Hotel chains face a growing challenge in meeting ever-pressing customer demands. And this means automating as much of that customer experience as possible to free up staff for more pressing issues.

Technology continues to assist hotels in these efforts, with smart tech increasingly used in reception, at the door and within the walls of hotel rooms.

But for customers the technology still needs to be accessible, usable and enjoyable for guests of any age. So how are hotels doing in achieving those goals?

Hotels now include business models where a human being is a rare sight, customer service (and food) is non-existent, and garish apps do most of the transactions. But that’s one end of the spectrum, which can then go all the way to the wholly traditional, often serving guests who have visited regularly for decades, and are renowned for their service.

Look a little closer and you can see that neither type (and those that blend the best or worst aspects of both), is using technology to “enhance the customer experience,” as they like to say in their press releases and brochures.

For us visitors, the technology is more visible in some places along the hotel experience, and more subtle in others.

The quest for a seamless check-in

Traditionally, checking into a hotel meant collecting a key and venturing into the maze of corridors. Today, you’re more likely to be given a smart card or key fob for doors, limited to the length of your stay.

In most hotels, gone are the days of waiting in long queues at reception. Many modern hotels offer guests the speed of a mobile check-in via smartphone apps or a kiosk in the lobby.

Some even allow guests to bypass the front desk entirely, using digital key cards stored on their phones to unlock their rooms. And they are only too happy to showcase your loyalty points building up as you stay with them, with tempting offers and other benefits like local events, all visible without struggling with a guide.

That phone app is like a Swiss Army Knife and will guide you to your floor and door, and can even perform tricks like pre-setting the air-conditioning. For older tourists, that might not feel too alien, but inside the room that shift can feel both exciting and unfamiliar. Apps can take over the usual interactive elements, adjusting the lighting to suit your mood, finding your ideal temperature, and accessing the entertainment options.

By mimicking increasingly familiar smart home services, the hotel room becomes more of a playground. This is ideal for tired travellers who don’t want to get out of bed to sort out the basics.

Approaching Star Trek room service at Warp Speed

Okay, we’re not quite at the level where food and drinks can materialise into your hotel room, but the traditions of ordering food have been replaced by a more efficient service. For the hospitality industry that can mean no more printing and replacing menus (and scribbling out the unavailable food options).

The Japanese and their love of robots sees robotic delivery systems delivering guests’ food and beverages, saving poor Manuel from rushing to and from the kitchen all night. Expect these concepts to become more common in Western hotels over time.

Robots can also be used in the cleaning role, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in rooms in response to air quality and other sensors. And with other smart sensors, energy can be saved by dimming or turning off the lights, and minimising use of water and power when guests are not around.

Your digital concierge lives in your pocket

The concierge is a tradition that lives on among leading high end hotel brands. But this has vanished more widely, leaving us to lug our luggage around and summon a taxi in the pouring rain ourselves. But the modern digital concierge can perform a wide range of other tricks. Primarily summoning that taxi on your behalf while you stay dry.

It can also make dining suggestions, highlight what’s on in town, and make bookings for you. Some have more sass than others. Take Rose for example, the resident “mischief-maker” and digital concierge at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Perhaps in time hopefully more hotels will follow her lead.

Since many experienced 50+ travellers are used to technology at home, these upgrade will not feel scary in the hotel environment. But if you need that human touch, enjoy them while they last or head to premium hotels where tradition trumps technology.

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The post Smart tech is transforming the hotel experience appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Recently, we booked a stand at Hickstead to sell and promote the Silver Skincare range. This meant me being on site for several long days, in a heatwave. I was concerned about leaving the pug, Alice Pickle, the Duchess of Pickleton, whilst I was away. Who would look after Her Grace in the manner to which she has become accustomed? How would she cope without her loyal staff (me) to bow to her every need? Fortunately, I already knew the answer to this, because Alice Pickle has been lucky enough to be a guest at the Hotel for Pugs (and Griffons) before.

Last summer – in similarly blazing heat – she stayed there for a few days in the absolute lap of luxury. The highlights of which were the hours spent in the pool bar, Pug Tropicana, and her specially curated spa day treatments. She came back smelling fragrant. Closer to how a duchess should probably smell, and less like an old cheese, as per her usual aroma.

So I got in touch with Ian and Lisa again, the dog-focused and absolutely lovely couple whose beautiful country house home has been utterly taken over by pugs. To the point where it has become a hotel for them. In fact not just pugs, but also very cute Griffons Bruxellois. If you don’t know what they are, think gingery-brown pugs with tons of hair and beards and you’re not far off the mark. And they were able to fit Her Grace in for a stay. Hurrah, we all said.

After I booked her in, I realised she would be away for six nights

This is a long time for Alice – and for me. She and I are rather joined at the hip – it’s the most codependent relationship I’ve ever been in. But I needn’t have worried. Apart from the fact that working very long days on my feet in the heat was enough to floor me at the end of each day, both Ian and Lisa kept in touch with me throughout Alice’s stay.

I never had to wonder if she was alright, whether she was keeping cool, whether she was having a good time… it’s peace of mind you can’t put a price on, frankly.

Let me tell you a bit about Alice’s stay

Her days kicked off with morning walks in the cool woodland around 6am with the other dogs. She loved this. We live in an urban/beach-adjacent place, so a wood is always an exciting place for Alice. I got regular videos of her leaping logs and rustling through leaves.

