One of our guests shared her experience of our luxury spa break package so that you get a feel of exactly what you can expect when you join us for a Lake District spa break.
Occasion: Birthday & 15 year “friendiversary”
Room: The Retreat
Best bits:
- Indoor/outdoor double sunken spa bath in The Retreat
- The food was to die for!
- The heated outdoor infinity pool overlooking Lake Windermere
Why did you choose Broadoaks Country House
for your Lake District spa break?
I wanted to treat my best friend for her birthday and our 15-year friendiversary. We both have little ones, and it’s very rare we get the opportunity to spend quality time together without the kids. I was looking for an experience where we could enjoy a pamper, relax, dine and have a good catch up in an intimate setting with peaceful surroundings.
Broadoaks came highly recommended to me by a friend who had attended a wedding there and has been going back ever since. I had seen her photographs on Facebook, and it looked incredible.
When I investigated Broadoaks online with a Lake District Spa break in mind, I was very impressed with the range of boutique rooms the hotel had to offer, and it looked like such a charming place. I could see that is surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodland – the tranquil setting I had in mind.
Guests to Broadoaks get access to Low Wood Bay Spa, which is just a few minutes’ drive away. The Low Wood had recently undergone a refurbishment which included a brand new outdoor infinity pool overlooking Lake Windermere.
Broadoaks offered an overnight stay, use of the spa at Low Wood Bay, traditional afternoon tea, 4-course dining experience AND breakfast the next morning for a set price which was incredible value for a 5-star hotel. I hadn’t come across any spa break packages in the Lake District that compared to this, it’s a cut above the rest.
First Impressions of Broadoaks Country House
The second we turned into the sweeping driveway looking up towards the house, we both felt very relaxed and excited that our break had begun. The house and surrounding grounds are incredibly beautiful, and we were lucky that is was a glorious sunny day, which added extra sparkle. Broadoaks conjures up a magical feeling from the moment you arrive.
There’s a cosy little bar at the front of the house where we met and ordered from the cocktail menu. We chatted with the barman, Mike, while he mixed our drinks. Mike went out of his way to ask us about our plans, and we enjoyed learning more about Broadoaks from him.
We decided to sit out in the sun in the lovely seating area at the front of the house while we enjoyed our drinks.
As I walked through the reception area, there was a huge fireplace with a roaring, open log fire which was welcomed because it was still quite chilly out. The house has such a charming and cosy feel throughout, and it oozes richness.
Even the toilets were fabulous – traditional Victorian high-level lavatories – very in keeping with the charm of the house.
Traditional Afternoon Tea in the Orangery
The Orangery is an incredible setting because the luscious greens, blue sky and far-reaching views flood into the room.
The service was excellent. We had Robbi serve us who was charming and an interesting character who made us laugh. He was very thorough in explaining everything to us.
The afternoon tea itself was served on beautiful, traditional fine bone china. The presentation was excellent, and we had a good range of sandwiches and cakes to enjoy.
We were very impressed that the cakes and scones were all handmade by their very talented chef, Sharon. It all looked too good to eat, but we didn’t hesitate in getting stuck in. And it tasted as good as it looked. We slightly over-indulged but what the hell, we were on holiday!
The Room – The Retreat
We were shown down to our room, The Retreat, which was separate to the main building with a nice secluded feel and panoramic views back towards the main house.
A feeling of excitement filled me as we were shown through to the lounge area with its cosy wood burner. The space was incredible with two large sofas’ facing into the wood burner, and surrounding windows allowed the woodland and greenery to flood through.
The hotel manager had left us a personalised, handwritten note on the coffee table wishing my friend a happy birthday and hoping we both enjoy our stay, how thoughtful!?
As we navigated through to the bedrooms, the feeling of excitement continued, especially when we realised it had two bathrooms and two sunken spa baths. I have stayed in some luxury hotels before, but nothing compared to this.
Our room had a little private decking area out the back next to the outdoor sunken spa bath and came complete with patio heater and seating. Perfect for enjoying a drink and a catch-up.
I had ordered from the little extra’s menu as a surprise for my friend, and within 10 minutes of settling into our room, a bottle of champagne on ice was delivered. We sat back, relaxed and enjoyed a glass in the sunshine.
