ESCAPE LONDON – Simply the best,The Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa

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images-2The Bedford Lodge Hotel in Suffolk is about a 90 minute drive from London, the perfect distance to escape London for the weekend.  The building is set in pretty grounds between luscious trees, flowers in bloom and a lovely lawn which was perfectly mowed in stripes.  As you drive onto the stone driveway, you are met with a beautiful white country house and the smell of fresh country air.  The reception was equally stunning, decorated with fresh cut flowers that gave off a beautiful scent, while staff were very courteous and friendly.  The decor was simply stunning, a modern mix of lemon and purple, with high ceilings and welcoming comfy sofas.

The building is set in pretty grounds between luscious trees, flowers in bloom and lawn perfectly mowed in stripes.  

On walking to our room, it was clear this stunning country house was nicely decorated throughout as even the hallway was pleasing to the eye.  I was excited to enter our room, with impressions already being high I could not wait to see wait was waiting behind the door for us.  The room did not disappoint, it was decorated in warm colours, brown, cream and white.  The ceilings were high, the beds cosy and the duvet made of lavish duck Bedford-Lodgedown.  The coffee area was a lovely surprise, with filter coffee, fresh tea and local shortbread biscuits.  This elegant hotel is billed a 4 star, but was giving a 5 star impression all the way.  The bathroom looked freshly decorated with large fluffy white towels, magnificent Molton Brown toiletries and my favourite, a separate bath and shower.   What topped off this lovely room, were the arrangement of magazines on the bedside table, including the latest copy of Vanity Fair. Looking out of the window over the roof top gave us the pretty view over the perfectly manicured lawn, the impressive grounds look like the perfect venue for a wedding, so it was not surprising that we could see a blushing bride and hear the gentle happy chatter from the wedding party.

This elegant hotel is billed a 4 star, but was giving a 5 star impression all the way.

Walking across the grounds to the spa, we could hear the sound of chirping birds.  The spa building was equally as impressive as the hotel, a walkway of Greek columns and winding greenery led us to the main door, where another stunning lawn, well kept flowers and a lovely water feature could be seen.  The reception was simply breath taking, it felt as if almost all our senses were engaged by just stepping over the door mat.  Soothing music could be heard playing in the background, the waft of essential oils through the air and the decoration was splendid.  The service can not be faulted as the receptionist could not do enough to help us, after discussing our treatments she led us to the waiting area which shared an array of high back victorian chairs with a modern twist.  The floor was a warm oak, with an open fire place and a shabby chic silver mirror crowned the mantle.

 The reception was simply breath taking, it felt as if almost all our senses were engaged by just stepping over the door mat.  

We were given a key on a beautiful brown bracelet that matched the decor and given a tour before being led to the changing rooms.  The showers in the imageschanging rooms were spacious and the products first class, we were also given to wear a thick comfortable robe and slippers.  This amazing spa is simply stunning, modern and luxurious, every detail has been well thought out and designed impeccably.  To me this one of a kind place is 5 star all the way, no detail has been left behind.  The outstanding hydrotherapy pool shares an array of delightful water features to massage and relax you, with the pool looking out onto a perfectly kept country garden, with an outside seating area for days when the sun shines.  High walls and led ceiling lights with changing colours helped ensure this enchanting pool was very addictive and we were lucky enough to have the hydro pool to ourselves.

This amazing spa is simply stunning, modern and luxurious, every detail has been well thought out and designed impeccably.

Our treatment was booked for 5:15pm and on the dot two smiley faces appeared to collect us.  The selection of treatments were in abundance, almost making it hard to choose, but help was at hand and my therapist suggested the ‘ESPA Time’ treatment.  This hour treatment began with a relaxing foot exfoliation, while my friendly therapist talked me through my options.  I opted for the full body salt scrub and back massage, I was even offered a choice of which oils I preferred.  While both were amazing, I chose the ESPA fitness oil which was 100% natural and mixed with West Indian bay, clove buds and lavender oils.  The salt scrub left my body feeling silky soft and plenty of time for a back massage.  Now I have to share that I have never been a fan of massage, I know I am probably one of the only girls in the world who does not like them, they have either hurt or tickled in the past, so I could never understand why people love them so much.  However, I thought I would give a massage one last try bedford-lodge-hoteland I am so glad I did at the Spa as The Bedford Lodge Hotel.  My therapist was simply the best, after all these years I have been enlightened and have finally fallen in love with massage.  She made sure I was comfortable and offered the heated bed, which I happily accepted and throughout made sure the pressure was right.  I have been to a few spas and never have I left feeling so relaxed and euphoric after a treatment.  As she ended the massage I found myself with a huge smile on my face and I have truly never felt better.  I know for sure I will be coming back to this amazing place and thanks to my lovely therapist, I am now a proud massage convert!

I have been to a few spas and never have I left feeling so relaxed and euphoric after a treatment. 

My guest also had an incredible spa experience and actually fell asleep during the neck and shoulder massage.  He had actually been to numerous spas around the world and was happy to share that the Bedford Lodge Hotel Spa was the best he had ever been to, which really was a well deserved accolade.  The after treatment chill out room was relaxing, we sat and admired the decor as we enjoyed the deep relaxed feeling that followed our treatments, then headed for the stunning rooftop jacuzzi that is decorated with Rattan furniture and overlooks a horse stables.

They have actually been to numerous spas around the world and were happy to say that the Bedford Lodge Hotel Spa was the best they had ever been to, which really was a well deserved accolade.

The hotel restaurant Squires is a very romantic setting, decorated with deep purples and cream colours. Lovely background music gently plays in the background, adding a perfect ambience and the service is excellent.  The menu offers a lovely selection of food, both for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. We both opted for the Salmon and Crab starter, which was a trio of fish, crab encrusted with a shell topping, smoked salmon stuffed with cream cheese and fresh salmon.  The side of the dish was decorated with luxurious pear and avocado dressings.  The server was very amiable and happy to tailor the dishes to our needs.  For my main I chose the Smoked haddock, poached egg and hollandaise sauce, which was topped over a bed of delicious mashed potato with a hint of chive.  My guest ordered succulent steak, paired with fluffy mashed potato and crispy sugar snap peas.

The Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa provides first class spa treatments, amazing facilities, perfect service and beautiful surroundings.  If you want a trip out of London that will leave you feeling refreshed and filled be happy memories, then this stunning hotel should be your first choice.  This amazing place is perfect for a romantic getaway or a girlie weekend where you can relax and unwind from a hectic London lifestyle.

http://www.bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk/

Bury Rd, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7BX

Heart London Magazine 5 * rating:

Food 4

Treatments 5

Decor 5

Service 5

Spa 5

Atmosphere 5

Ambience 5

This amazing place is perfect for a romantic getaway or a girlie weekend where you can truly relax and unwind from a hectic london lifestyle.

Cat, Heart London Magazine

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