Alice enjoying the pool with pug Ralph and Billy Whizz the griffon

During the daytime it was all about the five-star resort activities. Driving around in the Lambo with her best mate Polly riding shotgun (there is a yellow remote-control Lamborghini which the pugs get to zoom around the grounds in; see top picture). Or being hand pulled in a kind of luxury surrey with a fringe on top, because Ian was concerned that the grass might be too hot for Alice’s tootsies.

To keep cool in the 30+ heat, the Duchess had time in the shaded wakeboarding pool, learning to surf. And plenty of lounging around in the bigger ‘Pug Tropicana’ pool, snoozing in inflatables, and having regular cooling down spells in the water, and the shade.

Then there’s Puggy Puggy Treat Time, which is at teatime and warrants a special song, apparently, that Ian sings. “I do it in a falsetto,” he says. “It brings all the pugs to my yard.” The pugs and griffons are aware of PPTT, Pavlov style, and frankly take little reminding. Treats range from wedges of cold watermelon to slices of doggie sausage. And they all know exactly when it’s time.

One morning, sweating my arse off on the stand, I got a video from Ian showing Alice being hand-fed a few buttered toast squares at breakfast time. Crusts removed, naturally. “How wonderful,” I thought through slightly gritted teeth, sitting in the heat and dust of Hickstead on a stand where the temperatures were close to hitting 40 degrees. “I’m so pleased my dog is having a nice time.”

Enjoying the facilities and the bonhomie

Every dog is different, so the Hotel team checks what is good for everyone’s precious dumplings before doing anything with them. Alice is game for just about anything, so she got the full works throughout her stay, including a spa day. Transported to the wet room in the luxury surrey with a bottle of gin (!), she enjoyed a wash and shampoo, and a head massage. Followed by air drying with a special cap for her ears and a warm towel. She came home so silky and soft and clean I nearly didn’t recognise her.

She’s a girl’s girl though, and so although she spent her days with Ian engaged in the resort facilities, when she wanted a quiet cuddle she went to Lisa and snuggled up with her on the sofa. She also had a choice of where to sleep. They completely open up the house and no dog is restricted in any spaces, even the bedrooms. There are also unlimited cuddles on tap.

And I know they went over and above to keep my precious baby cool. See the screenshot above – also picked up when I was developing heatstroke at work. Jesus, what I wouldn’t have given for a bloody cold flannel! But the heat really is a worry with pugs and their ridiculous flat faces, and Alice has occasional seizures too. So knowing she was in safe and loving hands like this is really magic.

Read more: Doddery dogs – could your dog be struggling with arthritis?

And let’s not forget the social life…

For a single dog, Alice enjoyed the fun of spending some time in a place with lots of other little dogs. And doing a ton of stuff she never gets to do at home. She’s a sociable girl, but goes for long spells where it’s just me and her. She’s happy with that, but also really  likes to get out and get social sometimes.

She made lots of chums, but got particularly close to another pug called Polly. I think they both missed each other once Alice went home. It’s enriching for Alice to enjoy some doggie company like this, and I know she loved it. But she was pleased to get back to the peace of our own space. It was a lot for her, something Lisa and Ian really understand.

I can’t recommend this place enough. Frankly *I* could do with a week there, going wakeboarding, eating watermelon and having a cold flannel if I get a bit snory. Lisa and Ian have an absolutely beautiful home and grounds, and I love the fact that they share their haven with little four-legged friends. The hotel is fully licensed and insured, and there is strict paperwork ahead of the booking, which also gives peace of mind. And a place to put down your darling’s likes, dislikes and loves. They have extensive experience when it comes to dealing with dogs that have special needs too. I mean, does it get any more perfect?

Get in touch if you want a site visit or viewing ahead of bookings. They’re based in West Sussex.
www.hotelforpugs.com

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post The Hotel for Pugs – more than just Pug Tropicana appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Flying out to Zurich it was an unusually clear day. So clear that as we flew over the edge of England I could see my house from the plane. I waved goodbye to Blighty and settled in for the short journey to Switzerland. I was off to review the five star Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, hurrah.

Upon landing, the first thing I discovered was that my phone provider didn’t work in Switzerland. I’d just blindly assumed that I’d automatically get data switched over, but no.

No biggie, I figured, I’d just use the free Wi-Fi that I could see was in the airport. But connecting to the airport Wi-Fi was impossible. Log in here, add this code, no you can’t because you don’t have connectivity, log in here etc.

In the end a fellow traveller did me a hot spot so I could log in and buy some data. So be warned – Switzerland is not in the EU and your phone might not automatically work there. Plan ahead.

Leaving the airport, I was excited about my onward journey, because we had a train ticket to ride. I have a mad passion for train travel. The train was very clean and – we discovered to our amusement – very strictly silent.

In fact, our small group (all women, all quite excited) was roundly told off by a very cross little man who genuinely leapt out of his seat to tap the sign that presumably said “quiet”. We all shut up, trying not to look at each other and giggle.

I was right to be excited though…

I had a first-class ticket, and a first class view of Switzerland as we sped towards our destination. Awe-inspiring mountains rising out of stunning blue lakes, the tops so high they were lost in the clouds. It was thrilling, and I don’t say that lightly. There’s a huge benefit in feeling the power of awe, and the landscape really is awesome.

