Tucked in the Hertfordshire countryside, just north of London in the UK, you’ll find the gorgeous Sopwell House. If you somehow don’t fall for the endless grounds, the exceptional cuisine, and the luxurious guest rooms, you are guaranteed to be obsessed with the stunning Spa.
Why We Love This Hotel
Everything is geared to your total relaxation. Many spa hotels limit themselves to making the Spa feel like a zen place, but at Sopwell House, the grounds, the restaurants, the gardens; everything is beautiful and considered, and you instantly feel at peace when you spend time here.
Location
The hotel lies just south of the Roman city of St Albans. As well as the cathedral and streets packed with independent shops, boutiques, cafes, and bars, the city boasts several museums, parks, galleries, and theatres. You won’t be short of things to do, especially when you factor in time at that Spa!
Best Time To Visit
There’s really no wrong time to visit, and I imagine the grounds would be bewitching any time of year. The spa garden is a real treat, so warm enough weather to sit out for a while (the robes are extra fluffy!) would be ideal. If not, the indoor spa areas are just as inviting.
How To Get There
The hotel is literally minutes from the M25 and the M1, so it is super convenient to get to. Luton is the nearest airport which is just 15 miles away. If you are arriving by train, Thameslink operates a direct service between St Pancras International and St Albans station, so you’re looking at 30-minutes and then just a 5-minute taxi ride to Sopwell House.
Style & Character
The 4-star hotel is housed in a Georgian country house which is surrounded by 12 acres of English country gardens complete with koi carp ponds. There’s even the cutest little bridge! While the exterior is undoubtedly beautiful, for me, it was the spa gardens and the interior design that was truly inspiring. Firstly, the décor, part contemporary, part art deco, it’s both funky and classic but never dull. Onto those spa gardens, they are so stunningly laid it’s as if they’ve come straight out of the glossy pages of a style magazine. Simply choose your lounger amongst the greenery and water features and let the relaxed vibe envelop you; it’s such a blissful space it would be hard not to feel at peace here!
Service & Facilities
The standout facility here is absolutely the Cottonmill Spa. As well as a state-of-the-art gym, here you’ll find an indoor pool, two vitality pools, sauna, steam room, and a poolside terrace with loungers. But it’s the Club at Cottonmill that genuinely has to be seen to be believed, for this is home to the exotic spa garden as well as the Whisper Room and Deep Relaxation Room. The signature treatments at Cottonmill are rather special; lay back on a Quartz bed, with warm amber sand tucked around you as the skilled therapist soothes you from head to toe; this was a heavenly experience, and I’d definitely recommend it!
Other facilities at Sopwell House include 15 event spaces for meetings, conferences, and weddings, free parking, and free wi-fi. The service throughout is fantastic, warm, and welcoming from the offset. The spa staff were exemplary and provided a personal service. They seemed to genuinely care about your time there.
Rooms
All the 128 guest rooms and suites are elegantly designed, with a stylish art deco touch, and are all surprisingly spacious. They are well equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay with helpful little extras to elevate your stay; beautiful ensuite bathrooms with complimentary Elemis toiletries, air conditioning, complimentary wi-fi that’s easy to connect to, tea and coffee making facilities, and large desks. Upgrade to one of 16 Mews Suites, located in their own gated private garden, which includes a Hydro Pool, for even more space as well as a separate living room. Choose with suite suits your desires most from their varying facilities: how about a terrace, maybe with a hot tub, a kitchenette, for romance it’s got to be a double-ended in-room bath, fireplace, and four-poster bed or for an extended stay, opt for a dining area and separate lounge.
Best Rooms
We absolutely would recommend the Mews Suites. Tucked behind large gates which your key card opens, there’s a real feeling of exclusivity to staying here. The gardens are designed by RHS Chelsea, and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Gold award winner Ann-Marie Powell and are simply breathtaking; your Instagram feed will overflow with new imagery! The sophisticated but relaxed style is reflected in the suites themselves, giving a cohesive feel to this little collection of Mews Suites.
Food & Drink
Food and drink are a fabulous part of any visit to Sopwell House. The eateries themselves are stunning, excellent service with a smile, and the actual food; simply delicious! We had the pleasure of taking a sumptuous 3-course lunch as part of a spa day at the Brasserie and returned for breakfast. We also dined at the 2 AA Rosette The Restaurant, which was a charming experience where the à la carte menu featured tempting locally inspired gourmet dishes, which did not disappoint! There’s also the Conservatory Bar and the Cocktail Lounge for more relaxed dining or to enjoy a beverage or two. The afternoon tea also has quite a reputation; perfect for the quintessentially English experience.
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