GETAWAYS
TRULY EXCEPTIONAL
the grove
BRANDED LONDON'S COSMOPOLITAN COUNTRY ESTATE, THE GROVE IS FAR MORE THAN JUST YOUR TYPICAL
FIVE-STAR COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL. SET IN 300 ACRES OF HERTFORDSHIRE PARKLAND, THIS LUXURY RESORT
OFFERS GUESTS A HAVEN IN WHICH TO RELAX, UNWIND AND GENERALLY HAVE SOME LEISURELY FUN. WHETHER
IT'S PLAYING ON THE CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE, DINING IN THE AWARD-WINNING RESTAURANTS OR
RECUPERATING IN THE TRANQUIL SEQUOIA SPA, YOU WOULD BE HARD-PRESSED TO FIND A MORE IDYLLIC
ESCAPE TO WILE AWAY YOUR TIME. BY GEMMA DUNN
Rich in history and architecture, The Grove
resonates a certain charm, a je ne sais quoi, that
over the years has attracted the likes of many
an illustrious character through its opulent gates.
From Queen Victoria and King Edward, to Tiger
Woods, it's fair to say my guest and I were
treading in good stead, having recently enjoyed
an overnight stay at this lavish residence.
Tucked away down a long meandering
driveway, the sheer grandeur of The Grove is
timeless, met with a landscape of perfectly kempt
rolling green slopes and an obliging concierge
and valet service. Committed to offering a 'no
stresses' environment, the latter is just one
example of the hotel's pledge to alleviate guests
of any hassles and therefore, aid the process of
relaxation.
Once inside, we were greeted and shown
to our deluxe room in the hotel's contemporary
West Wing. Alternatively, guests can opt to stay
in the velvet-laden Mansion; home to 26 luxury
suite- and boutique-like rooms that boast
decadent period features and impressive views
over the hotel's grounds.
Ultra sleek and spacious, The Grove injects
a sense of exclusivity into the necessary amenities.
From a king-sized bed swathed in luxurious linen,
a well-appointed mini bar and a high-definition
LED TV with movies on demand; to a Bose iPod
docking station, high-speed Wi-Fi and roll top
bath, every aspect of the room was considered.
But it wasn't the distinct furnishings and
plush art décor that made the biggest statement.
For me, it was the thoughtful extras that dotted
the room — freshly-baked macaroons, a
handwritten welcome, bed-side magazines,
toiletries and an extensive A-Z list of guest services
— that made the stay special. Refreshingly, unlike
many other hotels of this calibre, The Grove pride
themselves on their open-to-all policy, friendly
service, and refusal to be 'stuffy’.
Refreshed, we made our way to the hotel's
buffet-style restaurant, The Glasshouse, for dinner.
But this was no ordinary buffet. Here, guests can
enjoy an interactive theatre of international
cooking, from salads, fresh sushi and seafood,
to a live wok station and tapas. The only problem
was deciphering just what to have first. After
years of trying, I have succumbed to the fact that
I will never beat the buffet, but I have learnt to
plan my route well.
And on this particular night I started with
the restaurant's sushi, selecting from a beautiful
presentation of authentic Japanese dishes, made
using only the most exquisite ingredients. Next
up, I opted for roast rib of beef, crispy roast
potatoes and fresh seasonal veg, along with a
few other (more random) delights thrown on for
good measure. The very same beef that is
supplied to Buckingham Palace, the cut was
flavoursome and a truly unforgettable dish.
Seated within view of the desserts had also
meant I'd had ample time to seek out my
favourites. Thinking tactically, I indulged in The
Grove's bite-sized crème brûlée, in a bid to save
room for the delectable chocolate fountain.
As suspected, one too many delicious dips
later and it was time to retire to one of the hotel's
astonishing Mansion Lounges for coffee and
cocktails. The ideal space to laze about, each of
the four rooms offer a restful hideaway, in which
guests can relax, play games and enjoy a cocktail
or two. Restored fireplaces, original art and
antiques made for a homely ambience, prior to
turning in for a peaceful night's sleep.
Breakfast the next morning was again,
served in The Glasshouse. Fresh tea and coffee
accompanied my fantastic plate of juicy pork and
herb sausages, streaky bacon, free-range eggs
and sautéed field mushrooms. A cold counter of
fresh yoghurts and fruits were available, as was
a continental breakfast.
In addition, the hotel's 70 chefs cook for
fine-dining restaurant, Colette's, and golf eatery,
The Stables. Pioneers of quality and seasonality,
fruit and veg is handpicked from the Walled
Garden every day.
That afternoon, we discovered The Grove's
highly regarded Walled Garden. From tennis
courts and a croquet lawn, to an outdoor
swimming pool, boho potting shed and incredible
urban beach, it is conceptual thinking such as
this that reasons as to why this destination
location continues to exceed all expectations.
Also admired for its Sequoia spa, we rounded
our visit off with an hour or so by the black
mosaic-tiled, ozone filtered indoor pool and jetfilled Jacuzzi. The perfect end to a blissful break.
A seamless blend of old and new, The
Grove offers a flawless, yet unobtrusive service,
in surroundings of pure luxury. Here, it's not just
enjoying a fabulous dinner or playing a great
round of golf that creates the experience, but it's
the innovation and above all else, the team's
unreserved commitment to guest contentment
that takes this resort from the ordinary, to the
extraordinary.
christmas at the grove
Lights twinkling on the tree, stockings hung by
the fire and sparkling garlands draped along
winding staircases; it can only be Christmas at
The Grove.
And this year, the historic Grade II listed
mansion will replicate the perfect fun-filled Victorian
Christmas with classic board games, a vintage
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