Discover The Lygon Arms, an intimate Cotswolds spa retreat
A rich sense of history awaits at The Lygon Arms, an opulent coaching inn and spa in the heart of the Cotswolds.Â
Tucked away in the Cotswold’s picture perfect Broadway lies the venerable 16th century coaching inn The Lygon Arms, which has just reopened its weighty Tudor doors after a multimillion pound refurb. The inn is so old (one of the most historic in Britain) that figures from Oliver Cromwell and Edward VII to Evelyn Waugh have trodden its ancient hallways. It’s no surprise, then, that you can practically feel the history woven through the fabric of this place – with its lush velvet sofas, creaky stairs, rich wood panelling and centuries-old stone fireplaces.Â
Each room has been individually decorated by interior designer Anita Rosato, including the opulent King Charles I Suite – where the monarch and his supporters assembled before battle – which still has the King’s coat of arms above its impressive fireplace. Set on three acres of private, manicured gardens and with a multitude of beautiful countryside walks on its doorstep, the romantic inn is so intimate, it’s also the place to which Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor escaped during their scandalous 60s affair.
A maze of oak panelling, inglenook fireplaces and ancestral portraits, each of the inn’s 86 rooms – including large courtyard-facing options – is scattered with quirky antiques, and even the smallest come with comfy leather armchairs and writing desks. All contain spectacularly comfortable handmade organic Naturalmat mattresses, while master suites boast high-vaulted ceilings, wooden beams, magnificent four-poster beds and some even have private gardens. Junior Suites have room for the whole family and dogs are welcome in eight of the rooms.
The huge but homely Lygon Bar & Grill – complete with barrel ceiling and a minstrels’ gallery – is strewn with antler chandeliers and comfy leather booths. The seasonal British menu uses the finest locally sourced ingredients from Artisan producers and farmers, and standout dishes include the twice baked cheese soufflé, zingy grilled octopus, and the melt-in-the-mouth Gower salt marsh lamb cutlets. Leave room to devour the seasonal fruit crumble with clotted cream ice-cream by a roaring fire, as old portraits of some of our finest countrymen folk watch over you. The speakeasy style cocktail bar offers a tempting drinks list crafted from botanicals, including the delicious Lavender Negroni.
With cosy treatment rooms, a gorgeous 13-metre indoor swimming pool with retractable roof, Jacuzzi, male and female saunas and a eucalyptus-scented steam room, the spa is the ideal place to idle away a lazy afternoon. The Jessica Nail Studio takes care of hands and feet with finesse, the hot stone massage is sumptuous and relaxing, while the Signature Glow Facial is worth booking ahead for. Couples treatments are available should you wish to indulge together. Products include Oskia, Decl̩or and Ila Рa natural, organic range which is produced in the Cotswolds.
From £255 per night, including breakfast; High Street, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7DU; (01386 852255);
lygonarmshotel.co.uk
