Looking for a spa retreat in the heart of the English countryside?
Fresh from a multi-million pound refurbishment, The Grove’s Sequoia Spa grand relaunch is a must-visit as our Spa of the Month for March 2025…
THE LOWDOWN
Just 18 miles from London, nestled in 300 acres of rolling Hertfordshire countryside, The Grove is the kind of five-star escape that blends heritage with contemporary flair. Once the estate of the Earl of Clarendon, this historic property has been reimagined as a playground for the discerning traveller. Here, you’ll find everything from an immaculate 18-hole championship golf course to a walled garden featuring an unexpected treat – a sandy ‘beach’ and open-air pool.
Inside, the hotel’s timeless façade gives way to eclectic interiors brimming with personality. Expect bold artworks, vibrant design accents, and an effortlessly modern vibe, all thoughtfully curated to reflect the property’s grandeur.
THE SPA
The newly refurbished Sequoia Spa is the crowning jewel of The Grove. Designed as a tranquil escape from the bustle of daily life, the spa’s moody, dark interiors are a calming contrast to the vibrant colours found throughout the rest of the property. Its centrepiece is the serene black mosaic-tiled ozone swimming pool, where the low lighting creates a cocoon-like sense of peace. The day I arrived it was peppered with guests lounging poolside and jostling for a lane to swim, so I decided to return the following morning just as it opened. I made the most of a solitude swim followed by a herbal tea and 20 minutes unwinding with my Kindle before the guests began to spill in.
Throughout the spa are lots of cosy corners and spaces to unwind as well as a dedicated relaxation room. The spa facilities also include a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and a cutting-edge fitness studio, plus an enticing schedule of yoga and meditation classes to complete the wellness offering. One thing is for certain, you certainly can’t get bored here.
As for treatments, the extensive spa menu includes signature massages and facials, all using Bamford skincare products. I experienced the Signature Massage, a deeply restorative treatment that combines Western and Eastern massage techniques, including Swedish massage, shiatsu and ancient Thai healing techniques. You can personalise your Bamford oil to suit your mood and needs and the addition of a cooling quartz eye mask soothes and relieves any tension. My therapist added in some gentle stretches to help ease my aching muscles and after 80 minutes of massage I felt any stress disperse, and consequently floated out of the treatment room.
THE ROOMS
With 215 rooms and suites spread across the historic mansion and its modern West Wing, The Grove offers an accommodation style to suit every guest. In the mansion, rooms exude old-world charm with high ceilings and bespoke furniture, while the West Wing boasts a fresh, contemporary aesthetic, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the spaces with natural light. My room was in the West Wing and had a Juliette balcony overlooking the estate’s manicured gardens and rolling parkland. I spent the afternoon perched here with a warm drink and blanket soaking up the views.
The spacious rooms include plush beds dressed in crisp white linens, luxurious marble bathrooms stocked with Bamford products, and cosy corners perfect for a quiet moment with a book. There’s a well-stocked mini bar and Nespresso coffee machine for those looking for a decent coffee or in-room tipple too.
THE DINING
Food is a serious affair at The Grove. The Glasshouse is the hotel’s culinary showpiece, where chefs prepare an array of global dishes at live cooking stations. From freshly rolled sushi to slow-cooked beef brisket, the menu is as varied as it is indulgent. Save room for dessert, there’s a station jam-packed with an array of utterly irresistible sweet treats, from rich chocolate mousses to delicate tarts.
Madhu’s at The Grove delivers an elevated and authentic Indian fine dining experience in the heart of the mansion, with views overlooking the hotel grounds, and even the spa has space for food too. It is home to the Sequoia Kitchen, where hotel residents, spa day guests and members can enjoy a healthy, tasty menu of Asian-inspired broths, poke bowls and wraps.
For a more intimate dining experience, The Stables is the perfect spot for seasonal, hearty British dishes in a cosy, rustic setting. Meanwhile, afternoon tea in The Lounges delivers all the traditional favourites with fluffy scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and perfectly brewed pots of tea. Throughout the year there are pop-up dining experiences too, from traditional Turkish fare through to an alfresco nine-course tasting menu in the comfort of your own private hot-air balloon basket.
WHAT TO DO
There’s no shortage of activities at The Grove. Golf enthusiasts can book onto the 18-hole championship course, designed by Kyle Phillips. Visit during the summer season and you can catch a film at the open-air cinema. You’ll also be able to make the most of the 22 metre heated outdoor pool and the man-made Ralph’s Beach, complete with deckchairs and volleyball courts.
For nature lovers, the sprawling grounds are perfect for leisurely strolls, bike rides, or even a game of croquet. Families are well catered for, too, with a dedicated kids’ club, outdoor adventure playground, and plenty of open space to explore. And for culture seekers, the nearby Warner Bros. Studio Tour, home to the magic of Harry Potter, is a short drive away.
THE FINAL VERDICT
The Grove is more than just a hotel, it’s an experience. Whether you’re here for a spa weekend, a family escape, or a romantic getaway, its seamless blend of heritage and contemporary luxury ensures a stay that feels both indulgent and restorative. Close enough to London for convenience yet far enough to feel like a true escape, The Grove is, quite simply, a destination in itself.
Lead image credit: The Grove
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