Calcot Manor has quite the reputation. People from across the south west, London and further afield return again and again for the luxury of the hotel and spa. Michael Purton found out whether the praise was justified.

SET in the heart of the Cotswolds, near Tetbury, Calcot Manor feels cut off from the rest of civilisation, but there is so much on offer that you really don’t feel the need to venture out.

Besides the striking stone manor house and farm buildings, there is a spa, indoor and outdoor pool, a function centre in a converted barn, an Ofsted-registered crèche, children’s Playzone and two restaurants.

Everything, from the manor house to the restaurants to the 35 guest rooms, has been designed with an impeccable eye for detail, and the whole place oozes class.

We stayed in one of the deluxe rooms in one of the converted farm buildings. Besides the vast king-sized bed and sparkling bathroom, the little touches really jumped out: fresh fruit, a selection of magazines, an iPhone docking station so you can listen to your own music as you relax.

After settling in, we went to The Gumstool Inn for dinner, which is like a cosy country pub within the main house. To start I picked the grilled scallops (£12) while my companion had the arbroath and cheddar soufflé (£8). For our mains, I had the beer battered cod and chips (£18.95) while he chose the braised blade of beef (£16). For dessert, I went for the vanilla crème brulee while he ordered the apple tart with ice cream (both £6).

Throughout, the food was faultless. Both delicious and presented elegantly, it’s no surprise The Gumstool is a favourite with locals as well as hotel guests.

In the morning, following an excellent buffet breakfast in the conservatory, we made the most of the sprawling spa, which has everything you could ask for – a heated outdoor hot tub, a large indoor and outdoor pool, and treatments including massages, facials, men’s grooming, manicures and pedicures.

So, clearly Calcot Manor provides everything you would expect from an upmarket country retreat, but it is the extra touches that make this a five-star experience.

For example, at breakfast we were given a printout with the weather forecast for the day and a list of events taking place nearby, and there are baby listening devices in the family rooms which are tuned into the reception desk so you can relax while dining in the knowledge that you’ll be alerted if necessary.

I have no hesitation in saying that Calcot Manor is well-deserving of its reputation as one of the finest hotels and spas in the Cotswolds.

With rooms starting from £199 per night, it is not cheap, but you certainly get what you pay for and more.

5/5

See http://www.calcot.co/