Depressurised cabin
Banishes the blues with a soothing stay in beautiful Norfolk
I CAN’T actually remember the last time I had a bath with a friend, but it was probably about 35 years ago.
It’s not an opportunity that crops up very often, but that’s set to change at Congham Hall’s brand new Orchard Cabins, as the star attraction of the sleek open-plan spaces is an outdoor bathtub.
Wiggling into skin-tight swimming costumes – after a three-course meal of roasted beetroot, goat’s cheese, plump pillows of ravioli and a decadent assiette of (not so) mini puddings – seems like a good idea at the time. (That might have had something to do with the Fleurie wine we washed it down with.) And once the taps are splurting water into the huge tub, there’s no turning back.
Bubbles spill over the top as we hurl ourselves in, seconds away from deciding an outdoor bath is exactly what every single one of us needs in our lives right now, laying back and savouring the night sky.
Congham Hall in Norfolk has built five luxurious new rooms with outdoor bathtubs, all overlooking the beautiful apple orchard.
The area is perfect for getting away from it all. There’s an abundance of fresh air and green spaces, beautiful beaches and it’s teeming with nature at every twist and turn.
As well as the outdoor bath, the new rust-coloured cabins (which look like house-shaped shipping containers from the outside), give you the option of bathing inside, like a normal person. Much less fun, but because one roll-top is sometimes not enough, you can take your pick from the brushed tin tub outside, or the pretty pink bath in the bathroom, both big enough for multiple bathers.
Inside the cabin, a squashy bed awaits our weary limbs, beside a large pink sofa, marble-topped circular coffee tables and comfy spinning chair; the perfect spot to sit and take in the views of the orchard. A green bistro table and chairs sit out on the balcony for morning brews and sundowners.
“We’re in Norfolk, there’s no such thing as late,” we’re told as we apologise for our tardiness at dinner. We’re then encouraged to sup on aperitifs at the bar before heading over to our table in The Samphire Kitchen – a two AA Rosette restaurant, which has recently had a restyle.
We peruse the menus, shortlist wine and nibble on salty edamame beans. Game and fish feature heavily because of the location – Congham aims to source 80% of ingredients from within a 20-mile radius, as long as they’re the best available. There’s a separate vegetarian menu, too.
Mains cost between £20 and £30, starters around £10 and desserts about £9, but room rates that include dinner are a good idea. Wine is well chosen, around £40 for a really good bottle, and staff are attentive.
The Secret Garden Spa features a 12-metre swimming pool, steam room, saunas, treatments rooms and a new outdoor deck with hot tub.
If you feel the need to explore further afield, local walking routes are available from reception, along with pairs of Dubarry boots. We blow the cobwebs (and hangover) away on a flat three-mile loop, taking in the old railway line and local woodland.
We’re told Old Hunstanton Beach is worth the 25-minute journey, but we opt to while away an hour or two at local distillery Whatahoot.
Whatahoot is an award-winning distillery and gin school, set in a beautiful 15th-century building in Kings Lynn (about seven miles away from the hotel).
We gather on sofas with AJ, who talks us through the history of gin. Whether you pop along for the distillery tour to learn all about how gin is made (£15), upgrade to a cheeky Cocktail Masterclass (£35) or go the whole hog and book into the four-hour gin school (£95, or £135 for two) where you make your own gin, you’re likely to wobble out with a big smile on your face.
Back at the hotel, waking up to the early morning sky – light dancing on the fruit trees as I sit with a cuppa on the balcony – feels like a moment out of a selfcare manual. And before we leave, there’s time to squeeze in one more bath.
The cabins are positioned so each balcony area is private and not overlooked, although I do almost come a cropper when relaxing in the tub and a couple bring their dog for a walk in the orchard. Thankfully, the size of the bath and the enormous number of soap suds surrounding my naked body save my dignity.
Undoubtedly, I am an outdoor bath convert. So much classier than a hot tub. More peaceful, more sustainable, more stylish. It’s self-care on tap, if you’ll excuse the pun, and I really want one in my garden.
‘We’re in Norfolk, there’s no such thing as late,’ we’re told as we apologise for our tardiness at dinner...