The Spa
We then spent the rest of the afternoon soaking up the view of Lake Windermere from The Low Wood Bay Spa where the spa facilities are located. It’s just a few minutes’ drive down the road from Broadoaks, and we were able to use the facilities there during our stay.
I had been to The Low Wood a few years ago previously, and it was always lovely then, but it has changed a lot since a refurbishment. The whole place has been kitted out to the very highest of standards.
The lobby has a contemporary seating area with a fire feature in the middle where people were enjoying coffee; it felt warm and welcoming. I will defiantly be going back here for a coffee at some point.
The front of the building has been completely opened up with floor to ceiling windows so that the views of the lake and fells can be fully appreciated. More cosy seating areas have been created in front of the large windows where you can enjoy a drink or bite to eat. It’s absolutely stunning.
We navigated our way to the spa area. We were excited to try out the new outdoor infinity pool and jacuzzi. The spa reception and changing rooms are all to the same incredibly high standard.
Just as breath-taking as the views from inside, the outdoor space did not disappoint. The fresh, crisp outdoor air hit us as we scurried out in our bathers, brrr! But the infinity pool was heated, so we soon warmed up and just hung out at the edge taking it all in and appreciating the experience.
We ordered a glass of Champagne, which was served to us in the jacuzzi. Life doesn’t get much better than this!
We had also pre-booked the thermal journey experience as an extra at the cost of £50 per person. This was something that we had to arrange with The Low Wood Bay directly in advance of our stay, and boy, it was well worth it!
We headed to the lower spa area to begin our “thermal journey”. This is a series of pools, steam rooms and saunas. Our “spatender” was very informative and guided us through the different rooms one by one, giving an explanation of each. There’s a lovely chill-out area with incredible views across Lake Windermere where you can relax and enjoy refreshments, and in the main reception, they have an array of ESPA products where you can apply one of 3 face masks – I opted for the cleansing clay mask, and it smelt divine.
We were left to enjoy the facilities at our leisure which included; dry salt sauna, coconut and vanilla steam room, herbal lounge with rather swanky wooden swinging lounge seats, jacuzzi and whirlpool heated swimming pool. Take a look at their brochure ahead of your visit and make sure you book this experience, it’s not to be missed.
We spent a good three hours in the spa before heading back to Broadoaks to get ready for our evening meal.
FOUR COURSE GOURMET DINING EXPERIENCE AT BROADOAKS
The fine dining experience was the crème de la crème. We were shown to the music room by Jim, who handed us the menu – an exciting selection of dishes combining traditional Cumbrian classics with a French twist.
Jim took our drinks order and left us with some nibbles while we perused the menu. We ordered two mojitos from the cocktail menu.
Our waiter for the evening was Robi. Robi took our order and was again very charming, informative and make us laugh.
Every course was a mouth-watering burst of flavours. I had the salmon pave for my main and savoured every bite.
I opted for the wine tasting menu as an extra, which I’d highly recommend. Robi was well versed in wine pairings, and each selection was perfectly matched and well balanced. This was excellent value at just £16.95.
And for the grand finale….
Total perfection! Broadoaks, we love you!
A COSY END TO A LOVELY EVENING
The best thing about dining out at the same place you are staying overnight is that you don’t have to worry about getting a taxi back. We felt very smug walking from the restaurant, past the moon-lit fountain on the driveway, back to our room, where we could relax and enjoy the rest of our evening (in a slight food coma).
Defiantly the comfiest bed I’ve ever slept in, too. When I woke the next morning, I felt utterly refreshed because I’d had uninterrupted, solid sleep. It was difficult to peel myself off of that mattress.
IF YOU’RE THINKING OF STAYING BROADOAKS, DO NOT HESITATE!
I feel like I have found an absolute gem of a hotel in Broadoaks Country House. You have won a special place in my heart, and I will be returning for many years to come. I cannot wait to book my next stay.
Thank you to all of the team at Broadoaks for looking after us so well, you should all be very proud of what you have achieved. Every fine detail is taken care of, and the experience is immaculate from start to finish. Broadoaks is my special place.
