Glastonbury isn’t usually associated with luxury stays – it’s earned itself the reputation of being the Mecca for welly-wearing revellers intent on good times in a field with an abundance of glitter and cans of warm cider. But for those that don’t know, Glastonbury and the surrounding Somerset area have appeal well beyond the music spectrum. There is the charming town itself, with its array of quirky shops, cafes, and the famous Tor; the nearby outlet shops for discount brand shopping; beautiful countryside and gardens; and the proximity to gorgeous historical cities like Bath and Wells.
And the ideal place to soak up this pastoral beauty? Charlton House Spa Hotel, nestled on the edge of Glastonbury in Shepton Mallet (a historic Roman town itself). If you’re going to relax then do it properly.
The Manor House itself has a rich history, dating from at least 1630 (some architects think possibly much earlier), and has belonged to Lords, Colonels and Reverends. So what better hands to now fall into than those of a Dragon? Yes, Charlton House is now owned by Duncan Bannatyne, the charismatic Scottish entrepreneur from TV’s Dragon’s Den. But don’t think he’s transformed anything with nouveau riche flashiness, or had a Scottish mock-highland fling with the décor – this is a gloriously quintessential manor house that is reminiscent of Miss Marple meets a downsized Downtown Abbey. Set in beautiful rolling green gardens, one crunches up to the front of stone house with its extended porch, entering through an arch into a foyer resplendent with cosy county-chic furnishings – gilt mirrors, thick rugs, rich aubergine-hued walls, polished wooden floor-boards… it truly does feel like descending into the family home of a local aristocrat. Throughout the winding corridors of the house one notices various prints, photographs and paintings from all around the globe, almost like an eccentric collection of curios from worldwide travels. Be prepared to get lost in the winding passageways at least a couple of times – this is all part of the fun.
The bedrooms range from compact and cosy ‘Tiny Rooms’, right through to the sanctuary of a Garden Lodge, or push the boat out with a Grand Suite. You can even stay in a room decorated by Mr Bannatyne himself – Duncan’s Den features the likes of a double rainforest shower, huge TV and Egyptian linen lining a King-sized bed. Our Deluxe Double was gorgeous with delightful special touches – a tasteful mix of rustic, chic and comfortable, with cream walls and a lofty ceiling, including a mezzanine level that held a show-stopping bathroom with roll-top bath taking centre stage. The driftwood mirror and old-fashioned trunk desk, combined with the snowy white bed set in its own alcove, gave the whole room rustic character, and one of the best things was the fact large French doors opened out to a private terrace that gave us access to the garden, where a pool and hot tubs indicate the spa-status of this hotel. This is one of the wonderful things about hotels like this one – if you want to wander around in your fluffy robe then it’s absolutely fine. Relaxation is evidently paramount.
The Spa itself is a major draw, and understandably so – their packages, treatments and breaks encompass all sorts of luxuries. Whether after some quiet rest or an indulgent treat, there is something to enjoy. Massages, facials and beauty treatments are regularly enjoyed, while for those wanting an invigorating experience can take advantage of the Moroccan-themed Thermal Spa facilities such as a massaging Hydrotherapy Pool, an aroma infused Laconium, a Crystal Steam Room, invigorating Finnish Sauna and Ice Fountain.
Dining at Charlton House Hotel is a delicious event in itself, equally as good as any fine-dining restaurants that might tempt you nearby. Maxine’s Restaurant is a beautifully decorated room with swathes of fabric across the ceiling resembling a marquee, in soft pastel colours that take on a romantic rose hue as the lights dim and the candles send their radiating glow. The room overlooks the garden and is directly off of the hotels lounge and bar (perfect for sinking into a sumptuous armchair with a Gin and Tonic before your meal, or reclining by the fireplace with a whisky afterwards). The menu makes the most of local and seasonable produce, and doesn’t shy away from being experimental and innovative. Foams, tuiles, gels and wafers elevate a delicious menu into an exciting one, which will be a pleasant surprise for any visiting gourmands. A starter of citrus cured salmon was fantastically fresh and zinged in the mouth, perfect when served with scoops of creamy avocado and an earthy beetroot mousse, while the venison scotch quails eggs were a rich combination of succulent meat, crisp herb-laced coating and gooey yolk, served in a feather-light frothy Jerusalem artichoke veloute with the little studs of Shimeji mushrooms adding that extra layer of umami flavour.
Both looked as pretty as each other, daintily decorated with edible flowers. Main courses were equally tasty – cubes of pan fried South Coast gurnard nuzzled next to a celeriac and potato gratin that flaked at the fork’s touch, and was pepped up with the exotic addition of lemongrass foam and kumquat marmalade, while the perfectly-pink duck breast mingled its gamey richness with a sweet and strong cherry brandy jus. The wine list, presided over by the superb Julian, provides some excellent tipples, and overall it’s easy to have an impressive and delicious meal without even leaving the hotel.
It’s also worth noting that the breakfast options are some of the best I’ve 
seen in a while – the levels of care and attention was undeniable. From the gluten-free options (such as granola and toast), to the glinting local honeys and jams with their hand-written labels, the buffet was wonderfully considered, and I was heartily impressed with the diversity of the al a carte options. Yes there was the usual Full English and Eggs Benedict, but I was far more interested in the smoked mackerel kedgeree, huevos rancheors and the Scottish porridge oats (no doubt made to Duncan’s specification with raisins, brown sugar and double cream.) My absolute favourite element was Mr Jeeves’ recovery tray, complete with DIY Bloody Mary station (and a shot of vodka on request for those that need a healthy dose of hair-of-the-dog.) It’s little touches like this that elevate a stay from simply enjoyable to thoroughly memorable.
And in fact this is the hallmark of Charlton House Hotel – those little additions in a gorgeous setting that make a visit here exceed expectations. Staff are courteous, helpful and genuinely charming, and as soon as you enter it’s like being enveloped in the hospitality found in someone’s home. No wonder notable guests have been the likes of The Duke of Edinburgh, Sir Cliff Richard and even the King of Thailand – and if it’s good enough for them, I’ve learnt it is certainly good enough for me.
Want to know more about booking a stay at Charlton House Spa Hotel? Visit their website www.charltonhouse.com.
