On the edge of Dartmoor National Park, and steeped in nearly 500 years of history, this 16th-century manor is now a five-star spa destination and culinary standout. Boringdon Hall is the perfect escape for both romantic getaways and luxurious retreats.
Who for?
If you love grand hotels with real history, then Boringdon Hall will enthral you. This 16th-century five-star manor house spa hotel on the edge of Dartmoor National Park is just a short ride from Plymouth. Recently named one of the Top 50 Boutique Hotels in the UK, it’s perfect for either romantic breaks or a relaxing spa retreat, while its remarkable restaurant, Àclèaf, perched over the great hall that once saw Francis Drake sit down to dinner, has a Michelin Star.
Accommodation
There’s a remarkably wide choice of rooms and suites with something for everyone’s taste, whether traditional or contemporary. We stayed in one of the Four Poster Rooms, which had a romantic freestanding bath in the bedroom in front of a massive, but sadly no longer used, stone fireplace. We loved the deep-set classic metal-framed windows and the modern wet-room style bathroom. Other rooms include the Lady Jane suite set over two levels, the Executive Suite, with a separate lounge and a private terrace with a heated Jacuzzi, the Courtyard Rooms in the modern wing and the new Wellness Suites with easy access to the Gaia Spa. All have the usual WiFi, tea and coffee facilities and a large TV.
Facilities
Bath salts
Health is on the menu. The Gaia Spa features an indoor swimming pool, a Hydrotherapy pool with outdoor swim-through, a Finnish sauna, a Crystal Salt steam room, a Laconium herbal sauna and a traditional steam room.
There is a relaxation room, a private relaxation room, alfresco hot tubs, a state-of-the-art gym and even Peloton Bikes. This is modern pampering and wellness taken to extraordinary levels.
The hotel has a complimentary Type 2 EV charger, which we used to power up the top-of-the-range UX300e Takumi that Lexus had lent us for the journey from London. It didn’t do many miles to the ‘gallon’, but every mile was smooth and luxurious.
Food and Drink
If you’re on a health kick, then the Gaia Spa has the Spatisserie attached, with a selection of healthy options. For those looking to really indulge their gastronomic desires, though, Michelin-starred Àclèaf (meaning oak leaf in Old English) restaurant is the ultimate treat.
Boringdon Hall – Àclèaf – Restaurant
It’s helmed by Head Chef Scott Paton, who uses local seasonal produce to create dishes stunning both visually and taste-wise. We had the seven-course tasting menu and were completely blown away by the artistry on offer. Each dish managed to outdo the one before but stand out was Brill stuffed with a mushroom and scallop farce, Cep puree, fennel and green apple confit and finished with a fennel oil bordelaise jus, and two dishes based around iconic wagyu – Highland wagyu sirloin with a braised rump beignet topped with perigold truffle, and a mushroom puree and a black garlic puree with a a perigord truffle beef jus poured at table
We were still talking about that dish the next day. If you’re not pushing the mega yacht out, though, the Mayfair Brasserie has 2 AA Rosettes for its very tempting menu, the main bar in the Great Hall has comfy seats, snacks and a timeless atmosphere that’s impossible to fake.
What’s nearby?
Dartmoor’s natural beauty of course, and what could be better than coming back from a wild and windy walk to the comfort and luxury of an ancient country manor and a lavish afternoon tea? Plymouth and all its seafaring history is on the doorstep as well
Verdict:
History is in every stone of Boringdon Hall, a magnificent building that has retained all its romantic allure while discreetly adding modern convenience and a restaurant that attracts gourmets from near and far.
How Much: Four Poster rooms from £390 including breakfast or from £580 for bed, breakfast and dinner.
Boringdon Hall Hotel
Plymouth
Devon
PL7 4DP
01752 344 455