Heard of Alexander House Hotel and Utopia Spa in West Sussex? This five-red-star gem, just over the border, is probably the best known of the Alexander Group of five country house hotels.

But did you know there is a sister hotel and spa – Rowhill Grange and Utopia Spa – right here in Kent? So obviously we had to go and try it.

THE BRIEF

My sister-in-law and I have a few things in common. We both like to chat (more on this below), we’re both very happy to carve out time away from the day job if it involves a massage (funny that) and we’ve both got our eldest children in the middle of their GCSE exams. So a Spa Day sounded like just the ticket – for a special treat to celebrate her birthday.

THE OFFERS

Depending when you visit there’s almost always a seasonal spa offer you can take advantage of. Offers at the moment include the Serenity Spa Day will be valid til September and will cost £260 (Mon – Thurs) and £290 (Fri – Sun) and includes £200 of treatment credit as part of the day.

LOCATION

Set in 15 acres of glorious landscaped gardens, with views across the Kent Weald, Rowhill Grange feels wonderfully rural despite being just 30 minutes by train from London Victoria (45 minutes by car). Bluewater shopping centre is 20 minutes’ drive away and Dover ferry terminal, an hour and a quarter.

Only 25 mins from Sevenoaks, 30 mins from Tonbridge or less than 40 mins from Tunbridge Wells or Maidstone and an hour from Canterbury – if you’re coming from across Kent it’s a perfectly accessible destination.

Plus easy peasy to get to from the motorway – well that is if you’re not so deep in conversation that you pass the turning despite the SATNAV telling you VERY loudly to take a left. But this is how all my short bursts of catch up time away with my sister-in-law go down – because we’re so excited we want to make the most of every moment. And we really like to chat.

FACILITIES & TREATMENTS

There aren’t a lot of spas in Kent and if you’re into a traditional high gloss vibe, Utopia Spa is one of Kent’s best, with a Roman-inspired design – think floor to ceiling marble interiors and a dramatic duplex swimming area designed to resemble Roman baths (pictured below).

Alongside this you’ll find hair and nail spa (pictured below); a large gym; 17 treatment rooms offering expertly administered therapies from signature brand OSKIA of London, TempleSpa and their own bespoke Utopia treatments too. Plus, there’s a well-stocked shop.

Sit in the steam from the hydrotherapy pool, relax in the Jacuzzi or unwind in the swimming pool upstairs.

The service is attentive, but discreet – with an efficient, friendly team on-hand for your every need. Some of the treatment rooms are doubles – perfect if you are on a romantic break or just want to catch up with a friend.

It’s popular for weddings (more on this below), celebration afternoon teas and parties as well as spa days – so expect a mix of people in both finery and bathrobes.

My sister-in-law and I each treated ourself to a 55 minute massage (I’m very much enjoying her birthday present, can you tell?)… Here’s the treatment room (above). My therapist was excellent and adjusted the treatment to be firm rather than relaxing – more of a sports massage – as I have a back as crunchy as a bag of crisps.

The treatments on offer are extensive – take massages for example – there’s several to choose from. Will it be Swedish Fully Body Massage or the Utopia Hot Stone Massage? The Utopia Bamboo Massage or the OSKIA Warm Oil Massage?

When it comes to Facials the options are impressive. All their signature facials use OSKIA’s scientifically developed products, whilst the CACI or Dermalux electrical and light treatments provide instant lifting and smoothing results and their Temple Spa facial routines hydrate, relax and soothe.

There’s Couples treatments and Mother-to-Be treatments too. You can of course just have a Manicure or Pedicure (check out the full list of treatments here).

Additional facilities include six private dining and conference rooms; a large wraparound terrace; extensive landscaped gardens and lots of parking.

SCOFF & QUAFF

For a relatively small hotel, there’s a decent number of dining options available –  the hotel serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

There’s an A La Carte Menu, Sunday Lunch Menu, Vegan Menu or Afternoon Tea Menu (there’s even a Children’s Afternoon Tea Menu).

A less formal food menu and dining is on offer at Elements Bar & Lounge (seating indoors and on the terrace); lavish afternoon teas are something of a local institution, particularly when taken on the terrace; and there’s a good room service menu.

Or there’s the option of lunch or dinner in their 2 AA Rosette restaurant, RG’s. The restaurant is the most formal – a light-filled, orangery-style venue, broken into three fairly intimate areas (see above).

The food is traditional classics, well executed. We chose the Slow Poached Scottish Salmon and Loin of Cod ‘Fish Pie’ with Jersey Royals, Mussels, Spring Peas and Green Beans.

Puddings were a highlight – my sis-in-law went for Fig & Ginger Pudding (below) I’m a massive Cheesecake fan and, as pretty as it looked, wasn’t sure about the deconstructed Rowhill Rhubarb & Strawberry Cheesecake (above) on first impression (where’s my biscuit base?) but oh, was I won over. De-licious.

PILLOW TALK

The hotel has 38 rooms & suites spread across the Main House and the thatched Clockhouse.

The bedrooms come in seven different types, ranging from Comfy Double to Master Suite (with varying price tags attached), and are dotted between the old house, Mews and relatively new rear extension. Below is a photo of one of the newly decorated doubles.

So whether you’re planning a romantic getaway with someone special, a relaxing spa experience getaway with the gang or even an away-day treat with colleagues, you’ll find the perfect set up here.

The style is classic rather than rustic charm – with large, practical rooms and en suite bathrooms – with a bath plus great walk in shower.

And of course an overnight stay means the option of breakfast in the morning – here’s my Vegetarian Full English Breakfast, above.

WHAT ELSE?

The Clockhouse at Rowhill Grange is an exclusive-use wedding venue. The ‘barn-style’ suite, benefits from a vaulted and beamed ceiling and all decorated in a subtle, neutral lime-washed palette. It is a light and airy space, ready to be filled with love and laughter and can hold 120 guests.

There’s lots of tailored wedding packages on offer, or, you can also speak to them about a completely bespoke approach, should you prefer.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: A lazy afternoon treat with your other half, mum or girlfriend(s). Birthdays, other celebrations or just because? This is a traditional space in the old school sense of high gloss spa and classic cuisine – you know what you’re getting and there’s always seasonal offers to take advantage of.

Not for: Anyone after a boutique, quirky stay. There’s no shabby chic, higgledy-piggledy bookshelves, rugs or art on the walls. Things are more conventional (they’d suit a corporate gathering too) and contemporary interiors within the country house – which is no bad thing in a spa.

Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa, Wilmington, Kent, DA2 7QH, Tel: 01322 615136