Hanbury Manor - spa and afternoon tea - quite splendid!

Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club

Ware

Hertfordshire, England SG12 0SD

July 2014

From the moment I booked on the telephone explaining this was a present for my friend’s 50^th birthday, they couldn’t have been more charming and helpful, suggested the best time for booking treatments to fit in with tea,  explained the use of spa, choice of treatment, asked if we had any dietary requirements for afternoon  tea. They even explained about parking and suggested we come as early as we like as we could use the pool area and sun loungers a much as we wanted – even come earlier and have some breakfast or brunch.  

We were blessed by the fact that it must have been one of the hottest days of last summer, so we arrived about 10.30am,   were given our locker to use for the day and had a lovely brunch of Eggs Benedict  in the Oakes Grill on the terrace in the beautiful sunshine overlooking the lake.

Photo from Hotel website 

We then used the amazing pool and sun loungers on the grass for a few hours  - there was a supply of water and orange and lime squash to take outside (or herbal teas inside) or the waiters will come out to the sunbeds and offer you drinks – it felt like being by the pool in swanky beach resort !

The lockers were huge and in a lovely changing room with lovely fluffy towels, dressing gown and even towelling flip flops in the wood panelled changing rooms. The pool as you can see was stunning (we were lucky we had it practically to ourselves) and opened out onto the grassy lounge area.

Our treatments booked were short (we knew this it’s not a complaint) –30 minute massage for me , facial for the birthday girl but we were almost reluctant to leave that lovely pool area.

After our treatments we had to get dressed (lovely products in the changing room showers) and head for tea in the Oak Hall which was a beautiful oak panelled room .

The tea was quite delicious – fresh sandwiches , fresh tea brought several times, all served on beautiful crockery

Finger Sandwiches
Honey roast ham with wholegrain mustard on walnut
Smoked salmon and cream cheese cheese on granary
Egg and cress mayonnaise on white
Cucumber on basil
Warm raisin and plain scones from their bakery

Served with clotted cream and strawberry jam
Selection of pastries and treats
 

All was served with utter charm and best wishes for my friend’s birthday.

I have to say the staff were what made this day so special – really couldn’t fault their service or helpfulness.

The tea on its own is not a bad price for the lovely setting and service (£25) but with the spa treatment and use of pool etc it really was value for money for two and made for an amazing relaxing day.

Sorry I don’t have many photos – and pinched the ones of the pool and hall from the Hanbury Manor website http://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/stngs-hanbury-manor-marriott-hotel-and-country-club/ as we went there before I’d decided to do this but I’ve used them because it really is that gorgeous there.

Would I recommend ? Absolutely yes – and will I be going back?

DEFINITELY !