As the days grow shorter and the chill of autumn sets in, many Brits dream of escaping to sun-drenched shores. Yet sometimes, the most blissful retreats are hidden right on our doorstep, requiring no passport or lengthy flight. This was the delightful discovery made during a recent visit to a stunning spa hotel located a mere 30 minutes from London, a trip that proved to be heaven on earth and the perfect cosy autumn getaway.
A Picturesque Escape from the Hustle and Bustle
For a well-deserved night away, we booked into the Crowne Plaza, nestled between the picturesque market town of Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire. The journey itself was part of the charm; a swift 20-minute train ride from London Marylebone Station, followed by a 10-minute drive through vast emerald fields and trees adorned with magnificent golden and crimson leaves. The hotel's impressive scale and sophisticated facade, complete with a breathtaking water display, made it feel like stepping into a contemporary fairytale manor.
The magic continued inside the lobby, which boasted a modern yet sophisticated design. A bold red tree stood out against a neutral backdrop, creating an ideal photo spot. However, the most memorable feature was the hotel's delightful scent, reminiscent of stepping into a fresh floral perfume shop. Before we had even checked in, we spotted guests gliding through the halls in luxurious white robes, their faces beaming with relaxation—a clear sign of the treat that awaited us.
Luxurious Accommodation and Divine Relaxation
We were kindly provided with one of the hotel's newer rooms, an enormous space that could easily accommodate a family of four. It featured two double beds, a bath and shower, a large flat-screen TV, and a tea and coffee station, all for a price of £218 per night for a standard double room with a courtyard view. The room was spotless and well-equipped with amenities including dental care kits, a hair dryer, and an iron.
The bathroom was particularly stunning with a thick wooden sliding door, a massive rain shower head, and a mirror with three lighting settings. While the water was disappointingly lukewarm during our evening ablutions, it was piping hot the following morning. The true highlight, however, was the sleep quality. The mattress struck the perfect balance between firm and soft, and the thick yet light duvet provided warmth without suffocation, leading to a truly cracking night's sleep.
Culinary Delights and Spa Sanctury
The hotel's restaurant mirrored the establishment's elegant aesthetic, featuring a contemporary design with autumnal tones of orange, green, and brown. Our dinner came to a total of £90, including two starters—beef, pork and caramelised onion meatballs (£10.50) and crispy salt and pepper chicken wings (£9.50)—and two main courses. The glazed confit pork belly (£19.95) was a solid 7/10, while the steak frites (£24.95) scored a 6/10 due to slightly tough beef.
The undisputed star of the stay was the spa, access to which is complimentary with a room booking. This includes the spacious swimming pool, a blissful jacuzzi, a piping hot sauna, and a steam room. For us, the pinnacle was a 55-minute Swedish massage priced at £95. The experience was transformative, with gentle, calming music and a considerate therapist who took particular care with my mother's fractured hand. It became an emotional release, a poignant moment for my mother who felt sorrow being lifted from her body.
Following our treatment, we retreated to the relaxation room in our plush white robes, sipping cold water and herbal tea with our phones on 'do not disturb'. In that moment, it was just us, tranquillity, and a much-needed emotional connection. This spa excursion served as a powerful reminder to look after our parents with the same compassion they show us.
The Verdict on a Perfect Autumn Staycation
While the hotel's food prices are undeniably steep and the massage treatments too costly for regular indulgence for the average Brit, the overall experience was worth the splurge. The Crowne Plaza offers various packages, such as the Friday Night Package at £134 which includes a complimentary cocktail and late checkout, or the dinner, bed, and breakfast package for £191.
This visit proved that you don't need to travel abroad to find heaven on earth. Sometimes, the most enchanting and restorative retreats are hidden right under our noses, just a 30-minute journey from the capital, waiting to provide a perfect cosy autumn escape.
