The team behind The Grove did us Londoners a service when they made their home in the beautifully restored 18th-century mansion, transforming it into an idyllic out-of-town retreat that’s not too far out of town. The glamorous Hertfordshire-based hotel is just a short train ride, or under an hour’s drive, from the city, but the rolling 300 acres of countryside and state-of-art-spa will have you feeling as though you’ve had a proper getaway. And sure five stars and luxurious fittings mean rooms come with a luxury price tag, but you’re getting a helluva lot for your money.
Whether your idea of a break is more leisurely or action-packed, The Grove is prepared to deliver. The hotel’s spa, Sequoia, has just recently undergone refurbishment and reopened in June with a bunch of new, nature-inspired spaces and treatments. As well as a vast, black-tiled pool, Sequoia is equipped with steam rooms and saunas, a fitness studio and a dining area that serves up a menu of health-focused dishes – a great spot to relax and refuel.
On the other end of the spectrum, the estate is studded with a wide range of activities to keep intrepid holidayers (and kids) busy. You can hop on a segway and ride through the woods, test your aim with clay pigeon shooting or archery, swim in the heated outdoor pool, explore the gardens, go horseriding, play tennis, and the list goes on.
Of course, you’ll be well fed too. In fact, The Grove is home to a fair few restaurants and bars made up of the (previously mentioned) Sequoia Kitchen, the expansive Glasshouse dining hall and bar, the sustainably-minded Stables, The Lounges with a brand new sushi menu, and Madhu’s at The Grove serving up creative South Asian dishes. Plenty to choose from, even on a longer trip.
So, if you’re weary of the daily grind and fancy heading northwest for a bit of fresh air and R&R, The Grove is one you’ll want to have on your radar.
Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire, WD3 4TG
thegrove.co.uk