“You know, it’s where James Bond defeats Goldfinger on the 18th hole,” my boyfriend excitedly enthused about our impending anniversary trip to Stoke Park. “Huh?” came my uneducated reply. “Ok, it’s where Renee Zelwegger and Hugh Grant spend their dirty weekend in Bridget Jone’s Diary,” he offered more helpfully. “Agh, now I am impressed.”
But even without the glitzy cinematic history, it’s hard not to be impressed by this beautiful, award-winning resort, which was founded as an exclusive golf club in 1908. Set within 350 acres of lush, historic parkland and gardens in Buckinghamshire, the approach to the imposing 18th Century mansion house is simply breathtaking as the sweeping gravel driveway takes you past the alabaster white frontage with its neo-classical columns and steps - made even more famous by Daniel Craig’s iconic final scenes in Layer Cake. A film star I most certainly am not, so I was feeling slightly intimidated stepping out of my clapped out car, but once through the grand doors it became quickly apparent by the attentive, informed staff, that every guest here is to be treated like a celebrity, and it didn’t take long for me to sink into the role.
We were staying in the adjacent Pavilion building, which opened in 2008 and houses the award-winning SPA SPC, complete with a salon, state-of-the-art gym, indoor heated swimming pool, and 13 tennis courts, and despite the offer of a shuttle we decided to walk the 100 or so yards.
The more contemporary of the two buildings, the £20 million Pavilion is no less aesthtically pleasing, marrying stylish contemporary interior design with a nod to Hollywood decadence, as bold colours, sleek furniture and modern art installations sit side by side with old film posters and ornate rugs.
This successful fusion is continued into the 13 rooms, where the emphasis is most certainly on luxury, right from your toes, where you sink into the plush carpet, to your head, which you lay on the indulgent king-sized bed.
Our decadent room, we were told, is Mr Craig’s favourite and with its solid oak furniture, oriental wall hangings, expansive views and marble bathroom, it’s easy to see why. But it’s the poster of Playboy model with her cheeky 007 tattoo that probably clinched it.
After taking it all in, we headed downstairs to the serene surroundings of the spa, keen to let the stresses and worries of the day melt away with our massages. The tranquil, calming and soothing environment of the cosy, low-lit waiting area certainly helped the process but it was Michelle and her expert fingers that really did the job. Suitably relaxed, there was just time for a quick dip in the heated pool, before our reservation - a girl could get used to this.
While the Pavilion has two restaurants, the Italian brassiere San Marco and The Garden Lounge for breakfast, the more classic dining experience is to be enjoyed in the mansion. Soaking up the romantic ambience, we made our way through the relaxed, lounge-style Orangey to The Dining Room, and despite being two of only a handful of other diners in the opulent setting, with its high ceiling and stylish neutal tones, the friendly, polite staff quickly put us at ease. Sticking to the theme of the stay, our indulgent meal began with a champagne cocktail, followed by a complimentary amuse-bouche, while we both plumped for the melt-in-your-mouth starter of scallops, panchetta and black pudding. For main I opted for flaky halibut on a bed of crayfish in a champagne mousse, while my partner just had to try the signature dish of the Stoke Park Beef Wellington. Clearly a master of his craft, executive chef Chris Wheeler, who is right hand man to Jean-Christophe Novelli, is the man responsible for the exquisite menu, which is brought to life by the simply awesome maitre d, who even arranged for our after dinner chocolates to be sent to our room.
Its hard to top such a wonderful evening, but waking up in 007’s favourite room came close and a frankly gluttonous breakfast (I just couldn’t say no to anything) in the Orangey enjoying the panoramic views of the grounds rounded off what was a memorable stay.
While I may still have to wait for my Hollywood ending, film star or not, I left Stoke Park feeling a million dollars.
Address: Stoke Park, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire Tel: 01753 717171 Website: www.stokeparkclub.com
Stoke Park runs a range of special break packages. Forthcoming packages include:
Mother’s Day break, which consists of:
A night’s accommodation
Full English or continental breakfast
Three course table d’hote dinner
Choice of SPA SPC facial or massage
20 per cent discount off any further treatments
Based on two people sharing a twin or double room Valid from March 1 until April 30 (excluding Easter)
£190 per person
And couples' Easter break:
Two nights’ accommodation
Full English breakfast each morning
Three course table d’hote dinner on each evening
Easter Sunday lunch
Easter egg for each guest in room
A one-hour SPC facial, massage, manicure or pedicure
£320 per person
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