We all appreciate the importance of a good location and there is none finer than the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, which offers the chance to step inside the most iconic architectural masterpiece of the world heritage city of Bath. Stretching across two Georgian townhouses (each of which have their own fascinating history) slap bang in the middle of the crescent, and still boasting an abundance of period details, the five star hotel is celebrating the momentous 250th anniversary of the Royal Crescent with a series of specially designed luxury events and experiences that promise to be truly unforgettable.
The RC250 Suite Stay (£2500) includes two nights in a master suite with breakfast, a bottle of the bespoke RC250 Bath Gin limited to 250 bottles, a RC250 box of chocolates, a Floris gift set, RC250 Ronnefeldt Tea Caddy (100g of specially commissioned RC250 Tea), cocktails in the bar on one evening, and the gourmet six course RC250 tasting menu for two with Tattinger Champagne and specially selected wine pairings at their one Michelin starred restaurant The Dower House (£125 per person if dining outside this package). This luxury break also includes the RC250 Massage Experience for two (£250) which I was lucky enough to sample as a day guest at the hotel’s Spa & Bath House.
Offering the ultimate relaxation for couples, both of you will experience a 90 minute full body massage featuring hot stones and the specially commissioned RC250 bath and body oil by Elemental Herbology, a heady mix of sweet almond, peach, jojoba, rosemary and grapefruit. After being soothed from top to toe with this sublime elixir, you’ll receive a full size bottle to try at home. Founded in 2008 Elemental Herbology is designed to help your skin achieve a state of optimum health and vitality. Using therapeutic levels of plant compounds, herbal extracts, essential fatty acids, botanical oils, vitamins, minerals, pure essential oils and anti-oxidants, this entirely natural body care brings advanced nutrition to your skin, not to mention smelling and feeling heavenly.
Following the massage (or before for that matter), take time to enjoy the fantastic facilities of the Spa & Bath House which was refurbished last year; from the Himalayan Salt Infused Sauna which promotes the natural healing properties of salt therapy, improving skin conditions and strengthening the immune system, to the Blossom Steam Inhalation Room, the perfect place to unwind, with soothing steam and fresh aromas of eucalyptus and menthol. When you’re done with sitting still, the state-of-the-art vitality pool features vigorous massage jets, while the long 12-metre relaxation swimming pool is not only cooling but positively thirst-quenching, overlooking as it does the Tattinger Spa Garden where you can later relax in your bathrobe and slippers and enjoy a chilled glass of the finest, included in the RC250 Massage experience.
The RC250 Afternoon Tea (£45 with a glass of champagne, £35 without) was the perfect way to round off the afternoon, and all that swimming certainly helped me to work up an appetite. Themed especially for the hotel’s 250th celebration, each ‘Quintessential’ item is a homage to Bath’s traditions, heritage and royal connections. Dainty finger sandwiches feature coronation corn-fed chicken, oak smoked salmon with lemon and chive cream cheese, roast beef with English mustard mayonnaise and watercress, and free range egg with mustard cress. Scones are served warm with Devon clotted cream and strawberry preserve, alongside wonderfully sticky Bath Buns with cinnamon butter, while the top tier was crowned with a shot glass filled with a potent Bath Gin and Kaffir lime panna cotta, a glazed blueberry tart, a hazelnut Viennese whirl, and a sublime pistachio and dark chocolate torte.
One of my favourite hotels in the world, each and every experience I have ever had here (including our wedding) has been impeccable; from the glorious suites overlooking Royal Victoria Park and the well appointed Spa & Bath House, to the Dower House restaurant overlooking the hotel’s tranquil secret garden where you can take afternoon tea on a fine day, you can hardly fail to be swept up in the grandeur and sheer magic of this incredible, unique environment. Meanwhile, the genuine, charming service makes you feel completely at ease and adds to the enjoyment of spending time here. Don’t miss the chance to raise a glass to The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa during this very special year. Whatever RC250 event you opt for, I guarantee you’ll never want to leave. Roll on the next 250 years.
For more information on The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa’s series of RC250 luxury experiences (running until 20th October 2017) or to reserve please call 01225 823333 or visit the website.
