By Lisa Brown

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.

Gaia Spa

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.

The Treatment

The Gaia Holistic Ritual – All of the Gaia rituals begin with a relaxing foot scrub and deep inhalation of your chosen oil to calm and balance and are designed to work on mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. The ritual begins with an invigorating full body scrub followed by an application of the Gaia Cornish mud to nourish.

Once showered a blend of warm essential oils are used for a full body massage combining Balinese and Lomi Lomi techniques. A rejuvenating Gaia facial completes the ritual.

A top-to-toe holistic overhaul, I left feeling totally zenned with radiant skin and a big smile. Pure bliss.

Other Treatments

Gaia Crystal Therapy – The ultimate goal of crystal healing is to bring the whole body back to a state of pure unconditional love. The treatment is personalised using crystals to discover which chakras are blocked and includes meditation, a full body massage, a facial using rose quartz crystals and a nurturing scalp massage.

Aftercare, product advice and a crystal prescription will be recommended by the therapist.

To Stay

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.

To Eat

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.

Don’t Miss

There’s a whole array of things to do in nearby Plymouth:

Tare a tour around the Plymouth Gin Distillery. RockFish situated on the seafront is great for lunch and the Rock Salt Café & Brasserie is a perfect spot for a cosy candlelit dinner.

For more information on Plymouth visit www.visitplymouth.co.uk.