I could have spent hours on the train. But we arrived at Sargans station all too soon, and were picked up to head to the hotel resort.

Once inside the hotel I was hugely impressed. The lobby is light and airy, with a fantastic art installation of bubbles to represent the natural spa/spring water in the area. It’s upmarket without feeling oppressive. I don’t know how they manage to make such a vast hotel feel so family-run, but that’s how it rolls.

Dogs are allowed, which always makes me happy. And also kids, which I’m generally less enthusiastic about, if I’m honest. The resort is very much geared up for children though, unusual for a spa hotel like this, and I think actually it’s a nice idea. There’s a Kindervilla on site, for the children to hang out in during the daytime, as well as plenty of babysitters.

There’s also a children’s Heidi-themed spa area. So although the little darlings are allowed at the hotel, you don’t get them killing the chill in the adult spa zones. I don’t really mind kids. But don’t want them squawking next to me in the jacuzzi.

Also, something that one finds increasingly these days, despite the hotel having five stars and a very luxurious offering, guests were dressed quite informally. Not scruffy, you understand. Just in a relaxed fashion – which I totally appreciate. I’m done with heels and uncomfortable clothing these days.

My suite was a total corker

The view from my balcony

The suite was vast, situated at the front of the hotel with breathtaking views across the mountains. Standing on the balcony staring at the scenery whilst soft rain pattered around me was a quiet moment of bliss that I can still feel now if I close my eyes.

On my desk I found a gorgeous little selection of sweet and savoury snacks. And I was also delighted to find a very well-stocked fridge and snack zone. Decent gin and tonic! Big tick.

Another word to the wise: I’d felt very smug remembering to bring my UK to Europe plug adaptor, but guess what?! The plugs in Switzerland are different. At our hotel the concierge had a bunch of them you could borrow, and almost everyone in our (British) group needed one. But something to be aware of.

Standing on the balcony staring at the scenery whilst soft rain pattered around me was a quiet moment of bliss

In the afternoon we’d been due to have a tour of the outside art installations, part of the Bad RagARTz exhibition, which happens once every three years. It’s a region-wide showcase, with art, sculptures and statues dotted everywhere. Worth planning a trip around this to see it, if you’re thinking of heading here. But it was raining, so instead we relaxed, had a tour of the hotel resort, including the Kindervilla, and got ready for dinner.

As I was dressing for dinner, a storm broke out over the mountains. Storms always excite me – it was quite something, thunder and lightning over the mountains. I watched it for a bit, spellbound.

Around the resort

The Grand Resort is home to several very lovely restaurants, as well as a health and medical centre, dental centre, and of course the spa. There’s even a take-away sushi kiosk, KOiSO, which I confess to ordering twice from during my stay.

The resort is a centre of medicine and wellness, not just a place for a massage and dip in the water. There are doctors here practicing in everything from orthopaedics, traumatology and vascular disease to mental health, dental health, and Chinese medicine.

There’s also a full-service plastic surgery department, sports therapy clinic, rehab centre, nutrition clinics… you name it, it’s probably at the resort. One could absolutely have a face lift and tummy tuck, and hide out here in the mountains to recover, having regular massages, therapies, and swimming in the various pools. Have put this on my mental wish list for in a few years’ time.

Our first night, and we met in the elegant lobby for cocktails

I’ve had beautifully-made cocktails in places all over the world (she said smugly) but the mixologists here are amongst the very best I’ve experienced. Exquisitely crafted drinks, gorgeous choice of glassware – a very good start to the evening.

Namun is their Asian-inspired restaurant, and where we ate on our first night. The joy of travelling in a small group means you get to order a la carte, rather than have a set menu, which can happen if you’re in a bigger group. I had Thai prawn summer rolls, and a mix of dim sum including dumplings, melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu beef, and various gyoza.

Sadly I couldn’t manage any pudding, but I did choose some sake from their extensive sake-specific menu. And by the time dinner was over, I was ready to drop. The food was magic, and I slept like a baby.

Deliciousness at Namun

Next morning the sun had broken through…

And I was chuffed to bits that I’d ordered breakfast in my room. I leapt out of bed – well, maybe not leapt, but rose enthusiastically – and before even having a cup of tea, bolted downstairs to the outside pool. I’d seen it the day before, and was desperate to get in it, to swim with that phenomenal backdrop, and make the most of the dry weather. It was heavenly.

Back up to my room and my breakfast trolley had been delivered. This for me is the height of dining delight – to eat indulgently in the privacy of my own room. I made a point of having the ‘<<verve>>’ special, so named after the resort’s Michelin-starred restaurant. If you’re interested, it’s crispy sourdough toast, with a tomato jam, and lovage whipped tofu cream, topped with poached eggs and baby salad leaves. I could have done without the jam, very sweet. But the whippy tofu stuff was magic.

Outdoor pool; <<verve>> breakfast; spa relaxation area

I was booked in for the ‘Pause and Reset’ treatment – an 80-minute aromatherapy full body workover that is “specifically designed to help ease the side effects of hormonal changes.” I don’t know about that, but I do know that I could barely stand when I got off the bed. Can’t remember the last time I felt so relaxed.

