Editor Hannah Faulder enjoys an indulgent couple of days at Bath's Homewood Park

Editor Hannah Faulder enjoys an indulgent couple of days at Bath's Homewood Park: Image 1

Editor Hannah Faulder enjoys an indulgent couple of days at Bath's Homewood Park...

After a particularly hectic Monday at work, and braving the rush-hour traffic to get to Bath, I was in serious need of some relaxation. When my husband and I made our way up the tree-lined driveway, I could feel the weight lifting from my shoulders. Then we saw the ivy-clad façade of Homewood Park lit up against the night sky. Nestled in 10 acres of parkland and award-winning gardens, it's hard to believe you're just five miles from Bath. Inside, the 21-bedroom hotel retains many original features of its 13th-century build – think wooden floors, antique paintings and grand fireplaces – yet it blends seamlessly with its contemporary furnishings and modern touches.

A place to rest your head
There's nothing better than throwing your bags down in a gorgeous hotel room after a long drive, and we were lucky enough to stay in one of the master suites. It was so opulent and grand that my hubby and I turned into giddy schoolchildren. “We don't belong in here,” was a common refrain. There was a large bay window, but nightfall meant we would have to wait to see what the view would be in the morning. The huge bed could've comfortably slept a family of five. The massive bathroom boasted a beautiful roll-top bath and a whole range of divine Elemis toiletries – am I the only person who gets this excited about mini shower gels? After mooching around on our big comfy sofa and drinking the fabulous bottle of sparkling rosé that was in our room, we fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillow. In the morning, our view did not disappoint – and neither did the weather! The sun was beaming down over the pretty walled garden, majestic trees and vast expanse of neat lawn.

Total relaxation
Thank you to Homewood Park for organising the most glorious sunshine for our stay in early May! After meandering through the luscious gardens to the secluded glass-fronted spa, we could have been anywhere as we lay on our loungers soaking up the rays by the heated outdoor pool with the scent of blossom wafting in the air. Small but perfectly formed, the spa offers a sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pool in the most tranquil surroundings. We ordered cocktails and nibbles to our loungers and whiled away the hours reading, chatting and going for the odd dip to cool down.

To dine for
In the state of utter relaxation we were in, it was a struggle to drag ourselves up to our room to get ready for dinner, even though I couldn't wait to try the two AA rosette food that I'd heard so much about. We first sat out on the lawn to peruse the menu and sample the hotel's far-too-easy-to-drink signature cocktail. As a vegetarian, it was great to see a range of delicious-sounding options brimming with local and seasonal produce that were as lovingly created as the meat dishes. For me, the delicious potato and nettle soup was followed by the roscoff onion – a yummy combination of chestnut mushroom, arancini and spinach. My husband made up for my lack of meat with the pork tenderloin. Beautifully presented, it looked like a work of art. A cool touch that the venue offers its wedding couples is a cocktail creation experience. We were lucky enough to sample this in the Taittinger Champagne Bar with the brilliant Stefan. After a relaxed chat about our favourite drinks and flavours, he created personalised cocktails for us both, and they couldn't have been more spot on! My husband's was a dark and intense mix including Earl Grey tea, amaretto and Jameson Irish Whiskey. Mine was totally different; super-sweet and pretty, it infused vodka with violet liqueur, triple sec and lime. I love the idea of serving up these fabulous concoctions on your wedding day to represent you and your loved one to guests.

A walk on the wild side
As you can imagine, it wasn't an early start for us the next day, but I was so excited for what we had in store. Located a short drive away from Longleat Safari Park, we had a brilliant day getting up close and personal with the park's residents. I was totally in my element, walking with penguins, going seal spotting on the riverboat and trying not to drive out with a monkey on the roof of my car. To top it all off, the Elizabethan house is simply breathtaking.

To book your stay, head to www.homewoodpark.co.uk or call 01225 723 731

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