Combe Grove – The Hotel
The main section of Combe Grove is an 18th-century manor house. But its interior is far from traditional – think contemporary art, eclectic furniture, and vibrant colours. Everything about the hotel feels fresh and fun and it’s a pleasure to wander around. And don’t worry about getting lost – the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.
The Bedrooms
At Combe Grove, you can choose between a room in the original Manor House and a garden lodge room. In the Manor House, there are nine suites and deluxe rooms. Spacious, comfortable, and colourful, they look out over the gardens and valley.
My room was in the Garden Lodge and a short walk from the main house. The stroll was worth it because the lodge rooms offer space, privacy, and incredible views. Each one has glass doors opening out onto its own terrace or balcony. Sitting on my terrace that evening, watching the sun sink behind the hills, was one of the most relaxing moments of my stay.
But it’s the little touches that make the bedrooms at Combe Grove Hotel really special. From the jars of popcorn and colourful mugs to the bright cushions on the beds, it’s all about fun and comfort.
The Restaurant
Eating well at Combe Grove is easy. Especially because the dining area is a luxurious room with views out over the valley. The hotel’s focus on using fresh, seasonal ingredients is reflected in the creative dinner menu. But don’t think you’ll have to stick to a totally healthy regime because there’s a nice balance of nutritious and decadent dishes. There’s also a separate menu for veggies and I can wholeheartedly vouch for the butternut squash soup and onion bhaji starter.
Breakfast is a relaxed and delicious experience. There’s a buffet with fruit and cereals and a menu offering cooked options, like avocado on toast and poached eggs.
The Club at Combe Grove
Whether you’re in the mood for working out, swimming, tennis, or a spa treatment, Combe Grove’s extensive club facilities will keep you occupied. There are two swimming pools – an indoor pool that’s perfect for early morning laps and a heated outdoor pool for summer days.
For something more intense, guests can head to the gym, which comes complete with personal trainers. There’s also a packed studio timetable with classes ranging from Boxercise to yoga. But it’s not all about hardcore workouts. Feel free to lounge around in the sauna, steam room, and hydro spa beds. You can also book spa treatments at the main desk, or an entire ‘Spa Day’.
Exploring Bath
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage City with a wellness tradition that dates back centuries. This has a lot to do with the fact that the city was built over hot springs. There are 42 minerals in the water from the springs, so it’s not surprising that the Romans chose it as a location for a complex bath house.
These Roman Baths are regarded as one of the best preserved Roman sites in the world. The site is now an impressive museum in the heart of Bath and it’s well worth visiting. But if you want to experience soaking in the city’s famous thermal waters, head to the Thermae Spa. With baths, an open-air rooftop pool, and a wellness suite, it’s the perfect place to escape to for a couple of hours.
Walking around Bath is by far the best way to see the city. Spend some time wandering around the maze of narrow shopping streets in the centre, relax in one of the city’s peaceful parks, or grab lunch in one of the many independent cafés. As far as relaxing city breaks go, Bath is ideal.
Planning a Visit?
- Rates: Room rates vary depending on the season and package. During low season, bed & breakfast rates start from about £100 per night for a double room.
- Getting there: Combe Grove is a ten-minute drive or taxi ride from Bath. Bristol Airport is the closest international airport to Bath.
- Make time to… watch the sunset over the valley and keep an eye out for rabbits in the grounds.
Many thanks to Combe Grove for hosting me. As always, all opinions are my own.
Wellness Weekend in Bath