After that it was a short stagger to the spa area, where I bobbed about in the fabulous body-temperature swimming pool, before somehow making my way to my room for a short siesta. Nice to be able to wander around in my robe. It’s one of the nicest and oddest things about fancy spa hotels, I find. Fortunately I had the presence of mind to grab sushi to take up to my room. Because once I landed there, I was wiped out! Siesta time…

The afternoon saw a few activities before dinner…

Post-lunch, members of our group pottered around the local area. For me it was a chance to take in some of the outdoor art installations, and also have a little mooch around the little village next to the resort. Some of the group went to the Tamina Gorge, the source of the 36.5° C warm thermal waters that have made Bad Ragaz world famous.

‘Bad’ by the way, means ‘bath’, in case you were wondering. I didn’t know that until I came here, and I’d thought Bad Ragaz sounded a bit like a rapper’s name. But now we both know.

In the evening we were lucky enough to eat at verve by Sven, the Michelin-starred restaurant on site. I’d been excited about this since we arrived, and made the most of the exciting menu. For starter I had tomato, redcurrant, basil, and pine nut burrata plate, which was outstanding. Then for main course, a few of us shared the frankly astonishing seared beef cutlets with hoisin jus, served with seared lettuce and other bits.

A beef encounter

I know, not very adventurous in a place with a star. But frankly I think you can judge a restaurant by its steaks, eggs, custards, and sauces. I’m going to say it’s a yes from me here. The beef was meltingly delish. I wish I had two stomachs.

Our final day…

And I woke up to breakfast in my room again. I went all-out this time. Eggs, crispy bacon, caviar and a little bottle of Ruinart, my favourite champagne. How could I not?!

Oh well, if you insist

Once we’d checked out, we had a trip to Heidi’s Village, which was as surreal and adorable as you might imagine. Although Heidi is a fictional character, the stories are set in the region, and Heidi’s Village is only a short 10 min ride from the hotel. There are goats, natch. And they’ve created the houses that Heidi and all the other book characters would have lived in. It’s a bit nuts, but very endearing. It’s perfect for children who know the stories.

The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is a great place for multigenerational trips because it’s one of the only places in the world that I’m aware of that accommodates kids at an upmarket spa hotel.

Plenty of childcare, coupled with the children’s spa and pool areas, mean that you can take your kids and grandkids there and not have to sacrifice your own peaceful experience. Or enable your darling offspring to annoy other guests. And when you’re not in the hotel, there’s plenty to do within a short hop from the resort.

I loved the place, and wished I could have stayed longer. The food was exemplary, and the service and facilities faultless. I didn’t want to come home!

Now, to start planning my next visit there…

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
Rates: high season, rooms and suites from 750CHF (Swiss francs) per night. A suite like mine is around 1,100CHF (£990) per night
‘Pause and Reset’ treatment 295CHF (£265)
Tasting menu at verve by Sven 120CHF (£116)
Return flight Heathrow-Zurich is around £200-300 off peak, but you can easily double that in high season

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Five star treatment at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz – review appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Ah, a chance to review Ashdown Park Hotel. Yes please. It’s one of my favourite places close to home, and I always know that an Elite property is going to deliver. Sign me up.

There are probably three or four very good reasons to stay at Ashdown Park Hotel. Firstly, it’s a really lovely place and why wouldn’t you etc. There are stunning grounds, deer everywhere, and extraordinary buildings and gardens to hang about in. Secondly/thirdly, there are golf and spa activities. And fourth – possibly most importantly to some people – it’s smack bang in the middle of Winnie the Pooh country.

Pooh talk

Winnie-the-Pooh illustration by E H Shepard 1926

It’s generally accepted that 100 Acre Wood, whilst being a fictional forest, was inspired by Ashdown Forest, close to AA Milne’s home in nearby Hartfield. In fact, the specifically-named Poohsticks Bridge is about eight minutes’ drive from the hotel. Ashdown Park Hotel offers a Winnie the Pooh themed afternoon tea for children. The local area is packed with little ‘easter eggs’, which you can find on Google Maps, like The Heffalump Trap, and the Enchanted Place. If you or your small family members are Pooh fans, it’s a great place to base. I understand it’s something of a pilgrimage for a lot of our American visitors.

Aside from that though, it’s a unique place, with its stained glass, huge grounds, deconsecrated chapel… Those of you interested in its history can read more about that HERE. I love me a quirky experience, but Ashdown Park doubles down on this, and offers elegant but friendly luxury as part of the deal.

Arriving at Ashdown Park…

“You’ve been upgraded,” is a wonderful thing to hear, isn’t it? Guaranteed to put a smile on even the most experienced traveller’s face. So when me and my compadre Laura checked in and heard the magic words, despite trying to look sophisticated and grown-up, we whooped a little bit, and there may have been some light capering around the desk. Thank you Ashdown!

Room 100 Ashdown Park Hotel

And what an upgrade. Two fabulous suites in the East Wing, if you don’t mind. Take a look at mine! It’s literally a gothic dream. And yes, that is the bathroom window. Whilst showering, I felt like Jake Blues as the light hit me through the glass. I could almost hear James Brown shouting, “do you see the light?!” Reader, I saw the light.

That’s quite the bathroom window

Aside from the buzz of being in such a mad and brilliant room, important things to note: Molton Brown toiletries, lovely. Proper coffee machine, thank you. Good mattress – VAST bed. Great quality cotton bed linen, and clean as a pin throughout. No aircon, but I wouldn’t expect it in an ancient place like this; it’s literally made of solid stone. And there was a tower fan in the room, so all good. I would have liked a fridge, although as I write this, I have seen on their website that you can actually request one. Noted.

