Hotel review: Richmond Harbour Hotel & Spa

For city-dwelling functioning mom and dad this kind of as myself, escaping to the nation for a spa split can feel like a significantly-off desire. 

But just after finding such a haven of tranquil just a brief hop away in southwest London, I and an equally frazzled friend waste no time in arranging an overnight continue to be. Found on the edge of Richmond Park in the leafy borough of the exact same title, the Richmond Harbour Hotel & Spa is billed as a lavish rural retreat within the town. 

Keen to start off our pampering getaway, I roll up two hours prior to official examining-in time, in a crystal clear breach of resort etiquette. But the comprehending employees basically seize my bag and pack me off to the spa for a glass of Prosecco – a incredibly welcome 1st flavor of the laid-again hospitality that defines the Richmond Harbour.

Resort high lifetime

Sitting down at the top of Richmond Hill, with wild deer on the doorstep (or just throughout the road in the park, at the very least), the Richmond Harbour Resort & Spa is a white-fronted Georgian mansion with baggage of character. 

The resort reopened with a new look final spring right after a fire destroyed the third flooring in 2019, two several years after the former region property was acquired by the Harbour hospitality group. The skilled makeover workforce retained the initial winding staircases and other period of time options, though adding luxurious facilities and vibrant decor to accommodate fashionable tastes. 

This balancing act of classic and modern day is apparent from the minute we enter the marble-floored lobby, wherever a enable-by yourself rack of Hunter wellies hangs opposite kaleidoscopic fashionable artworks. And even though the centrepiece picket desk is lined in the leafy ferns located in Richmond Park, a bronze tree department that seems to be expanding from the ceiling over once more upends our expectations.

The nods to park life go on in the armchair-dotted adjoining drawing rooms and up in the hotel’s 90 rooms, where by bright prints of deer, foxes and the like adorn the walls. 

My buddy and I get a great deal of possibility to check out out the decor while having difficulties to come across our individual Deluxe Suite. The spa-side Prosecco could have been a element, but hard-to-place signposting can make it tricky to navigate the hotel’s sprawling principal developing and not long ago rebuilt annexe. 

This small quibble is promptly forgotten when we eventually observe down our area, although. The Richmond Harbour doesn’t do unnecessary frills and flounces, just the things that company might actually require to feel at property. The furnishings are simple and streamlined but comfy. And the colour palette is neutral with pops of patriotic purple, white and blue, in addition textured Mulberry Household wallpaper powering the bed. 

Together with the predicted coffee equipment and pre-tuned radio, other awesome touches include things like decanters of complimentary gin and sherry (“Reminds me of browsing my gran,” suggests my misty-eyed friend).

The White Organization toiletries in our ensuite shower area are a welcome address far too. And the monogrammed bathtub robes and matching slippers in the wardrobe are just best for padding back down to the spa.   

Magnificent spa 

The 2019 fire also engulfed the wellness club that applied to sit on the internet site of what is now the Richmond HarSpa & Club. Applied by guests and regional people alike, the rebuilt variation has 13 treatment rooms, a chill-out location, a spa backyard with cedar hot tubs and a hydrotherapy pool, moreover a juice bar. 

For fitness kicks, there is a 20-metre indoor pool with a sauna and steam place, work out studios and a substantial and very well-outfitted health club. In the passions of balancing exploration with rest, my pal and I decide to do laps of the pool ahead of our pre-booked treatment plans. 

Or at the very least, they have been intended to be pre-booked… a technological glitch implies my friend’s massage hasn’t been logged in the central program. Nevertheless regardless of also being understaffed owing to illness, the spa receptionist speedily manages to reschedule my pal’s appointment.

This “can’t do enough” method additional than can make up for a number of other hiccups all through our stay, with the ever-welcoming employees giving their all even when they are plainly staying pushed to the max. Following I mention staying a bit drained, a person buzzed-wanting staffer endorses a vitamin-vitality drink from the spa cafe just before confiding: “I’ve had four currently this early morning.” 

The total crew are entitled to to be treated to the HarSpa’s signature Maritime, Intellect and Physique treatment, a 160-moment best-to-toe practical experience that contains a foot soak, system scrub and therapeutic massage, and bespoke facial. Emerging from this marathon of indulgence with completely deknotted muscle mass, I experience re-energised and suitably primped for an evening of wining and eating. 

Food stuff for the soul

Judging by the chatter from neighbouring tables throughout our Saturday night time go to, the hotel’s The Gate cafe appears to be preferred with Richmond people as effectively as visitors. 

Named just after the nearby Richmond Park gates, the restaurant is a sky-lighted, glass-walled, multi-degree dining and bar area that spans the whole again of the resort and extends out on to a huge, leafy terrace. The primary eating region is bordered on one particular side by a marble serving counter, when the bar area has a 1970s-esque Moroccan vibe with embroidered cushions, velvet banquettes, huge fringed lampshades and hanging potted plants.

The conventional but not stuffy menu is significantly less eclectic, with the focus on comfort and ease dishes such as (presumably poshed up) fish and chips, in addition lots of chargrilled meats and a “plants” segment with respectable veggie selections. 

Whilst this Harbour lodge is nowhere near the coastline, my major of monkfish tail with wilted spinach, confit tomato and balsamic glaze is the standout of my food. And my pal is similarly impressed by her starter of healed beef carpaccio with shavings of parmesan. 

The parts are on the substantial measurement also, and mixed with the generous servings of household crimson that we love, neither of us can control dessert.

But when we return for breakfast the future early morning subsequent a restorative swim and steam, we control to do justice to The Gate’s fantastic breakfast choice. A buffet of cereals, fruit, yoghurts and other refreshing fare ticks the nutritious containers, while our poached eggs on sourdough toast and chorizo and potato hash leave us sensation pleasantly indulged.

In actuality, health-boosting indulgence really a great deal sums up our much-needed resort stay. 

Costs at Richmond Harbour Resort & Spa start off from £140 for every night time on a B&B basis. Spa and fitness center memberships start off from £110 for every month harbourhotels.co.united kingdom