CHESHIRE: A romantic getaway at Cottons Hotel & Spa

Jessica Ward | 31st August 2018

 

Cottons Hotel & Spa in Knutsford has been recently named top Luxury Hotel Spa in the UK at The World Luxury Spa Awards, rewarding and celebrating spas that set benchmarks in quality, innovation and service.

 

I was invited by Cottons Hotel & Spa to stay overnight to not only review the spa facilities but to have a taste of the restaurant, accommodations and of course check out their new state of the art spa facilities. (I had to think about this …. but not for too long) I jumped at the opportunity and decided to bring my other half along for the ride.

 

Firstly, let me talk about the location, the hotel itself is situated with in the beautiful outskirts of Knutsford, away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. While excited but also intrigued to see the setting we pulled up to a lovely almost enchanting building (we have arrived, brimming with excitement and anticipation for the time planed) Upon booking in we were shown to our room, a lovely Junior Suite. I was very impressed with the room, we had our own balcony, a state-of-the-art coffee machine and even a TV in the bath (which yes I did enjoy a little too much).

 

After a quick look around the room we headed down for dinner in the restaurants hotel and bar. We were given a lovely booth table opposite the chefs table which was filled with cold meats, cheeses, seafood and salads. An option neither of us could resist, we both chose the chefs table selection to start.

 

When it came to the main course, I opted for the linguine with tiger prawn and spicy Calabrian ‘Nduja sausage, tomato and parsley which came in at a pricey £18.75. Whilst the linguine and accompanying sauce was lovely, the prawns and Nduja sausage were barely existent. For me I didn’t feel that this dish was worth the hefty price tag.

 

My other half chose the Tuscan-style butterflied breast of chicken from the Inka Grill. The Inka Grill heats up to 500 degrees Celsius, and is both an oven and a grill, adding a unique flavour and texture from the finest embers, while retaining the natural juiciness of the meat. At £16.50 this dish is slightly more reasonable. Overall, while I felt that the food was good, I did expect a little more for the price.

 

The chef’s table however, was a highly redeeming feature of the restaurant. We loved the selection and the high quality of the food. I have had a similar experience of the buffet style chefs table at other spas close by, which quite frankly have always been disappointing, both in the limited selection and the poor-quality food which is served. The chefs table in Cottons is far superior in my opinion.

 

However, the service from the staff throughout the evening was second to none. All staff members were polite, engaging and prompt.

 

The next morning (after a lovely and quiet nights sleep) we made our way downstairs for breakfast. We were again greeted by the same high level of service from the staff that we received the night before. The breakfast was lovely, there was a large selection of both hot and cold options, the Danish pastries were particularly delectable, and the Full English went down an absolute treat.

 

After breakfast it was onto the spa. We had some lovely robes and slippers in our room which we threw on and headed down to the spa area. We were shown around the new facilities where £350,000 has been spent upgrading the entire pool hall, relaxation lounge and changing rooms.

 

As there was an aqua aerobics class going on when we entered the pool area, we decided to visit the spa area to let the spa staff know that we had arrived, and to book in for our Caudalie treatments. The spa area was so lovely and tranquil. The staff were by far the best I have ever had the pleasure of coming across at any spa. We were welcomed into the relaxation area with soothing music and the most peaceful atmosphere.

 

We spent the remainder of the day around the pool area, the jacuzzi and outdoor hot tub. I was able to fully wind down while the other half (who cannot sit still for two minutes) made full use of the swimming pool and the gym facilities, giving me some nice relaxing me time.

 

We were treated to a phenomenal afternoon tea in the restaurant where we were able to go in our robes. The afternoon tea was delicious, the scones were so fresh and lovely and warm. The sandwich and cake selection was on point. There was one particular chocolate dessert which I believe I described as magical, and a gift from god. A chocolate mousse top on a crunchy chocolate base, separated with a layer of lemon curd. It is truly a dessert I will never forget.

 

 

After our afternoon tea we headed back to the spa for our treatments. I had the Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Facial which included a firming facemask. My skin looked and felt amazing afterwards, and the girls in the spa made us both feel so relaxed and at ease it was the perfect end to the day.

 

VIVA Verdict: Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at Cottons Hotel & Spa. I would highly recommend a visit. The afternoon tea, the spa facilities and wonderful staff we encountered throughout is what makes Cottons a memorable place stay.

 

Cottons Hotel & Spa

Manchester Road

Knutsford

Cheshire

WA16 0SU

 

For Reservations call  01565 650333

Follow @cottonshotel on Instagram.