I want country. Boyfriend wants sea. I want a spa. He wants food. This could have spelled disaster for our romantic weekend away but then we stumbled upon Bailiffscourt.
A former holiday home of the Guinness family, Bailiffscourt is set amid 30 acres of private parkland yet is just a few minutes walk away from pretty Climping Beach in West Sussex. The popular spa is housed in a striking A-frame wooden building next to the hotel and a quick check online reveals a suitably mouth-watering menu. Sorted.
The hotel really is something else. Built using only medieval timber and stone collected from derelict 13th century buildings nearby, it's hard to believe that the hotel was built in the 1920s and not a good 500 years before. The stone buildings and tennis court dotting the manicured landscape is refined yet relaxed - you can easily picture it as an idyllic summertime retreat.
However it's a cold and rainy day when we visit, but the roaring fire means the hotel is equally perfect for winter. Sadly the incredible Baylies suite is booked, but we're more than happy with one of the impressive junior suites, which perfectly reflects the hotel's medieval origins. A huge domed ceiling, proper fireplace, four-poster bed and chilled bottle of champagne is there to greet us. Baby it's cold outside, but inside Bailiffscourt it's warm and welcoming.
Who goes there?
The hotel seems to be a particular favourite for couples and no wonder - Bailiffscourt obliges them with some fun offers. The William Walker Weekend (based on the book William Walker's First Year Of Marriage by Matt Rudd, which takes place in the hotel) comes with a night in the Baylies suite, candlelit dinner for two, massages, a chilled bottle of champagne, signed copy of the book and complimentary use of the "ex barring system", as William requests the hotel bans his new bride's ex from the premises. Neat!
The spa
The spa at Bailiffscourt is a vision, especially at night when the aquamarine glow of the pool beams from the huge windows. I've booked in for the exclusive Electric Body Massage, which originated in New Zealand and notably appeared in goody bags at the 2008 Oscars.
An organic treatment that's meant to boost energy levels, the massage focuses on pressure points on the back, legs, arms, scalp and face. The choice of modern ‘chill' music (Moby, etc) wasn't my first choice for relaxation, but as I was expertly rubbed down, the sweet smells of mandarin, sweet almond and orange aromatherapy oils instantly released pent-up tension. It was a full 85-minutes of head-to-toe heaven.
I left the spa super relaxed but without that groggy, dazed feeling. I'm told to expect my energy levels to rise in the next few days, and sure enough I feel remarkably chipper. My sensitive skin also looks much better than normal, too.
Eating and drinking
The Tapestry Restaurant has the same warmth and medieval features as the rest of the hotel (cream walls, deep red curtains), although was a bit too hushed for our liking (a common issue with country hotel restaurants we've found) despite being quite busy. Service is faultless without being fussy and the food is modern British with the odd European touches.
A starter of scallops tasted fresh and arrived perfectly cooked with pork belly, cauliflower puree, artichoke and pea shoots. A main of tasty Gressingham duck breast came with melt-in-the-mouth duck confit, caramelised figs and pine nut cannelloni, while braised venison bourguignon also hit the spot. The chocolate fondant had a firm rather than gooey centre but it was so tasty that we forgave quite quickly.
What to wear
Dinner in the restaurant is smart - think classy - so perhaps not the latest Hervé Léger body-con dress. Make sure to pack some wellies and casual clothes for exploring the area and a bikini to enjoy the spa.
Getting there
We travelled from London Victoria to Littlehampton with Southern Railway. For train times and to book the best fares for tickets visit www.southernrailway.com, call 08451 27 29 20 or visit any staffed station. Bailiffscourt Hotel is a short taxi ride away.
Rooms at Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa start at £210 per room per night including breakfast and VAT. Dinner in the Tapestry Restaurant is priced £46 for three courses. The 85-minute Electric Body Treatment is exclusive to the hotel and is priced at £99. Reservations can be made by calling 01903 723511or visit www.hshotels.co.ukfor more information.
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