Nestled in the heart of Cheshire, Crewe Hall Hotel and Spa stands as a testament to timeless elegance and modern luxury.
This 17th-century Grade I-listed Jacobean mansion seamlessly blends historic grandeur with contemporary comforts, offering an unforgettable weekend retreat.
A friend and I decided a cold and fairly gloomy Sunday in February was the perfect day to treat ourselves to a little R+R so we packed our overnight bags and headed for sanctuary of Crewe Hall. A mere two hour journey by car and we are rolling up a grand tree-lined driveway into the perfectly manicured grounds of our weekend abode.
The intricate architecture and sweeping grounds evoke a sense of stepping back in time, it’s giving Bridgerton! Inside, the opulent interiors boast ornate plasterwork, carved wood, and stained glass windows, each corner whispering tales of its storied past. Many of the buildings original features have been preserved or restored and the grandeur hasn’t escaped me!
The Rooms and Suites at Crewe Hall
Seamlessly checked in by a courteous reception team we are shown to a large suite with period features – a very well turned out four-poster bed taking centre stage. Dressed in jewel tones of navy and gold and boasting opulent dark wood furniture, the decor is very regal and whilst it offers nods to the past, all the mod cons are there including the essential flatscreen, mini bar/fridge and of course the obligatory robes, slippers and luxurious bathing products.
Crewe Hall offers various room types from classic and deluxe rooms to feature rooms and romantic suites, there is even an option to book a family room so nobody misses out!
The Spa at Crewe Hall
The Spa and Leisure Club at Crewe Hall in Cheshire is a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation, seamlessly blending modern luxury with the grandeur of its historic surroundings. Nestled within the estate’s contemporary wing, the spa offers a serene escape with a range of indulgent Elemis treatments, from deeply nourishing facials to tension-relieving massages. The tranquil treatment rooms, soft lighting, and calming aromas create an atmosphere of pure bliss.
For those seeking relaxation and invigoration, the leisure facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, a soothing sauna and steam room, and a state-of-the-art gym equipped with the latest fitness technology. Whether unwinding in the Jacuzzi, enjoying a bespoke spa ritual, or embracing an energising workout, guests can tailor their experience to their personal wellness needs. A visit to the Crewe Hall Spa promises not just a retreat from the everyday, but a complete mind and body reset in a truly luxurious setting.
In keeping with our plans of a relaxing weekend retreat, my friend and I headed for the spa to make the most of the comprehensive facilities on offer at Crewe Hall.
The Rebalancing Ritual
As I sink into the warmth of the treatment bed and am covered by a fragrant warm towel in one of Crewe Hall’s rather serene spa rooms, a wave of calm washes over me. My therapist begins with a consultation, tailoring the Rebalancing Ritual to my skin’s needs before applying a soothing Elemis cleanser, its delicate scent melting away tension. Gentle exfoliation follows, revealing a fresh, radiant complexion, before a nourishing mask cocoons my skin, allowing me to drift into pure relaxation.
While the mask works its magic, a rhythmic scalp massage eases away the last traces of stress, I am now practically floating! Then, warm Elemis oils glide over my lower legs and feet, the therapist’s expert hands releasing built-up tension I didn’t know I had. The sensation is both invigorating and deeply restorative.
As the final touches are applied to my skin, I emerge from the ritual feeling balanced, glowing, and utterly renewed. I must add my partner in crime was also very animated about how much she enjoyed her facial too. Two happy bunnies!
50 minutes | Mon – Thu £99 & Fri – Sun £109
Dining at Crewe Hall
After a a full itinerary of relaxation we were of course ravenous by the time we sat down to dine in the brasserie, a beautifully turned out restaurant with a warm ambience. Our server was prompt to engage and offer us a friendly welcome – there is nothing I hate more than not being acknowledged in a timely fashion – and we are soon perusing the menu with a glass of wine in hand.
To start I chose the grilled goat’s cheese salad – a fail safe dish for me and one I am always happy to see on a menu. The cheese was deliciously warm and gooey with the robust herb pesto cutting through the rich and slight bitterness of the cheese perfectly. Across the table my friend tucked into fresh potted crab with salmon caviar, tarragon mayonnaise and toasted sourdough – it must have been nice as she eats like a (small) bird in general but she polished the lot off!
On to our main dishes and I was delighted with a beautifully presented baked cod fillet served with Mediterranean vegetable giant couscous, grilled spring onions and a roasted red pepper sauce. The fish was perfectly cooked and the combination of flavours was just right – all too often strong flavours overpower delicate fish and ruin it.
My friend opted for a fillet steak which was served with truffle dressed leaves and shavings of hard cheese. The 21 day aged cut of fillet was cooked to her liking and full of flavour – a great dish.
The menu offers generous with a mix of classic dishes including gourmet burgers with smothered in oozy cheese and topped with onion rings, to golden fried fish and chips with mushy peas and homemade tartare sauce – you could opt for a traditional lamb and rosemary pie with lashings of gravy or even plump for a chicken tikka curry!
Fit to bust but with eyes bigger than our bellies, we couldn’t resist the dessert menu full of tempting offerings. We chose the warm chocolate fondant with a gooey centre, honeycomb ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce – just something light…
I can’t even tell you how good that dessert was, thankfully we shared it, in a last minute attempt at damage limitation. This job really is a hazard for my waistline.
Conclusion
Crewe Hall is a fantastic hotel to unwind and relax, the perfect place to pamper yourself with a glass of Champagne in a fluffy robe before getting a glow up in the treatment rooms and reinvigorating yourself with a swim. It’s also a wonderful place to dine on delicious food and enjoy great service – and a fabulous place to book an overnight stay in one of their beautiful rooms. By all accounts, it is also a fairly magical place for a wedding, which I can truly imagine.
If any of the above floats your boat then my advice is pack up your overnight bag – don’t forget your swimming cozzie – and book a break at the magnificent Crewe Hall, tell them I sent you.
Words by Joanne Brook-Smith
Crewe Hall Hotel and Spa – Weston Road, Crewe CW1 6UY
Tel: 01270 253 333
