insideKENT Magazine Issue 51 - June 2016 | Page 96

HEALTH+WELLNESS WITH AN INVITATION FOR A GOOD GIRLIE CATCH UP, A TASTY LUNCH AND AN AFTERNOON’S RELAXATION I NEEDED NO EXCUSE TO HEAD FOR A DAY OF SUNSHINE AND SPA DELIGHTS AT THE Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club BY SAMANTHA G My guest and I had truly chosen one of the nicest days of the year (so far!) to arrive at the Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club. Located just off of junction 8 of the M20, its easy accessibility in no way compromises the stunning position of this hotel, as it is set within hundreds of acres of beautiful Kentish parkland. Arriving into a busy car park amidst some very glamorous guests destined for a wedding taking place that day (and who could blame the happy couple, as the Tudor Park offers an abundance of wedding options including an outdoor ceremony under a garden gazebo, with a private marquee reception!), my guest and I were rather more casual and low key as we were coming to experience a much more leisurely day. The first thing that struck me was just how friendly and professional the staff were – not just on our initial arrival but throughout our whole day’s visit. Service here went above and beyond; a question about how to find our way around was met with a fully guided tour to the exact spot mentioned, a table for lunch was personally selected to afford us the best views and a break during the spa treatments led to a table on the terrace right by the koi-filled pond. So timing our arrival perfectly, my guest and I headed straight for lunch in the first floor Zest Restaurant. Taking our seats at that recommended table, we were greeted with a fullheight window and sprawling sunshine-filled views of the golf course and gardens beyond. The Tudor Park offers a variety of dining options to both guests and visitors including its signature Con ical Grill restaurant which is open for breakfast and dinner, the Mezzanine Bar and of course Zest, which offers a range of tasty favourites such as toasted sandwiches, salads, pastas, curries, fish and grill options as well as the recommended 8oz Marriott Burger, (which my guest and I both plumped for), all served in a stylish yet relaxed lounge bar/restaurant popular with country club members, hotel guests, and spa aficionados. Pleasantly sated by our huge double patty burger with crisp bacon, oozing cheddar cheese and crispy french fries, and an hour or so catch up gossip (to allow the food to go down obviously!) we descended back down to the leisure desk to begin our afternoon’s relaxation and pampering. With the use of complimentary robes, slippers and towels, we headed straight to the indoor pool. The vaulted beamed ceilings afforded a light, airy and comfortable poolside, where the sound of the water trickling over the indoor rockery water feature lured us to plunge into the warm pool and work off that lunch with a few lengths. A short spell in the poolside steam room and sauna followed before we grabbed a poolside lounger to relax before heading to the spa. The spa at the Tudor Park offers a range of massage, holistic, facial and Decléor treatments in a little oasis of calm sanctuary. We were more than ready for our chosen treatment: a back, 96 neck and shoulder massage for which we had the option of either ‘uplifting’ (for my guest) or ‘relaxing’ (for me) oils. It was testament to our therapist that our 30-minute massage felt like it lasted for ages and we both emerged much less tense, and much more revitalised. With just enough time and just enough late afternoon sunshine to enjoy, we grabbed a seat at one of the outdoor terrace tables and rehydrated to the views of the parkland and the gentle hum of other satisfied visitors who were also clearly enjoying their day at the hotel and country club. With a variety of guest room options, a range of well-conceived menu ideas including an afternoon tea with unlimited Prosecco, the spa, indoor pool and gym, as well as an 18-hole championship golf course, you really don’t have any excuse not to visit. Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club Ashford Road Bearsted Maidstone ME14 4NQ 01622 734 334 www.marriott.co.uk @TudorPark /Tudor-Park-Marriott-HotelCountry-Club