Selena Young gets her spring glow on at Boringdon Hall’s new gourmet spa break
Haven’t we all fallen under the spell of trying out a hot new wellness trend, only to be disappointed? It seems spring wellness isn’t necessarily to be found in fistfuls of spenny supplements or lounging about in a Phantom of the Opera‑style LED face mask, let alone lying for hours on a back‑piercing Shakti mat or – the latest craze among influencers –wobbling on a vibration plate.
Yet a luminous glow and the dopamine high of being topped up can certainly be accomplished on a 24‑hour mini-break involving spa tranquility, luxe lodgings and exceptional food. This exact bougie bliss is to be found at five‑star Boringdon Hall near Plymouth, courtesy of its new Àclèaf Signature Spa Break.
What’s included
The one‑night curated stay pushes sensory pleasures to the max via a dining experience in its Michelin‑starred Àclèaf (read our review of the restaurant), alongside a session in the hotel’s Gaia Spa, a 45‑minute spa treatment and breakfast in the Spatisserie.
It‑would‑be‑rude‑not‑to extras include complimentary access to fitness and wellbeing classes, ten per cent off additional spa treatments and a Gaia skincare gift.
Boringdon Hall is a beautiful location for R&R. The 16th‑century manor is one of the South West’s oldest buildings (how many other spa hotels can flex being mentioned in the Domesday Book?) and drips in Elizabethan decadence. Picturesque views over Dartmoor amplify the ooh‑la‑la of it all.
However, it’s all about the 21st‑century in its grown-ups‑only Gaia Spa. This adjacent building houses an indoor pool, indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool, saunas, steam rooms, alfresco hot tubs, treatment rooms, relaxation rooms, a gym and a Spatisserie.
The Wellness Wing also has its own contemporary bedrooms and suites where you can stay the night. They’re definitely the way to go when booking this particular break – especially if, like me, you visit with a friend. Save the romance of a manor room with a four‑poster for a trip with your amore.
Died and gone to Devon
Craving dewy skin following the ravages of winter, I plumped for the Naturally Gaia Facial for my treatment. A selection of Gaia’s natural lotions and potions were soothingly massaged into my skin before jade crystal wands were used in sweeping motions to stimulate lymphatic drainage and blood flow. It was mind‑meltingly relaxing.
As if it had bathed in the fountain of youth, my skin was noticeably more taut, glowing and supple. If only the whole process could be bottled to‑go. Happily, the Crystal Everglow Serum and gua sha stone are available to purchase at the spa (and more cheaply than an LED mask).
After a slurp of herbal tea in the Relaxation Room, we moved on to full‑blown spa indulgence. What better way to work up an appetite than floating between numerous heat experiences and soaking in bubbling pools? There’s no pressure to do everything – or even anything – of course; visitors are welcome to simply chill on one of the curved loungers while swaddled in a fluffy robe.
Star attraction
As gourmets know, wellness comes from the inside out, and good food is essential. However, a meal at Àclèaf bears no resemblance to the kind of simple veg‑centric offerings usually found on spa breaks. Reset your expectations: this is about devouring glamorously beautiful dishes in the great hall of an ancient manor.
Head chef Scott Paton takes guests on an astonishing dining adventure full of intrigue and delight via meticulous four‑course and tasting menus. Naturally, we went for the latter.
Each dish on the line‑up was named, enigmatically, by its hero ingredient. We experienced Scallop, Crab, Sole, Mallard, Wagyu, Honey, and Chocolate, with a few extra surprises along the way.
The standout courses included beef‑fat porridge (braised wagyu, which dissolved like butter on the tongue, paired with an umami blanket of mushroom foam) and a dessert that explored the theme of milk and honey. The mic‑drop finale was a single‑origin delice with raisin and cherry, roasted‑vanilla ice cream and spiced brandy sauce, served with an on‑the‑side treat of warm chocolate torte. It was a swoonsome finish to an unforgettable meal.
Recommend to friends?
Without doubt. In fact, it’s my new recommendation for loved ones in need of a dose of self‑care, especially those drowning in the sea of wellness trends.
