Review – Boringdon Hall & GAIA Spa
Perched high on a hill just 6 miles north of Plymouth, a beautiful Elizabethan manor house literally steeped in history. Sir Walter Raleigh and Queen Elizabeth are among many esteemed guests that have graced Boringdon’s doors over the centuries.
The pièce de résistance of the lovingly restored manor house is its majestic Great Hall – with oak-panelled walls, statement chandeliers and a roaring stone fireplace complete with a King James I coat of arms. With the recent addition of a stunning £5 million state of the art spa, Boringdon Hall offers an idyllic and quintessential English rural escape.
40 rooms and suites span the manor house and converted stable block, ranging from traditional to contemporary in style. We stayed in the stunning Royal Suite – situated in an original Elizabethan turret (all three rooms in the turret are thought to be haunted – with many tales of paranormal activity!) the luxurious abode is set over three levels.
The lounge level leads on to a wonderful roof terrace complete with panoramic views and a bubbling hot tub. The marble bathroom boasts a Duvalli eggshell bath, double monsoon shower and supplies a generous offering of ESPA and Gaia products.
Chef Scot Paton heads up The Gallery restaurant rustling up creative and tasty dishes such as Brixham Crab Salad with Curried Emulsion, Mango and Cardamom and Crispy Artichokes, Puffed Wheats and Grains, Celery and Goats Curds.
Service is impeccable and restaurant offers eye-pleasing views over the Great Hall.The terrace at The Spatissserie boasts glorious countryside views and is the perfect spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch.
Serving up healthy cuisine and delicious fresh juices, both the crushed avocado and poached Hen’s eggs for breakfast and the seabass and crab linguine for lunch are to die for.
Merged into the hillside and spanning 3 floors, the glorious Gaia Spa is a game-changing retreat. 5 million pounds were invested into the state of the art spa, and it shows. The contemporary design and decor embraces Boringdon’s idyllic surroundings, with natural hues, botanical greens and earthy tones creating a shoulder-dropping ambience.
A fabulous thermal circuit, with a crystal steam room and Finish and herbal saunas, circles the sleek indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool. There’s also 12 candlelit treatment rooms, a Champagne nail bar and a wonderful Spatisserie with two outdoor dining areas offering panoramic views of the Devonshire countryside.
As well as treatments by ESPA, Diane Nettleton, the clever co-owner and co-designer of the spa, paired up with a local aromatherapist to create the delicious Gaia own brand spa product range. The Awakening, Balancing and Calming products utilise local and British organic ingredients such as Cornish clay and sea salt, clary sage, lavender and rosemary. In line with the spa – she’s nailed it again – these products are divine.