In the idyllic city of Bath there lies 30 Georgian terraced houses laid out in a widespread crescent – a thing of beauty come rain or shine. Housed within this architecture is a five-star retreat that owes itself to their resplendent well-manicured garden, its surprisingly no-frills restaurant headed by Executive Chef, David Campbell and its tranquil spa. It is called, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa and has proved itself to be the ideal discreet getaway particularly during those over-crowded, tourist-crammed May bank holidays.
This little slice of luxury in Bath is an escape from all the hoo-ha holiday madness in England. As soon as you make your way to its garden, all is forgotten – it is that alluring. Especially in the summer-time, one can al-fresco dine all day sipping on their more than average size cappuccinos whilst simultaneously biting into the most buttery and crunchiest of delectable biscuits – more please.
The rooms at The Royal Crescent have an old-world luxury about them – if you are seeking sleek and modern design, then this aesthetic might not appeal to you. Think more charm, warm palette tones, plush sofas, high stucco ceilings, bookshelves, and pieces of décor here and there. With either rooms or suites to choose from, each have been gracefully designed, it is just so enchanting. This abode does welcome families and offers a ‘family master room’ for that reason. Upon arrival, you can also find comfortably-laden cots that come with toiletries for the little one – should you be travelling with toddlers.
It is an ideal ‘getaway’ if you have nothing planned, are flexible and “just want somewhere relaxing to go to that isn’t far away but also has a bit of luxury thrown into it”. A mere 2 hours away from London, The Royal Crescent is also perfectly situated in that its proximity is a short distance away from the city centre, making for a worthwhile stroll if the goal is to end up in search of delicious ice cream. Within 20 minutes you are back at the Hotel – if you are peckish (even after your ice cream), their all-day dining menu is there so that you can ‘eat what you want, when you want’, and, dinner is highly recommended at The Dower House restaurant.
Whatever they put in their tomatoes has left a memory on our taste buds – do try their Roast Scallops with Heritage Tomatoes and you never knew that tomatoes could taste that good – you will be thrown into another dimension, one with fireworks exploding out of your mouth. This Scallop starter complemented the Venison with Chestnut and Local Swede before ending with a beautifully prepared Pear & Anise Tart Tatin. For more of an adventurous culinary experience, they have a tasting menu available. Judging by the a la carte menu, the tasting menu is definitely worth a try – we are just wondering when their Michelin Star will come through. The no-frills part about it, is that service is smooth – you are not left waiting around wondering where your dish is. Each dish is also explained thoroughly just like any five-star establishment would.
For the ideal experience at The Royal Crescent is to stay overnight – savour the gardens on the first day, take a stroll through Bath, wine and dine during dinner time and get a good night’s sleep in your romantically-adorned full-of-charm room. The next day, wake up to breakfast in bed (note, the menu is limited but if you dine in their restaurant, more choices are available) and end your stay with the remainder of your morning/early afternoon at the spa. The only setback with the spa facilities is that it can feel slightly “crowded” however given that along with the 12-meter pool and vitality pool, including a sauna and steam inhalation room, there are just about enough spa facilities to let you unwind in peace. Treatments are also worthy of ones time – it coincides with The Royal Crescent experience and it is no coincidence that they have created their own signature treatment which includes focus areas of the back, face and scalp. Expect a deep exfoliation to commence the treatment coupled with a back massage that uses hot stones to aid in the release of muscle tension. The Element facial includes your choice of AHA exfoliant or a cream exfoliant depending on your skin type. To finish it off, a scalp massage for a well-deserved stay.
