Standing proudly within 120 acres of manicured parkland and serene woodland, Pennyhill Park is Surrey’s quintessential luxury retreat.
Pennyhill Park — the ivy-clad 19th-century country house hotel — perfectly balances historic charm with contemporary sophistication, creating a setting where indulgence, tranquillity, and exceptional service meet. Famed not only for its award-winning spa but also as the official training ground for England Rugby, Pennyhill Park offers an experience that goes beyond a simple getaway. Whether visiting for a night of relaxation, or an extended retreat, guests will find themselves immersed in an atmosphere designed for pure escapism.
First Impressions
From the moment we arrive, Pennyhill Park impresses with its grandeur. The sweeping driveway, elegant façade, and welcoming staff set the tone for a luxurious stay. With 124 uniquely designed bedrooms and suites, the hotel offers an exceptional level of comfort and individuality. Many rooms feature opulent touches such as four-poster beds, freestanding baths, walk-in showers, and private terraces overlooking the grounds. We were staying in the The Goodwood Room — a Luxe Junior Suite overlooking the spa — which blends classic countryhouse charm with modern comforts. Think: a spacious layout, plush furnishings, and serene views of the surrounding estate.
A Relaxed Afternoon Of Dining And Leisure
After check-in, many guests choose to begin their experience with a relaxed lunch in the hotel restaurant. We started our stay with a glass of sparkling wine, paired with a charcuterie board in the sunlit dining room. The menu celebrates locally-sourced produce and culinary creativity, delivering dishes that are as visually stunning as they are flavourful.
Following lunch, the afternoon lends itself to unwinding in the spa or lounging by the outdoor pool. With sunshine glinting off the water, and acres of tranquil woodland surrounding the property, it’s easy to feel a world away from everyday life.
The Spa Experience
At the heart of Pennyhill Park lies its crown jewel: the award-winning, 45,000 square foot spa. Designed as a sanctuary of wellness, it offers over 20 thermal and sensory experiences, including herbal saunas, aromatic steam rooms, a tepidarium, an ice cave, and outdoor hot tubs. Guests can glide between the indoor and outdoor pools and take part in fitness classes before refueling at the spa café.
The 111SKIN Ultra-Anti-Aging Facial
For those seeking a more transformative experience, Pennyhill Park’s new partnership with 111SKIN brings world-class skincare treatments to the spa. The Black Diamond Ultra-Anti-Aging Facial is the most opulent option, drawing on the British cosmeceutical brand’s Intensive Collection to deliver dramatic results.
This luxurious treatment begins with gentle exfoliation to reveal a smoother, more even complexion. Advanced formulas, enriched with renewing and brightening actives and delivered through Fine Diamond Particles and 111SKIN’s patented NAC Y²™ technology, penetrate deeply to rejuvenate the skin. A combination of Wrinkle Minimising Wand application and deep facial muscle massage techniques lift, firm, and sculpt along the natural contours of the face, leaving skin visibly youthful and radiant.
Experienced therapists, many of whom have been part of the spa team for over a decade, ensure each treatment feels both indulgent and results-driven. Guests emerge feeling rejuvenated, and ready to enjoy the rest of their stay with skin bestowed with a fresh glow.
After Dark
As evening falls, Pennyhill Park transforms into a culinary destination. The hotel’s restaurants offer menus rooted in a farm-to-fork, nose-to-tail ethos, using high-welfare ingredients sourced locally in Surrey and, whenever possible, from Pennyhill Park’s own gardens. From à la carte breakfasts to hearty Sunday roasts and award-winning Hillfield gin & tonics dining here celebrates both flavour and sustainability.
After dinner, we retreated to our luxurious room for a restful night’s sleep, lulled into slumber by the quiet beauty of the estate.
Morning Calm
Early risers often take advantage of the spa’s tranquil atmosphere in the morning before breakfast. Floating in the hydrotherapy pools or unwinding in one of the many thermal rooms feels especially serene as daylight filters through the floor-to-ceilings windows. After a final stroll through the manicured grounds, it’s time to leave (reluctantly) but with a sense of renewal and wellbeing that lingers long after departure.
The Ultimate Escape
Pennyhill Park isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an experience designed to immerse guests in timeless luxury. From its historic country house charm, to the world-class spa and transformative 111SKIN treatments, every detail is curated to provide relaxation, indulgence, and a true sense of escape.
For those seeking an idyllic retreat just 45 minutes from London, whether for a romantic getaway, solo wellness escape, or a weekend of pampering Pennyhill Park remains one of the UK’s most refined destinations for sybaritic bliss.
The Black Diamond Ultra-Anti-Ageing Facial costs £280 for 90 minutes.
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