1 Fam Trip - Chewton Glen - The Battered Black Book

Fam Trip – Chewton Glen

On Sunday 25th November, Ben and Anna from the BBB team were invited to bring 5 PAs to a very exclusive overnight stay at Chewton Glen. Here is what happened…

We were invited to arrive late morning on Sunday, in time for lunch, so after checking in and dropping off bags in our rooms, we met at the Pool Bar, part of the Spa complex that overlooks the swimming pool. Lunch was light and delicious, a healthy style buffet in keeping with the wellness theme of the Spa area, and in the afternoon we were encouraged to explore the hotel as we wished. A couple of the us headed off to enjoy the hydrotherapy spa pool, aromatherapy sauna, crystal steam room and other treatments available. Guests can book in for the full range of treatments you’d expect from a five star establishment, including massages, Kundalini and various scrubs, as well as nails, waxing, reiki and an array of specialist men’s therapies. The whole complex is beautiful and definitely worth scheduling into any visit to the hotel!

Others from the group took a more active approach and walked about the grounds, discovering the tennis courts, gym, dance studio and checking out the golf course, ending up at the stunning beach, which is a short distance away.

We then retreated for some quiet time in our rooms. We were housed together in the stunning Croquet Rooms, each with doors leading onto a private terrace and all situated around the beautiful gardens. These rooms are elegant, peaceful and romantic, each with a view of parkland and a king size bed. All room categories have luxurious bathrooms, bluetooth audio and seating areas but vary in size and decor depending on category and location within the property. Some of the larger suites have several rooms, extra beds, water features and private gardens – each is different and can suit a variety of traveller, from singles to families.

At 5.30pm, the group gathered at the Marryat Suite for champagne. At 83m2, this is the largest suite and was the bedroom and living room of the original 18th Century Manor House, now reconfigured to luxury accommodation. This suite has a private terrace with outdoor hot tub, sweeping views of the grounds, a king size bed (2 extras possible for children), very comfortable seating area and state of the art Sonos audio through the lounge and bedroom. The suite and terrace are also often used to host drinks receptions and private dinner parties and it’s easy to see why, with the beautiful views and stunning decor!

Next we were picked up by Chewton buggies and taken across the grounds to the Kitchen Cookery School, where we were told about the classes on offer and saw the facilities first hand. Sadly there wasnt time to cook, but we enjoyed some gin cocktails and sumptuous canapés before heading off again! The buggies then whisked us away to the Tree Houses, where we had more champagne and canapes! Needless to say, this was wonderful.

Dinner itself was served to us in the Wine Room, the private dining area of The Dining Room restaurant. We were treated to an excellent set menu especially for us, all of which was totally exquisite. Fittingly to the room, each course was accompanied by a delicious wine. We really were treated like royalty and the atmosphere of the room itself was intimate, calm and spacious. The room would be perfect for business lunches and dinners, family reunions or any special occasion.

There are plenty of spaces to entertain or conduct business though, aside from the Wine Room. The Lake Suite, The Ward Room, The Library, The Club Room and the Mission Room all offer different degrees of space, formality and decor across the property. Weddings and large parties are also well covered.

The Kitchen Cookery School is also a brilliant alternative to a corporate day out and can be hired exclusively for up to 24 people, either half day or full day, with menu and class options to suit. There’s also the option to just watch a demonstration with cocktails and canapes, if more appropriate. The most decadent event offering at the Kitchen is the private dinner for 12 – the group gathers, watches the chef prepare dinner exclusively for you, then you can sit back and enjoy it with an extensive selection of wines and fizz!

After dinner, to round off what had already been an incredible and indulgent night, we headed to the main bar of the Hotel for yet more cocktails and a lovely relaxing time! After all the wonderful hospitality from team, the comfortable beds and soft linen were more than welcome. We all slept beautifully – the peace of the countryside was a very welcome treat for the Londoners amongst us! Breakfast was what you’d imagine – a sumptuous buffet fit for royalty (worth noting, breakfast meetings can also be catered for).

I know we were all quite sad to leave! The stunning property really does live up to its reputation – every detail is thought of and staff really do make every effort to ensure each and every guest has the best possible experience. The beauty of the grounds and the proximity to the beach add to the feeling of escape. The reputation of the hotel, combined with the excellent facilities and many adaptable work spaces really make this a great option for all business or event needs, as well as a romantic weekend away.

Please contact Anna at BBB to book or for further information.