In a nutshell
In a building dating from the 16th century — Henry VIII and Elizabeth I visited — Fawsley Hall has a grand hall with high ceilings and a huge log-burning fire. The 60 traditionally styled rooms look over grounds designed by Capability Brown, and the spa in the original lodge, with Elemis and Comfort Zone products, has a pool overlooking a secret garden. However, the decor in the hotel and spa could do with a facelift.
What’s it like?
Large glass windows by the pleasant indoor pool look out on to the pretty manicured garden and the outdoor hydrotherapy pool. The spa is moderately sized, with six treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, gym area and a beauty area for manicures and pedicures. When we visited it was a quiet midweek stay, but it might feel busy when the hotel is full. The atmosphere is relaxing, but the gym facilities are open to members, meaning that in the evening there’s a lot of rushing around on after-work visits.
The treatments
The treatment list is traditional, including a range of full-body massages, exfoliating body treatments and wraps, with many packages including a good-quality afternoon tea. The Elemis Face and Body Couture Touch package is a tailor-made option that includes a combination of a facial (either 25 minutes or 55 minutes) with a one-hour deep tissue or hot-stone massage.
Having had chronic muscle pain in my back for a long time, I opted for the Elemis deep-tissue massage. The therapist worked hard on the area causing the most problems — it was verging on too painful at points, but in a good way — and I felt a difference afterwards.
Light therapy and ultrasonic peels are used in anti-ageing facials, supposed to reduce wrinkles, lift skin and balance uneven skin tones, leaving you with clearer skin.
Advertisement
Who goes?
Small holidaying groups of friends aged about 60 and over, or middle-aged couples having a romantic break. There was one group of men staying at the hotel during our visit, who may have been there on business. Children are allowed.
What are the rooms like?
The 60 rooms are scattered through the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian wings, and differ in style, from classic to contemporary. The Queen Elizabeth suite, where the monarch stayed, has exposed brick, a timbered roof and a lovely oak four-poster; the Louisa Mary Bowater suite has a more modern take on a four-poster, which is lovely nonetheless. In general, the rooms are comfortable, with good-quality beds, and bathrooms have freestanding baths and good showers.
What about the food?
The restaurant is atmospheric — all low ceilings and wooden beams — and the food was good, although service was slow. We waited for about 40 minutes for a celeriac and apple soup at lunchtime, but it was nice — and the staff were kind and accommodating. In the evening, it took about 45 minutes for the food to arrive and when it did, one of the main dishes wasn’t what we had ordered. By the time my food arrived — puff pastry and ratatouille with sautéed kale — my partner had finished her delicious potato and onion tarte tatin served with roasted cauliflower and a balsamic sauce. The staff were apologetic and we enjoyed the desserts: a crème brûlée served with beetroot and raspberry sorbet and a chocolate “soil”, and a dark chocolate tart served with clotted-cream ice cream.
The lowdown
Emily Sargent was a guest of Fawsley Hall (handpickedhotels.co.uk). Classic double rooms including breakfast cost from £135, feature rooms are from £283 and suites from £328. The Elemis Face and Body Couture Touch facial and massage combination costs £75 for 50 minutes; £110 for 110 minutes