insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 16 - June 2016 | Page 84

GETAWAYS

A SUMMER INDULGENCE : rowhill grange

The first glimpse of summer sunshine only added to the beauty of the leafy drive up to the 19th-century manor house that is home to Rowhill Grange , its award-winning Utopia Spa and the stylish RG Restaurant . BY SAMANTHA G
The glorious Rowhill Grange is nestled in Kentish Countryside , yet is so easily accessible . The sound of birdsong rung out across the beautifully kept gardens as I admired the umbrella-lined terrace on route to our warm welcome inside .
Swiftly checked in we were escorted to our luxury room , which came with a sumptuous bed , Egyptian cotton linen , flat screen TV , and a Nespresso coffee machine . The sleek , grey modern bathroom ( with L ’ Occtaine toiletries , no less ) provided soft white robes and slippers – the sight of which prompted my guest and I to head straight down to the Utopia Spa for an afternoon of pampering .
Robes and slippers at the ready , we descended into the two storey spa and entered the calm , classical Roman-inspired poolside . With its murals and friezes , columns and soft lighting , the spa provided a welcome Mediterranean haven .
The ground floor hydrotherapy pool , bubble tub and Jacuzzi were our first stops , where we allowed the flowing water jets and delicate bubbles to begin our descent into relaxed bliss . A few gentle lengths of the first-floor pool was followed by a quick burst in the steam room and sauna , before we happily headed back upstairs for our selected treatments .
An ‘ I ’ ll Be Back ’ for my guest , involved being smothered in a rich , purifying , deep-cleansing mud , before having an invigorating Mediterranean scrub , the result of which was a lush smelling , cleansed and refreshed back all ready for those summer rays ; whilst I was booked in for a Tri-Dosha Holistic Glow Facial . I was soon won over by the natural Ayurvedic products which are chosen not only for their skin cleansing properties but for their ability to boost energy flow and reduce stress . As if the soft natural aromas of neem and sandalwood weren ’ t enough , this treatment also included a super soothing head massage and a relaxing foot and leg massage and the results aim to show signs of reduced aging – seriously , what is not to love ?
Floating out of the treatment rooms my guest and I had developed a serious appetite ; naturally , hours of total blessed-out relaxation can make you really hungry ! Especially when you know that the ‘ foodie ’ menus on offer at Rowhill ’ s RG ’ s Restaurant aim to harness local seasonal produce , delivered by a passionate team , and showcased in a plush contemporary dining room with heaps of natural light pouring in through the full-length windows .
On offer was either a three-course seasonal menu , with tempting light summer options such as Kent asparagus with soft hen ’ s egg , roast chicken with summer cabbage and Jersey royals and a strawberry buttermilk trifle ( and all for just £ 35 ); or a mouth watering selection from the à la carte , from which my guest and I ( eventually !) chose the prawn , crab and crayfish cocktail ; a heady plate of fresh succulent seafood , enhanced by the interesting apple ‘ spaghetti ’ and bloody Mary sauce ; and the Canterbury Cheddar – a delicious , delicate dish of whipped cheese served with tiny cubes of tangy cheddar , crisp cheese crisps , sour dough croutons , fresh peas , wild garlic and nasturtiums with a pea sauce – served at the table by executive chef Ewan Simpson himself !
Needing no persuasion we both opted to chose our mains from the Grill section , where ingredients are cooked over the select English Woodland Charcoal mix of RG ’ s Robata Grill . This method ensured that my guest ’ s half lobster was perfectly seared , the delicate meat enriched with only garlic butter ; whilst my Filet steak and hand cut chips were cooked to perfection .
We of course also opted for pud , selecting the sounds-too-good-to-resist ‘ Milk Chocolate Bar ’. With peanut and sea salt caramel , I had to refrain my guest from licking the plate ; whilst tempted from the seasonal menu I opted for the lighter lemon posset , its sharp smooth mousse invigorated with a sweet blueberry compote and spelt shortbread .
Rested and sated we were more than grateful to descend into a peaceful slumber on that comfortable king bed , safe in the knowledge that a delicious breakfast and another quick dip in the spa awaited before we had to bid a fond farewell to the Grange .
Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa Wilmington Kent DA2 7QH 01322 615136 www . rowhillgrange . co . uk
/ rowhillgrange @ Rowhill _ Grange
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