The Rowhill Grange Hotel and Utopia Spa is a luxury venue in Wilmington Kent. It is a short drive from London, just inside the M25 and is a lovely escape from it all.
The drive up to the hotel was through beautifully wooded grounds. A sign by the side of the road alerts drivers that ducks may be crossing. Only in England! The green surroundings, lovely countryside and that sign all helped me to feel that I was well away from city life.
The impressive country house that is Rowhill Grange was originally built in 1868. It was re-furbished in 1994, in keeping with the style of the original structure and is full of character.
We were given a warm welcome, escorted to our room, and guided through the different areas. Our Wild Rose room is a large suite. The décor is contemporary, but done with a nod to the historical roots of the building. It had elegant curtains, real wood furniture, a large bed with luxury linen, and included an LCD TV and all the modern trappings one expects.
“Rowhill Grange Hotel and Utopia Spa is a lovely escape from it all.”
The bathroom is spacious and included a separate shower and a bath, lovely tiles, nice lighting and rich fluffy towels. It was everything a bathroom needed to be.
As this was a spa hotel, we decided to explore. We were shown through to the Utopia Spa area, decorated in a curious mix of Greco-Roman and Oriental. The space was designed to relax, with tranquil music playing in the background and it worked. After a busy week, my back massage was most welcome!
After my therapeutic massage, and a pot of tea and a cake in the Elements Bar area, we decided to go for a swim. The pool area has been constructed in the style of a Roman bath, with great attention to detail.
Swimming in this pool, and bathing in the Jacuzzi, is a much more relaxing experience than the hustle and bustle found in most hotel pools. It was what we would regard as a “proper” spa and pool.
We would return to Rowhill Grange Hotel and Utopia Spa as it was a lovely break. The service was exceptional, surroundings sumptuous and that spa was the perfect antidote to modern life.
The Bill: £219 per night