What did we get up to?

I love golf, although I’m a terribly inconsistent player. We didn’t get a chance to have a bash at the golf course though because we weren’t there long enough. And frankly if it comes to a choice between a round of golf, or swimming and a massage, I generally know where I’m spending my time.

But I am reliably informed that the Ashdown Park golf course is a corker. It’s an 18-hole par 3 course in stunning countryside and you can ‘pay to play’ too, although booking is highly recommended. Dress code applies (no denim etc). The back nine is apparently seated in breathtaking scenery. I ended up feeling a bit sad that I hadn’t brought my clubs – but you can hire. I’ll have to go back and play a round.

As for the aforementioned swimming and massage…

On the day of arrival, having settled into our suites and decompressed, we headed for an early evening swim before dinner. I don’t know about you, but there’s something about dropping into a body of water that makes everything feel better. I didn’t do much swimming, but a fair bit of floating about like a big old log. Didn’t get into the jacuzzi either, because there were children in it, but it looked nice.

The Country Club at Ashdown Park is a nice place to relax. As someone who has visited (and loved) the venue over a number of years, I know that they’ve worked hard on the spa and pool areas. It’s an older building, and they’re working with what they’ve got. There are of course much fancier spas in comparable hotels, but the level of service here more than makes up for that.

Nice calming relaxation space

It’s extremely clean; something I’m fanatical about in shared areas like this! The relaxation room is gorgeous, the pool is a great temperature, the staff are lovely, the setting is beautiful. We didn’t go in the gym (are you mad?). We both had a back, neck and shoulder aromatherapy massage though, which knocked me flat on my arse, it was so relaxing. And both of us slid into a welcome and gently scented post-massage coma in the relaxation room, drinking herbal tea and listening to the soft rain. The standard of service, and the quality of the product is well up to scratch.

Read more: What are the benefits of self-care?

Dinner time

After time spent working up an appetite exercising in the pool, ahem, we were enthusiastic about dinner. I might even have bellowed ‘I could eat a horse’ as we headed to the bar. Keen to excite our gastric juices further, we felt it important to test out the cocktails beforehand. And I’m happy to report that the Rockstar Martinis we had were perfect. No ‘porn’ stars here, it’s much too classy a place, but the drinks rocked just as hard.

Moving into the 2 AA Rosette Anderida Restaurant, they’d seated us in what I reckon is the best table in the house, with massive thrones and an all-round view. I asked to be moved though, because there was a big party close to the table, and I’m a bit deaf, and there was a loud laugher in the group. And ultimately, I liked the change. Our table was by the bustling entrance, with a view over the beautiful grounds. It was also a good vantage point for a nosy journalist to see everything going on.

Consider essential oils for a stress-free travel experience. Read more…

Let’s talk about the food

I’ll list out the proper food names and prices at the bottom – and we kicked off with a little cucumber/fishy amuse bouche. Laura went with crab salad with radishes and pickled bits and lemony stuff, which was fresh and really clean-tasting. I went for the smoked salmon pave, which was a delight, with its little tangle of leaves and beetroot jam. Actually, one of the best things about it was the substantial wedge of smoked fish. I like something to get my teeth into.

L-R: amuse bouche, crab salad, smoked salmon

We both really struggled to make a decision on the main course, because there were so many things we liked. Honestly, I could have ordered every dish on the list and been happy. When I’m in that place I pick something that I’d be unlikely to cook at home, and went for mirin roasted duck.

Mirin roasted duck

Laura is a pesky-tarian and actually also struggled to choose. The fact that there were enough fish or veggie options to make it a hard choice is a plus point. In the end she went for the catch of the day (sea bass) and swapped out something for something, I can’t remember. She got dauphinoise potatoes anyway, which was what she’d been drooling over.

Seabass with dauphnoise

Largely, both main courses were good. Beautifully executed with fresh ingredients. Laura was happy with her fish and potatoes – and I confess to having a touch of food envy when it arrived. She did say she thought both the fish and the dauphinoise could have used a bit more seasoning, but hey. You can always add.

My duck dish was an interesting experience. Perfectly-cooked quack; the toasted cashews, crispy wontons, bok choy, sweet jammy pops of flavour – all wonderful, perfectly in keeping with an Asian dish. But it came with what I can only describe as a jug of gravy. Good gravy, to be fair; sumptuous depth of flavour, clearly properly-made stock etc, but more the kind of thing you’d expect with a roast, or a steak. Not exactly Asian. To be fair, I didn’t mind particularly, happy to dip into it and enjoy it. But it seemed a strange thing to add to what was otherwise a very sophisticated plate of flavours from the East.

Appallingly we didn’t eat pudding. For what it’s worth, I’d have had the rhubarby cheesecake thing if I’d had the space.

Let’s look at the wine experience…

We both plumped for glasses of something different for the starters – Laura had a Chablis, a perfect choice for seafood. And I originally chose a Reisling to go with a funky smoked salmon dish. I’m not saying they brought me a random wine, but the glass I had was not what I was expecting. And before you raise your eyebrows, yes I know what a bloody Riesling should taste like.

