From the wellies to borrow in reception, through to the stylish décor and impeccable customer service, Tewkesbury Park’s metamorphosis has catapulted it into the leagues of Ellenborough Park, Calcot and Cowley Manor in terms of a luxury Cotswold destination, that’s wholly deserved.
Sunday Brunch
One of the more recent additions to Tewkesbury Park is its Sunday Brunch offering. A luxury buffet that even has its own chocolate fountain dipping station, it’s something that any lover of brunch should experience at least once!
Shown to our table in the stylish Mint restaurant, we were welcomed with cups of tea and coffee before making our way, wide-eyed to the smorgasbord of treats that awaited us!
Highlights included a make-your-own Caesar salad selection, blended smoothies, individual cottage pies, poached eggs with avocado on sourdough toast, poached egg with hollandaise sauce and pulled pork, and a selection of breakfast items.
Meanwhile, the dessert options included a stunning chocolate fountain centrepiece with skewers of fruit, doughnuts and freshly prepared waffles poised for indulgent dipping. As a chocolate lover, this was heaven, and something that made this a brunch experience to remember.
One criticism I would offer though, is that while flavoursome and presented to perfection, the poached egg options and individual cottage pies were displayed on plates rather than in heated trays; meaning by the time we tucked in, they were completely cold. Each dish was quite clearly created lovingly and featured high quality ingredients, so it was a real shame that the restaurant prioritised presentation over purpose here.
Decadent luxury
Upon check in, we were warmly welcomed by Sophie, who took our details and kindly escorted us to our room for the night – the Margaret of Anjou Opulent Historic Suite. And my, what a room it was.
My eyes were immediately drawn to the copper rolltop bath, nestled within a large bay window overlooking the golf course, and the incredible Cotswold views beyond.
The wonderfully comfortable super king-sized bed was adorned with two robes, and even a hot water bottle, and in the background, we noticed classical music was playing – perfectly setting the scene for the serenity and escapism we were to experience during our break.
While you would expect a suite to feel luxurious, this room was a cut above. Every last detail had been considered, from the Bramley branded toiletries in the bathroom, through to a Nespresso coffee machine, and of course that stunning bath, a stay in a suite at Tewkesbury Park really is something special, and an opportunity I feel very humbled to have experienced.
SoGlos loves
Tewkesbury Park is an independent and family owned hotel, and it really shows. The information pack in our room gave the impression that absolutely nothing was too much trouble, with things like children’s food requests easily accommodated, and pampered pooches offered a sausage for breakfast!
There are games in the lounges which guests are encouraged to play, books to read, and croquet and garden games on the lawn to encourage a bit of friendly competition. It was quite simply a lovely place to spend time.
Tewkesbury Park aims to provide its guests with an experience that is ‘just like home, but better’, and that is exactly what they’ve achieved.
Book now
For more information, see Tewkesbury Park, call (01684) 272300 or visit tewkesburypark.co.uk.
By Melissa Hamblett
