Elysium Magazine is always in search of a place to relax, unwind and tune-up to ensure the discerning gent is ready for anything. We visited The Felbridge Hotel and Spa in West Sussex to tell you how the recent refurbishment has enhanced the hotel and its comforts.
The Location
The Felbridge Hotel and Spa is based in East Grinstead, West Sussex that is an ideal location for a relaxing getaway. It is about 40 minutes from London by road or train and is a tranquil and secluded location. Coming in from Gatwick airport? It will take you only 10 minutes or so to get to the hotel. There is plenty of parking to accommodate guests as well as spa-seekers that visit for the gym facilities, and the restaurant guests.
The hotel has 120 rooms that range from standard doubles to junior suites – all designed for comfort and relaxation. Having arrived early, we were greeted warmly and were only required to wait a few minutes before the room was ready. Excited we had a quick walk around the vicinity – it was a great location and the fact that there was a wedding taking place during our stay was evidence of that. The photographer was using every visual feature, especially in the gardens was testament to the serene design.
The tennis courts are perfect for those staying at the Felbridge over a weekend – and its popular. There is a booking system to ensure everyone gets to benefit from the courts – subject to the weather of course!
The Room
The rooms are spacious and there are plenty of rooms to choose from. The hotel is deceivingly large, corridor after corridor connects the hotel to the spa and restaurants.
We had a fantastic view of the gardens from our room, which was equipped with the usual fixtures and features. We were also pleased that the spa influence had moved into the rooms, with Elemis toiletries as standard. We settled into the room easily, it was spacious, comfortable and quiet. Exactly what we were looking for from a weekend to rest and recharge.
The Spa
The Chakra Spa has a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. There is a seating area outside the pool and you can order drinks directly to this area using the spa phone.
The spa itself is small but it has the basics you would expect when you need to recharge. The swimming pool is a well-designed feature of the spa, unique in setting and certainly popular. The spa itself was frequently visited by members of staff who were going back and forth from the restaurant to deliver drinks and nibbles to the hungry spa goers.
Eager to try out one of the treatments on offer from the spa, we settled for a massage. The service from the staff was great – constantly ensuring we were aware of how the procedures would take place, the timings and whether we wanted any refreshments after the treatment. The massage itself was refreshing – the rooms and ambience was perfect to unwind. It was a perfect way to set us up for dinner; hungry we tried out the hotel’s fine dining restaurant Anise.
The Food
Anise was quiet when we arrived but around 9pm more and more peopled decided to turn up for dinner. The menu was simple in selection but certainly provided a refreshing combination of dishes for meat eaters and vegetarians.
We tried the Seared Diver Scallops (Cheese and Bacon Beignets, Sweet Potato Puree) which were presented well. It was a simple but tasty starter that was a great introduction to what we would expect the main to live up to.
The Tasting of “Hogget” Lamb (Cured Ham wrapped Fillet, Thyme infused Saddle & Sweet Breads served with Root Vegetable Dauphinoise) was a great treat. The position was fair and the quality of the meat was perfect. The waiter pro-claimed it was one of his favourites and we could tell why. The combination of the lamb and the sides were clever – the result was great satisfaction.
We also tried the Glazed Lobster Thermidor (Sautéed Potatoes, Wilted Spinach, Baby Fennel with a Lobster Foam) which was presented maliciously. It certainly caught the other guest’s attention and was certainly one for our Instagram. The actual dish itself was not as tasty as the lamb, it was, again, clever and the spinach and fennel went perfectly with the lobster foam.
A dark chocolate and cherry cake set us up nicely for the end of the evening. It was a traditional combination of chocolate and cherry, which was done perfectly. The portion, in comparison to the mains, was generous. Those with a sweet tooth will not be disappointed.
Verdict
The Felbridge Hotel and Spa is a great hotel with friendly staff who welcome guests at every opportunity. The hotel is ideally located for a weekend away from the busy and hectic London or for those coming in from Gatwick airport. The facilities provide for the relaxation you demand. The spa facility itself is limited to the basics but the treatments are certainly worth visiting for. The dining experience provides two options and the Anise restaurant certainly has a big following. Awarded ‘Best Eating Experience in Sussex’ in the Sussex Food & Drink Awards.
Room: 4/5
Location: 4/5
Dining: 3.5/5
Spa: 3/5
Details
The Felbridge Hotel & Spa
London Road
East Grinstead
West Sussex
RH19 2BH
Phone: 01342 337700