I swapped it for a dry Provence rose, which ticked all the right boxes. After the first course we asked for two more glasses of the Chablis that Laura had in the first place, and both got a completely different drink. We thought for a minute we’d gone mad, but no. It was definitely not the same wine. They swapped it out quickly though, and we were fine again. I’ve no clue what happened there, but we were happy in the end. As ever, it was all delivered with charm and a big smile.

Bedtime, breakfast, and goodbyes

I’m always surprised and a bit impressed with myself when I can eat like it’s a national sport in the evening, and then still get up and tackle a full English the next morning. The breakfast was excellent – on the hot plates I was thrilled to find black pudding, a personal fave.

Ate masses, and had to have a little lie down afterwards to avoid a coronary

Their scrambled eggs were particularly good too, all buttery and creamy, and not like some places where they go all hard and you have to take a slice off the brick of egg. You know the kind of thing. The bacon was smoked, sossig was herby. And they have grapefruit juice on tap, which I adore. Plenty going on, anyway. Ate masses, and had to have a little lie down afterwards to avoid a coronary, before departing at 11am.

We left there feeling very chilled out, and quite stupid. Full of amazing food, relaxed from massages and strolls in the beautiful grounds. Ashdown Park remains one of my favourite places to hang out and I will definitely go back and do golf at some point. And who knows, maybe I’ll find a heffalump.

TREATMENTS
Aromatherapy Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage
The classic fave. This treatment includes a scalp massage, although I opted not to have this.
30 minutes, £50

FOOD
Smoked Salmon Pave £16
Herb Potato Salad, Beetroot Jam, Cured Egg Yolk

Portland Crab Salad £17
Lemon Purée, Radish, Avocado, Pickled Shallots, Baby Herbs

Mirin Roasted Duck £34
Sesame, Soy Jam, Bok Choi, Crispy Wonton, Cashew

Market Fish of the Day £29

WINE
Victor Berard, Chablis, Burgundy, 2020, Chablis, France, 2020 £14.60/175ml glass
Cotes De Provence Rosé, “De Sophie “, Provence, France, 2020 £12.05/175ml glass

www.ashdownpark.com

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Ashdown Park Hotel review: pampering, posh nosh, and perfect peace appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Whether you want a relaxing, luxury break or an adventure-packed trip we have the latest launches and best travel news, for you to enjoy this summer.

Glass-bottomed pools you make the rocking world go ‘round

nhow Milano

nhow Milano recently opened a new 750 square metre rooftop area that features an infinity glass-bottomed pool located in Milan’s Via Tortona.

The Vertigo Pool is situated alongside two round pools and a solarium. There is also a new restaurant and cocktail bar to complement the view.

Prices per night start at €160 this summer.

For more information head to nh Hotels.

Are you seeking some water wellness?

Beach on the Isle of Mull

New for 2023, Wild Hebridean Swimming Adventures presents its beginner open water development retreats at Achaban House, Fionnphort.

This summer, enjoy adventure swims in some of the world’s most idyllic seas on the Isles of Mull and Iona. There will be guided swim treks, safety courses in cold water swimming, sunrise and sunset dips and 1:1 technique coaching.

Forthcoming retreats will be from 17 to 23 July and 29 Sept to 2 October. Retreats start at £795pp and include transfers, meals, yoga, massage, pilates and coaching.

For more information head to Swim Dynamics.

Looking for the perfect day trip from London?

Mayfield Lavender, Surrey

Banstead, Surrey, is home to Mayfield Lavender for only three months out of the year. It reopened on 20 June and will close again on 20 August.

The 25-acre farm sits on an original 19th-century Victorian lavender field site. There is a tractor ride that runs throughout the day to take in all the sights and smells as well as see the bees and butterflies. It is £2.50 per person.

There is a shop and café selling a range of teas, cupcakes, oils and soaps made with the organic lavender grown there.

It is £5 entry per person. Note that you can only buy tickets when you’re there (weekdays will be less busy).

Fancy a shleepover?

Naughty Sheep

Naughty Sheep have announced their new wellness weekends starting from September 2023 that combine mindfulness and sheep in Gartmore, Stirling.

Their three-day Sheepy Sleepovers involve de-stressing with pet Herdwick sheep while exploring the surrounding hidden gems of Scotland. A three-night stay includes yoga, sound healing, meditations, confidence techniques and, of course, Dougal and Lochie the sheep.

Available from 15 September 2023. Price: £796 per night for up to three people.

For more information visit Tea With Naughty Sheep.

Relaxation with a touch of elegance and charm

Schloss Hotel Roxburghe

SCHLOSS Roxburghe recently celebrated the opening of the new Estate House located within the countryside of the Scottish Borders after an expansion that boasts an additional 58 rooms and a new restaurant and spa.

The new spa facility includes a heated outdoor infinity pool, indoor and outdoor areas for relaxing, a plunge pool and a fitness suite. As well as three treatment rooms and two saunas.

To book, head to Schloss Hotel Roxburghe.

An escape in the city with the girls

Wander Women Collective

The WanderWomen collective in Edinburgh, Scotland, has released a series of outdoor experiences for women this July.

Their upcoming activities include a Forest Bath & River Swim on 6 July and a Hammock Hang Out on the 28^th. Both involve a unique mix of mindfulness and adventure in and around Edinburgh to escape from the daily grind.

