From a world-class spa to delectable dining options, this Georgian country house hotel is in a league of its own.
As the train approaches St Albans station, the window view becomes noticeably greener. A far cry from the hustle and bustle of central London, the air feels fresher out here and possesses an almost tangible stillness.
Sopwell House, the luxury hotel set amongst 12 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, allows its guests to get lost in more ways than one. With its sprawling grounds and onsite amenities, it has quickly become a popular destination for those seeking an escape from the city.
The history
Once the private residence of Lord Mountbatten, Sopwell House has amassed 300 years of history. Despite the passing of time, it has impressively maintained its original essence of Georgian grandeur, making it the perfect fusion of old and new.
Over the years, Sopwell has been a favoured, pre-match location for the England national football team. A corridor leading from the lobby to the spa has been decorated with framed, signed football shirts from various teams who have stayed at the hotel as a playful nod to their past visits.
The rooms
The property contains 128 rooms and suites, ranging from standard to deluxe.
We were fortunate enough to be staying in one of the Mews Suites, which are separate from the main house and located in the former stable block. You enter via electric gate and step into an exclusive, village-like space containing 16 suites. The beautiful garden area was designed by Ann-Marie Powell, the gold medal winner of the Chelsea Flower Show, and also contains a hydro pool (which can be used until midnight). Few sounds can be heard, save for the buzzing of a bee or the bubbling of the water feature, offering serenity in abundance.
Mews Suites sleep two adults and come equipped with all the bells and whistles, from the technologically impressive 40 inch television to the luxurious inclusion of ELEMIS toiletries. The interior aesthetic oozes countryside charm, with an autumnal colour palette and cosy fixtures including a leather armchair and fireplace.
Guests staying in a Mews Suite also gain exclusive access to all spa facilities at The Club At Cottonmill — an attraction so popular, that people travel from all over London just to pay a visit.
The spa
Sopwell’s spa is one of its biggest selling points, and for good reason. The award-winning Club at Cottonmill has been kitted out with cutting-edge technology and treatments, designed to revitalise guests to the nth degree. The space is expansive, spanning multiple levels with indoor and outdoor amenities. On the aquatic front alone, the space contains an indoor swimming pool, two vitality pools, and an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool. You’d almost be overwhelmed if it weren’t for the total sense of tranquillity that envelops you.
The spa contains an expansive number of treatment rooms (14 to be exact), though you’re still advised to book appointments well in advance due to popularity. Every last detail has been considered, right down to the Dyson hair dryers available in the changing rooms. There really is an all-encompassing sense of luxury here.
Treatments aside, the outdoor area might just be its biggest selling point. On a warm weather day, you really can’t fault the experience of basking in sun's glow while dipping in and out of various pools. Drinks can be ordered to your sun lounger by scanning a QR code and paying through your phone, taking the ‘do not disturb’ concept to an entirely new level. There is also a noticeable lack of children in this area, due to the spa’s no children under 16 policy.
The dining
The property has two onsite dining options to suit a range of whims; The Brasserie, a laid back venue serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and Asian-fusion outpost, Omboo.
The latter comes highly recommended for dinner plans with a dose of escapism. Maximalist interiors make for a fun and immersive dining experience - think rainforest-esque wallpaper, hanging greenery and low-lighting. While the aesthetics are eye-catching, it isn’t just smoke and mirrors. The menu, courtesy of executive chef Benny Lee, matches the energy with a vibrant explosion of flavour.
Divided into Field, Farm and Ocean, the offering covers everything from classic sushi rolls and sashimi to inventive takes like the wok-fried ribeye. Dishes are designed to share and arrive as and when they’re ready. This is great for people who don’t like to be kept waiting between courses, but it can lead to multiple plates on the table at once, so come hungry!
The nibbles and bites section offers a slew of smaller options, with the truffle spring rolls and fried chicken proving to be the perfect kickoff plates.
Having sampled a few dishes, it was clear that Omboo is one of those venues where you can’t really order incorrectly. That being said, some things were absolutely worth shouting about...namely the braised Berkshire pork belly with preserved mustard green. This is the best pork belly my friend and I had ever tasted, perfectly sufficient and juicy with plenty of punchy, sweet flavour. An absolute marvel.
The ambience here is very relaxed and staff are more than happy to provide suggestions based on your preferences. Despite the restaurant feeling full, we never felt rushed to finish our food, so there was plenty of time to graze over everything.
For a post-dinner nightcap, The Octagon Bar is worth popping into. With an ornately decorated marble-topped bar, leather barstools and moody lighting, the ambience is perfect for a late night tipple. The drinking den has been named after the shape of the octagonal-shaped room which sits in its centre, and much of the bar’s themes revolve around this shape. ‘A Righteous Princess’ is my drink recommendation, which sees tequila, citrus and grapefruit soda combine for the perfect fizzy and refreshing finish.
The verdict
The restorative power of just one night at Sopwell House is a testament to its charm. There is a reason people flock to this wonderful hotel, whether it be for a special occasion or a much needed dose of countryside air. No matter your reason for visiting, there is no better place for a touch of R&R just outside of London.
Current package offers
Autumn Pamper Break – from £295.00 per person per night
Overnight in Deluxe bedroom with breakfast
60-minute treatment
Dinner in the Brasserie or Omboo
Cocktail from Octagon bar per person
Autumn Club Break – from £380.00 per person per night
Overnight in Plush or Chic bedroom with breakfast
60-minute treatment
Dinner in the Brasserie or Omboo
Full Access to The Club at Cottonmill Spa facilities
Cocktail from Octagon bar per person
Suite Autumn Club Break – from £495.00 per person per night
Overnight in a Corner Suite or Mews bedroom with breakfast
60-minute treatment
Dinner in the Brasserie or Omboo
Full Access to The Club at Cottonmill Spa facilities
Cocktail from Octagon bar per person
Sopwell House
Address: Sopwell House, Cottonmill Ln, St Albans AL1 2HQ
Phone: 01727 864477
Bookings: https://sopwellhouse.co.uk/
