THE LOWDOWN

If you like your spas high-gloss and slick service then this one’s for you. This stunning, 4 silver star, country house spa hotel is the perfect luxury escape in the Kent countryside, yet lies only 30 minutes from London.

THE VIBE

The hotel accommodation can be found in the old coaching house that has been converted into the white timber-clad Clockhouse Suite and thatch-roofed Mews which form the bedrooms.

The 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.

Alongside this you’ll find hair and nail salons; a large gym; 17 treatment rooms offering expertly administered therapies from British brands Ila and Temple Spa; and a well-stocked shop. Not bad, eh?

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.

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.

FACILITIES

Sit in the steam from the hydrotherapy pool, relax in the Jacuzzi or unwind in the swimming pool upstairs. You could even make a day of it by enjoying their afternoon tea – just add champagne obvs – or lunch or dinner in their 2 AA Rosette restaurant, RG’s.

The service is attentive, but discrete – 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 girlfriend.

For a relatively small hotel, the dining options are extensive and serve breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. RG’s restaurant is the most formal – a light-filled, orangery-style venue, broken into three fairly intimate areas.

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.

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

STAY

The 38 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.

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