Forest Bath & River Swim – 6 July (price: £60; concession £48)

Hammock Hang Out – 28 July (price: £30; concession £24)

For more information visit Wander Women.

Read more: How a life-changing retreat transformed this 60-year-old’s life

Beat the cost of living with these countryside offers

The Inn Collection Group

The Inn Collection Group have re-launched their Winter Breaks offer for 2023/24 in Northumberland, Durham, Tyne & Wear and North Yorkshire.

Starting at £49.50 per person, the package offers bed and breakfast stays with dinner from 1 November to 31 March. The offer is open at 29 inns located in some of the UK’s most picturesque locations such as the Lake District and the North York Moors.

Bookings are available direct from The Inn Collection Group.

A luxurious sleep under the stars in Västerås

Best Western Plus Hotel Plaza has opened the Plaza Rooftop Hotel on a roof terrace in the middle of Västerås in

Plaza Rooftop Hotel, Sweden

collaboration with one of Sweden’s leading bed suppliers, Hästens.

The so-called “Glasdome” is 1hr 30min west of Stockholm and boasts a unique hotel experience with an extensive room service menu. Guests can choose from a variety of experiences such as the world’s highest bungee jump, a hot air balloon flight and private gin tasting at a local distillery.

Prices start at SEK 3,995 (approx. £295) and include a three-course dinner menu, welcome drink, a free minibar, entrance to Hotel Plaza’s Spa and a gym session at Skygym.

For more information visit Plaza Rooftop Hotel.

The ultimate wellness experience in the Maldives

The Nautilus, the Maldives

The Nautilus is hosting the Energy Harmony Retreat this winter in collaboration with Ananda in the Himalayas to combine ayurvedic and yogic knowledge with the timeless hospitality of the Maldives.

The five-star private island hideaway offers beach houses on Hanifaru Bay and an extensive range of facilities and spa amenities. This new retreat will explore Ayurvedic treatments and classes such as Reflexology and Kundalini Massage. There will be tailored gourmet cuisine created especially for the retreat.

Prices start at USD 33,260 for two guests for six nights and include all meals, return transfers, green tax and the programme.

For more information visit The Nautilus.

Summer’s most stylish beach club has officially opened!

Dune Beach Marbella

Bought to you by the creators of Ocean Club Marbella, Dune Beach Marbella opens this summer in El Rosario, Marbella, and offers stunning sea views, stylish décor, and gourmet Mediterranean cuisine.

Surrounded by protected sand dunes, Dune Beach Marbella combines the beach club experience with a sit-down restaurant. Expect middle eastern flatbreads, marinated tiger prawns, Kobe flank steaks and hearty salads. As well as wines, champagnes, or curated cocktails.

For more information visit Dune Beach Marbella.

A Star Is Born

Introducing Celestyal Journey, Celestyal’s long-awaited new ship following its multimillion refurbishment.

Celestyal Journey

With 280% more balcony suites, seven dining venues, eight bars, two pools and an entire deck dedicated to wellness, the Celestyal Journey offers you an opportunity to relax and adventure on the Aegean Sea.

This is the debut of its first-ever penthouse with a private terrace. As well as an updated culinary experience.

Set sail on 2 September and visit Athens, Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos and Milos.

For further information visit Celestyal.

Beth Pratt

Beth is one of Silver’s interns. She loves reading and studying literature. Entering her final year of university, Beth still finds time to dance, swim, and have a pint with friends. Her favourite hobby is going to coffee shops, if you can call it a hobby!

The post Travel news July – hot picks appeared first on Silver Magazine.

As the flat race season is under way at Doncaster, and the sun is starting to show itself a bit, let me tell you about a secret place I have discovered. Ladies and gents, my review of the olde worlde/modern fusion luxury venue that is Ye Olde Bell in Retford. Where modern spa meets historical venue.

If (like me) you have no clue where Retford is, it’s in the middle of the UK, halfway between London and Edinburgh. It’s perfectly positioned for Doncaster, for those of you who love the gee-gees. And it’s also close to Lincoln, Nottingham, and Sheffield.

All photos: Sam Harrington-Lowe

It’s a bit of a mad place

Ye Olde Bell is one of those wonderful dichotomies that on paper shouldn’t work. At its heart, it’s an old, historical venue, as the name suggests, dating back to the 17^th century. It rose to prominence because of its situation between north and south, and the growth of the postal service, whose horses needed a break halfway.

From the outside you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a steak house or similar. But it’s much more than that. It’s now also home to a very modern, beautifully-equipped state-of-the-art modern spa, with some new lodges as part of the accommodation offering, as well as the historical venue. It’s a mad mash-up, I’ll grant you. But it works.

So what did I do when I was there?

I travelled up from London on an Azuma LNER train on a Sunday, which was great. No messing about – on to the train, plenty of space, power sockets, decent seats. When it’s done right, trains are the nuts.

Arriving on a Sunday at Retford, which is a dinky little station, there were no taxis, so that’s something to be aware of. If you want a taxi, plan ahead. There is a helpful list of taxi numbers at the bottom of this article.

The Olde Bell was absolutely heaving when I got there, with a Rolls Royce luncheon bunfight, and a wedding, I think, all going on at the same time. I had thought I might have a roast, but no chance, absolutely booked solid.

