Bovey castle – The Review
Set in the heart of Dartmoor is the fabulous 5 star Bovey Castle; something akin to a fairy-tale castle, this hotel is a mesmerising affair from the very moment you come through the gates of the grounds and as you pass along the sweeping driveway.
Bovey castle is also home to a wonderful 18 hole golf course; a course which explores some of the most fabulous parts of the extensive grounds.
One of the most enticing things to note about Bovey Castle is its status as the flagship SUNDÇ?RI Spa location, for the whole of the UK. The spa offers a vast array of top-end spa treatments – ranging from facials, to full body masks and massages. I was lucky enough to try one of the Hot stone massages and it was superb. Really top notch.
The spa staff were wonderful and made me feel comfortable, at ease and extremely relaxed. After my treatment I was so relaxed that I could barely stand, such was the skill of the masseuse. I left the spa walking on a cloud.
But back to the hotel itself!
The staff throughout the hotel were top class and took every precaution to ensure that every guest is made to feel welcome. The hotel communal areas ooze class. You can sit in the fabulous drawing rooms of the castle, either beside a fire or looking out onto the grounds, and you will feel a wave of utter pleasure flow over you.
I should also say that cream tea on the terrace is a must (starting from £14 PP).
The Rooms
As you would expect, the rooms are classy affairs and have a feeling of real grandeur and opulence. Soft colours and the most exquisite furnishings make for a room which you may not want to leave.
Junior state / family room is available from £449, room only, per night. Bovey`s top Grand State rooms are priced from £699 room only, per night.
Fine dining at the Edwardian Grill
The Edwardian Grill serves a selection of fine dining treats; you can gorge yourself on fresh line caught sea bass or locally reared lamb.
Sommelier was helpful, attentive and understanding of our needs. As I watched him move from table to table, he was more than happy to give all of the diners an in-depth explanation of each wine, or a quick recommendation, for those who knew what they wanted.
There was also an impressive cheese selection wheeled into the restaurant and it held a vast array of any cheese you could wish for – I was a bit gutted that I didn`t choose it!
A reasonably priced set menu is also available with two-courses for £19.95 or three courses for £24.95.
Additional activities
One of the biggest highlights of our stay was the complementary Falconry display, held at 10am and on the rear terrace. Our falconry expert, who took the display, was funny, accommodating and passionate about his work. His range of birds spanned from the beautiful, if not slightly dim, owl. To the fast and nimble falcons, we had a fantastic time. The hotel also offers other great activities, such as: Sloe Gin and cider making and archery, there really is a great choice of exciting things to do at Bovey Castle. There are also brilliant swimming and gym facilities, for the more active among us.
For more information, please go to: www.boveycastle.com
