The Hotel
Ah Boringdon, how I wish I was back with you right now. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – you really captured a piece of my heart. I’m not going to lie and say this is the best hotel I’ve ever stayed in, because it’s not – but a hotel doesn’t always have to be the best to capture something. For me it’s all about the atmosphere, service, food, the whole package, and Boringdon Hall is speedily on its way to that – which I find very exciting indeed. They have a shiny new Gaia Spa which is quite easily one of the best I’ve spent a day in this year, plus a brand new head chef who’s cooking is oh-so exciting. The changes going on here right now really can’t be ignored. Boringdon Hall is a luxury manor house hotel full of grand Elizabethan architecture, stone towers, archways, curiosities, antique furniture and bags of history – all of which make up this historic hotel. My favourite room was The Great Hall – a lounge fit for royalty.
The Grounds/What To Do
Admittedly the grounds aren’t the most substantial, given its hilltop location – but what it lacks in walkable grassland, it makes up for in history. Every corner of this building and its interior offers something new to see. The history of Boringdon Hall stretches back as far as the Doomsday Book and the name ‘Boringdon’ comes from the Saxon ‘Burth-Y-Don’ meaning ‘enchanted place on the hill.’ The house became a crown property in 1539 which Henry VIII later granted to his courtier, Thomas Wriothesley. Ancient trees and lush greenery also set the scene for looking out over the rolling hills of Dartmoor – the perfect way to spend a pre-dinner drink. Don’t forget to seek out the resident cat too.
The Room
The hotel has a total of 40 rooms and suites, some of which are in the main house and some in the attached stone mews buildings. We were staying in the hotels plush executive suite. As soon as you walk into the room you’re greeted by a huge spacious bedroom, separate lounge and a private terrace with bubbly heated Jacuzzi. You’ll even find little luxuries such as an Apple TV, Playstation 3, homemade chocolates and fully stocked complimentary mini bar. No guesses to which my favourite part of the room were, not including the incredibly comfy bed – it was the hot tub. If you know me well you’ll know I’m a sucker for one and that was no exception here. Complimented by a glass or two of Laurent-Perrier Champagne – it was a lovely way to spend an afternoon and an even better one after dinner once the lights dimmed and ever-changing colours set the terrace alight in colour.
The Spa
Boringdon Hall has a fabulous new addition – The Gaia Spa. A tranquil haven of absolutely beauty, indulgence and pure relaxation. Of all the spa retreats I’ve spent my time in this year, Gaia Spa was most certainly my favourite and has so much to offer. Brilliant food in the Spatisserie, absolutely stunning selection of home-made patisseries, Champagne (of course), body relaxing spa treatments and everything else in-between. Infinity pool, crystal salt steam room, Finnish sauna, laconium herbal sauna and traditional steam room – this spa has everything. Read my full review of Gaia Spa at Boringdon.
The Food & Drink
And then there’s the food. New head chef, Scott Paton has done wonders here into helping Boringdon Hall become not just a better hotel, but a destination restaurant. Exactly what every hotel should have in my opinion – somewhere not only the guests want to eat, but also the locals. The fine dining experience here is led by an exquisite menu showcasing locally sourced ingredients and precision perfect plating. The beautifully plated Brixham crab salad with curried emulsion, mango and cardamom was one of my highlights of the year. Read all about my experience at The Gallery Restaurant at Boringdon Hall. Breakfast the next morning was a lovely affair with large a la carte offering and fresh continental buffet selection. Our pancakes however needed alot of work.
The Verdict
Boringdon Hall really is a hotel which will capture a piece of your heart. It has class, traditional charm and so much history that it’s like reliving the past all over again. You can eat till your belly is contempt, relax in your hot tub on the terrace, spend an afternoon in an unforgettable spa and sink into a bed so comfy you won’t ever want to leave. Boringdon Hall is a very exciting place to be right now and I can’t wait to return. I’d imagine it’s magical here at Christmas.
Boringdon Hall Hotel
Boringdon Hill
Plymouth
Devon
PL7 4DP
Tel: 01752 344455
Love this post Gary! Looks like such a beautiful place to stay xxx
Author
Thanks! G x