I asked my smooth-talking bar steward for help, who recommended a local pub called the White Horse. “Tell them Billy sent you,” he said, “and you’ll be fine.”

Stonking plate of pie and mash at the White Horse

Found the pub fine, they all had a chuckle about Billy. Some shenanigans there, I think. And I sat down and had an utterly stonking plate of pie and mash, which was heavenly. Not for the first time I observed how different it is ‘up north’. Everyone so friendly and chatty – it sounds like a cliché but as with most clichés, it’s rooted in truth. Even the cabbie was nice.

And that was about my lot for Sunday. After the travelling, and enough carbs to sink a ship, I was done for. So I went to my room, in a beautiful, self-contained modern two-floor lodge, lay down and fell into a food coma. I’d been due to have dinner that night but I moved it to the following evening. It was a sensible move.

Read more: review of the Soho House Brighton Beach House restaurant

Heading to the modern spa

Sparkly spa entrance

God I love a spa. Having had a very relaxed evening and a very good breakfast at the Olde Bell’s 1650 restaurant, I couldn’t wait to get into the relaxation vibe. They have spa butlers! How cool? I wandered into the large, airy reception, through the sparkly hallway, and into the land of lounging.

I had treatments, of course. A massage at 11:15, which knocked me on my back. Or front, really. I love a good working over, and having settled into relaxation mode, the massage just about finished me off. I got up from the massage table in a very relaxed state, trying not to dribble and desperately hoping my legs would still carry me. And then I entered the ‘Sabbia Med’.

Now, I’ve had a few spa treatments in my life, but this is a first for me. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it – they have a room that is filled with sand, which plays gentle beachy sounds. Waves, bird noises etc. It’s low-lit, and warm, and has deck chairs.

Sabbia Med room

Did I like it?

Honestly, I don’t know. I was in there on my own, my feet in the sand, listening to the waves. I think for some people it might work. Me, I kinda sat there looking around a bit like a bored child, giggling to myself a bit.

I didn’t hate it, but found myself wondering if there was a camera watching the room and it became a bit Portmerion-like. I don’t want to say Prisoner-like, because obviously the door wasn’t locked. But I wouldn’t book it again. Some people might really like it though – it’s very ‘ambient’. Maybe another day I might be able to relax into the seaside noises. But anyway. Let’s move on.

The ‘real’ outside is a relaxing joy

…it puts Champneys to shame, to be honest. Much cleaner and newer too.

Having left the surreal beach room, I made my way for a good nose round the rest of the modern spa. Look at the lovely outside pool thing with all its bubbles and water features! It’s one of those inside/outside pools with jacuzzi features all round it, and the outside area is filled with gorgeous huts and fire pits. This is my happy place. I spent a fair bit of time just hanging out here, going in and out of the water, reading a book, and generally being incredibly indolent. 

One should also point out that there are a ton of other facilities, such as the steam room, snow storm walk, sauna, mineral mud rasul – there really is something for everyone here. I had a go in the steam room, and wish now that I’d tried the snow walk. But there is a lot of exceptional options here – it puts Champneys to shame, to be honest. Much cleaner and newer too.

The outside area of the pool spa bit

Inside part of the spa pool

I completely ate my own head off

Lunch at the spa was a stormer, courtesy of an unexpectedly sumptuous set menu – I had tandoori spiced fishcakes with pickles to start, followed by pork fillet wrapped in Pancetta with all sorts of rooty vegetable stuff.

Pork fillet wrapped in pancetta

I am ashamed to say I couldn’t manage pudding, but I did have the recommended vino, a very decent Gavi. Make a note – if you’re planning lunch at the spa, maybe go easy on the breakfast. And definitely do any kind of exercise before eating!

Back to historical venue for food

It seems astonishing I had room for food after lunch, but I gamely soldiered on in the name of research. Ever the professional.

Organic beetroot and juniper-cured salmon with wasabi mayo, followed by (off the specials board) calves’ liver with black pudding terrine and greens all found their way in. And it was as good as it looks in the photos. The food here is exemplary.

Did I have pudding? Well yes, behold your heroic reviewer! Bow down to my extraordinary ability to eat myself stupid. I picked another special, the warm blackberry bakewell tart with clotted cream ice cream.

Juniper cured salmon with wasabi mayo

Calves liver with black pudding terrine and greens. Photo: Sam Harrington-Lowe

Blackberry Bakewell tart with clotted cream ice cream

Finally, departure

Friends, I was unable to manage much at breakfast the next day. I didn’t want to have a coronary on the train home. I left the Olde Bell feeling very happy, very relaxed, and very reluctant to go.

HELPFUL DEETS

Rooms starting from £120 for one person per night in a small single. Expect to pay considerably more for a lodge or Superior Room, with suites and lodges hitting the £300-400 mark. Still good value, if you ask me.

Ye Olde Bell

The London North Easterly Railway service London Kings Cross to Retford prices vary massively.

LNER trains

Taxi rank at Retford

Taxi rank is immediately opposite station entrance. Advance booking is advisable. Local operators: Earlybird 01777 700678 (wheelchair accessible taxi available), Hinchcliffe’s 01777 702049, Shelley’s 01777 700108, Target Taxis 01777 248948 (wheelchair accessible taxi available).

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Ye Olde Bell Retford – where modern spa meets historical venue appeared first on Silver Magazine.