We check into one of Pennyhill Park’s brand-new private spa cabanas - the ultimate in luxurious relaxation.
Angela Ward Brown
First impressions
Check-in was quick and easy. We were to receive a convenient text as soon as our bedroom was ready, so we left bags with the friendly reception team and headed for the pool…
Pennyhill Park’s heavenly-scented spa is considered one of the very best, and it’s easy to see why. It boasts several swimming pools, both inside and out, a multitude of thermal experiences, luxurious interiors, and various state-of-the-art features.
The most recent addition is a smattering of contemporary cabanas, four stylish structures designed to be a haven of privacy and luxury for two. Tucked away in the corner of the pretty, tree-dotted spa grounds, we were shown to our private cabana (exclusively ours from 9 am-9 pm) and were immediately impressed; it was sleek, spacious and beautifully designed.
Angela Ward Brown
My eyes fell upon the glimmering roll-top copper bath, complete with spa jets. There are two cushioned seating areas, a fridge stocked with soft drinks (all included), and tea and coffee-making facilities. There’s also plenty of storage space, a seemingly endless supply of fluffy towels, robes, and flip-flops, plus iced fruity water and even a goody bag from premium Spanish skincare brand Natura Bissé.
I immediately sunk into one of the deeply comfortable loungers and contemplated a swim in the beautiful outdoor pool that twinkled in the distance. The glorious sense of deep, luxurious relaxation was instant.
Angela Ward Brown
The experience
The chic cabanas are lined up closely next to each other, so I had concerns about feeling overlooked. However, clever, remote-controlled blinds on all three open sides meant that privacy (and extra shade) was readily available. As sun worshippers, the clever retractable roof was another godsend, or we could have rolled the loungers out onto the private deck, surrounded by lovely planting.
Having a private area to really settle into felt like a huge luxury. It provided the perfect base from which to explore the many delights of Pennyhill’s award-winning spa. We visited on a sunny Sunday in August, so it was understandably busy, but the spa is well-designed and spacious enough that it never felt crowded.
Angela Ward Brown
In the afternoon, I had an excellent and incredibly relaxing facial using Natura Bissé’s powerful, Vitamin C-loaded products. Afterwards, I floated back to our private cabana for a nap. Later, as the sun set, I bubbled away in our private outdoor tub with a glass of pink fizz in hand. It was nothing short of heavenly.
To complete our sumptuous spa experience, we spent the night in one of Pennhyhill Park’s deeply luxurious and supremely comfortable junior suites. We stayed in the recently redesigned ‘Sweet Pea’ - a staggering, split-level space complete with a king-size bed, its very own pool table and TWO huge slipper bathtubs side by side (complete with ‘Aquavision’ TV), so that you can continue the spa experience back in your room.
Angela Ward Brown
The menu
Food and drink can be ordered via iPad and delivered directly to your cabana—yet another indulgent delight. The fritto misto of Cornish squid was perfectly crisp and tender and came with tasty garlic mayonnaise, while the delicious jerk salmon, with wood-roasted vegetables and a fennel and cucumber slaw, was just the kind of fresh, flavoursome lunch one fancy when spa-ing.
In the evening, we ate at Hillfield, the hotel’s more relaxed offering (as opposed to its Michelin-starred option, Latymer). The modern British menu is hyper-local, sustainable, and high-welfare.
The food was absolutely delicious and exquisitely presented. We feasted on the likes of Cornish crab crumpet, and beautifully creamy Driftwood goat’s cheese with pickled strawberry, hazelnut and basil from the hotel’s kitchen garden. Another highlight was the sweet and succulent BBQ Cornish lobster, with Pink Fir potatoes, heritage carrot and a lobster and lemon verbena sauce.
Dessert was equally impressive, especially the baked Alaska – a silky Italian meringue, set alight at the table, filled and surrounded by the likes of raspberry and honey ripple ice cream, blood peach sorbet, poached peach and caramelised almond.
Whilst service was friendly and efficient throughout, it didn’t quite match the impressively high standards of the terrific food.
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Photos by @sophiefarrahwrites
What we liked...
Everything about our spa stay exceeded expectations. We loved the privacy and comfort of the cabanas and the luxurious feel of the hotel. Service was warm and friendly throughout, and the food was fantastic.
What we didn't...
The only snag is the high price tag, but the cost reflects the quality of the experience so we feel it’s worth splashing out for a special occasion, or just because!
Final thoughts
Pennyhill Park’s gorgeous new cabanas are the ultimate luxury and the most relaxing and indulgent way to experience Pennyhill Park’s truly sensational spa.
The bill, please
The Natura Bissé Summer Citrus Cabana Spa Break at Pennyhill Park starts at £1050 for two people staying in a cosy room. It includes bed and breakfast, full spa access, £75 allowance pp in Hillfield restaurant, a 60-minute Natura Bissé facial, gift bag and private cabana hire from 9 am - 9 pm on arrival day. Regular cabana spa days and breaks start at £720, based on two people sharing. Cabanas are available until Oct 27 and will reopen in spring 2025. exclusive.co.uk/the-spa-at-pennyhill-park/cabanas
