DE VERE COTSWOLD WATER PARK HOTEL, COTSWOLDS
BEST FOR: THE ULTIMATE COUNTRY ESCAPE
What makes this smart, wellrun and modern hotel such a find is its lovely lakeside location, overlooking swans, sparkling water and unspoilt countryside just feet away.
The Cotswolds Water
Park, only five miles from Cirencester, has 152 lakes, lovely walks and outdoors activities galore, from kayaking to golf, sailing and angling. The De Vere itself sits beside Lake 6, its 328 rooms, suites and apartments spread over three adjacent buildings, each with ample parking nearby. The style of the hotel is contemporary, light and airy, with natural woods, stone and glass, boasting art with a coastal, country theme.
Rooms have comfy beds, big TVs and fully-equipped bathrooms – some come with an outdoor terrace with lake views. There’s Wi-Fi everywhere, and dogs are welcome in some of the accommodation, too. You don’t have to stay to enjoy Sunday lunch, served in the Old Boathouse Restaurant & Bar, coffee and snacks in the pretty Muddy Duck Café, or three-course dinner (£28) in the Brasserie Restaurant. There’s a nice, spacious lounge in which to enjoy a gin and tonic, too. But for the ultimate relaxation, there’s the spa, which underwent a £100,000 refurbishment just last year. Spa6 facilities include the 11-metre hydrotherapy pool, sauna and aroma steam room, crushed ice fountain, heated loungers, experience shower and bucket shower. There’s a state-of-thethe art gym, relaxation room and nine treatment rooms. The spa menu includes dry flotation and a Rasul, featuring aromatherapy oils and products from JustBe Botanicals – you choose a scent according to how you’d like to feel: happy, pure, active, tranquil or detoxed. Bliss!
STAY: The Discovery Facial, £48 for 25 minutes, features a double cleanse, hydrating serum and radiant treatment oil to leave your skin all soft and silky. Six new Spa Experiences, from £60-£170, are tailored to specific needs – the 70-minute Drift Away Together for couples, for example, from £95pp, encompasses a Rasul treatment and back massage. Some packages include a complimentary gin and tonic and chocolate infused with the same ‘state of mind’ botanicals. Double rooms from £99 per night including breakfast (two sharing). Check the website for spa packages and offers.
To book: visit devere.co.uk or call 01285 864000. Tested by Wendy Gomersall