Riana Pervez, Contributing Editor to Vogue Russia and Conde Nast Traveller writes about the dream country rural retreat.
After having grown up in the Lake District, I was looking forward to staying in the dreamiest luxury hideaway.
Gilpin Lodge is a beautifully designed hotel, where I had the pleasure of staying in the tranquil Spa Suite.
Accompanied upon arrival by extremely friendly staff, I was driven promptly in a buggy to a secluded and beautiful cabin. Once inside my lodge, I found a sauna, steam room, massage table and separate treatment room awaiting me.
An outdoor hot-tub, fire and open plan-2 x person shower and huge beautiful bathtub featured in the large sitting room.
A soundspeaker you can connect to your phone to play the music is also available, indoor and outdoor on the private deck.
There is a choice of 2 restaurants on-site, Source or Gilpin Spice. Source is the Michelin-starred restaurant, headed by Ollie Bridgewater (formerly of Heston Blumenthal’s three Michelin Star ‘Fat Duck’).
The Lake House, which is a mile away from the main house, has a 3rd restaurant, Knipe House Grill.
An array of spa treatments were available, either in the room or in the Spa on site.
The spa has a beautiful view of the lake, privately sheltered from the main hotel.
Some of the bedrooms in the main house are dog friendly, providing outdoor space for furry friends.
There are alpaca’s and pigs onsite which add a charming touch, and boats that can be used at The Lake House, another private sanctuary with its own private lake.
Sliding doors lead you out to your own private deck, with a private pond, while inside there is a botanical feel with palm leaves growing in large stone pots and a hanging birdcage over the bathtub with shoots and leaves cascading out of the cage. Bamboo style lanterns hanging over the sink. There is a slight Balinese feel to the bathroom and spa area, and a Scandinavian feel to the living areas.
The Spa treatment I opted for was heavenly, The Natural Inner Beauty Facial. All products are ESPA and the treatment comprised of a triple cleanse, exfoliation, lavish facial massage and personalised mask. The results are a glowing complexion and dewy, even tone.
Crook Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake Windemere, Cumbria LA23 3NE, England. [015394 88818]
