This West Sussex spa hotel is the best for total rest and relaxation
With its sumptuous spa, 28 lavishly designed rooms, picturesque village, broad swathes of countryside, and Michelin-star restaurant, Ockenden Manor Hotel and Spa in Cuckfield is the perfect place for a weekend of indulgence.
One of the best hotels in West Sussex to rest and recuperate, Ockenden Manor is a countryside haven of luxury that captures the essence of historical grandeur.
The first recorded owners were the Michel family in the mid-1500s, who lived there until the house burned down in September 1608.
It remained in the family until the early 20th century and was then owned by the fourth Duke of Marlborough. During World War Two, it housed Canadian troops before opening as a restaurant and guest house.
Today, the manor combines comfort and luxury. As part of the Historic Sussex Hotels, a privately owned collection of three exceptional hotels, you already know to expect the best before you're ushered through the large oak door.
The 28 rooms are split across two houses: the main Elizabethan manor house (note the small rooms and Tudor panelling) and the newer orange spa building, which opened in 2012. The spa was built inside a 19th-century walled garden (it's separate from the main house) and complements the main building.
I had the joy of staying in the Junior Spa Suite — a charming contemporary suite that opens onto the breathtaking roof terrace with views over Cuckfield Park (the main swimming pool is just beneath).
Highlights include an open-plan bedroom space, fluffy dressing gowns, a handmade Vispring mattress, Nespresso machines, and a large bathroom with a walk-in shower, capacious tub, and luxurious Temple Spa miniatures. You'd be forgiven for never wanting to leave.
After a glass of fizz on the rooftop, I slipped on my robe and wandered down to the spa below.
Designed to relax, destress and revitalise, there's an indoor swimming pool with a swim-through door to the heated outdoor pool, eight beautiful treatment rooms (including a couples treatment room), a rainforest shower, gym and fitness studio, sauna, steam room, outdoor hot tub, and a wonderful relaxation space.
Despite being one of the most popular spas in the area, you'll feel as if you're the only one there (I had the pool to myself most of Friday afternoon). This is the sort of spa you'll want to linger in all day, but make sure you don't miss supper in the award-winning restaurant.
Using only the finest, locally sourced ingredients, the menu prides itself on field-to-fork dining everyone can tuck into. Expect the best of Sussex produce and excellent waiters who put you first (ask for the restaurant manager, Flavius).
My highly savoured dinner included the home-smoked Loch Duart salmon for starters, slow-roasted porchetta for the main, and warm banana pancake to end. It was beautifully washed down with a glass of red from the local vineyard, Ridgeview Wine Estate.
Planning a weekend away in West Sussex? Don't miss Ockenden Manor Hotel and Spa off your travel wishlist. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
To book your stay visit hshotels.co.uk. Rooms start from £239.
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