Escaping to the country

Apr 12 2009 Sunday Sun

ZOE BURN travels to Cheshire to lap up some luxury and spa treatments

Breakfast was tasty and there was plenty of it, but the queues for the food, particularly the toast machine, made it feel a bit like a canteen.

After breakfast I headed to the spa. This seemed incredibly popular, particularly with hen parties and couples, and I changed into a fluffy, white bathrobe and went to wait in the relaxation room for my therapist. This was a world away from the hustle and bustle of the main hotel, and I could’ve spent a weekend here.

My therapist, a lovely, friendly lady called Julie, arrived to take me for my aromatherapy massage using exclusive Espa products.

I chose a soothing oil with frankincense and myrrh, ylang ylang, sandalwood and geranium and lay back and enjoyed a full body massage. It was heaven.

The afternoon was spent exploring the extensive and incredibly picturesque grounds, before we dropped into the brasserie for an early afternoon tea. We tucked into lovely homemade scones and a selection of little cakes and tea, and agreed that this had been the best part of the day.

It seems that food is what Carden Park does best, because when we went for a late dinner at Redmond’s Restaurant, we were blown away.

The starters were fantastic, but the steaks we chose for our mains were something else entirely. I like mine rare, and this was perhaps the best cooked and most tasty steak I have ever had, anywhere in the world.

Desserts were equally well received and I strongly recommend the trio of shots, a set of three shot glasses with vodka - one with lemon mousse and the other two with different jellies with berries. It was incredibly refreshing and the perfect end to a fantastic meal.

The only down side is that we felt overlooked while the older people in the restaurant were treated with much more care and concern. The staff made so much more fuss over them, while we were pretty much left to our own devices.

Perhaps, had we been heading towards retirement age, our time at Carden Park would’ve been a lot more enjoyable. As it was, with us both being under 35, we left feeling throughout our stay that we were nothing more than a number.

It seems this is a hotel which is maybe too big to make you feel special, and one where unless you’re aged 55 or over, you won’t get the treatment the price tag affords.

5 things to do

HEAD to the spa for a relaxing therapy. Choose from facials and massages to full day and weekend packages.

ENJOY a round of golf on one of the resort’s two championship courses or, perhaps, take a lesson at the golf school.

UNWIND in the fitness centre, which boasts a well-equipped gym, swimming pool and a luxurious hot tub. Facilities are free for guests.

DROP into the Brasserie for afternoon tea. There’s a selection of options on the menu and you will feel like royalty as your smart waiter serves you divine fancies on silver trays.

HEAD out to historic Chester for the day. The hotel is just 15 miles from the city walls.

Fact file

CARDEN PARK is located 15 miles south of Chester, in the heart of the rolling Cheshire countryside. Prices start at £75 for a double room for one night bed and breakfast. Spring deals are available until July 3, from £119 for two nights.

DETAILS are available online at www.devere-hotels.com/our-hotels/carden-park/the-hotel or by phone 01829-731 000. Alternatively, call the De Vere central reservations line on 0845-375 2808.