Travel review: Lucknam Park, Colerne

But, after a 'special' birthday a few years ago we decided not to spend money on Christmas and birthday pressies. Instead the three of us treated ourselves to an overnight break away.

That's how we came to visit Lucknam Park at Colerne, which is about six miles outside of Bath.

At first glance it ticked all the boxes with a five-star luxury hotel, spa and not one, but two rated restaurants – one Michelin-starred. An ideal way for us to get away from it all and have much valued 'girlie' time.

The approach to the house is down a beautiful driveway lined with beech trees and rolling green countryside stretching for miles.

You're then struck by the splendour of Lucknam Park – a Palladian mansion dating back to 1720.

From the moment you walk into this country hotel, you feel as though you are stepping back in time onto the set of a period drama, such as Downton Abbey.

The service was impeccable and we were immediately treated like ladies of the house.

The main house is the only original part of the building and it has been added to over the years. The extensions spreading from a courtyard were so sympathetically designed to that of the original building you just couldn't tell the difference.

The drawing room, library and Park Restaurant were elegant and the decor was luxurious. It was suggested we go along to the drawing room for pre-dinner drinks (duly noted). All the rooms are named after flowers and trees. Our deluxe classic rooms were tastefully decorated with antique furniture and oozed luxury.

Lucknam Park has 42 rooms, including 13 suites, and all of them have been individually designed. Refurbishment of the bathrooms in the rooms and suites at Lucknam Park was started in January and is still ongoing. Our bathroom was as equally stunning as the rest of the room with Anne Semonin toiletries, which had a wonderful citrus bouquet.

The view from our rooms was of the courtyard, which ran from the main house to the spa and brasserie.

The Daily Bulletin in our room listed the spa and wellbeing schedule, which included pilates and yoga, the spa treatment of the day, upcoming courses at the cookery school, walk of the day and places to visit.

After a quick workout at the gym, we hit the spa. All our trials and tribulations were washed away as we swam in the 20-metre indoor pool. A contemporary fire ran alongside the pool, giving you a warm glow. Four thermal cabins featuring Japanese Salt, Amethyst Room, Aromatic Steam and Sauna enticed us.

There was also both the indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pool. Again totally relaxing even though outside was a bracing, but bright February day.

We didn't venture to the outdoor salt water plunge pool.

Lucknam Park also has eight state-of-the-art treatment rooms including two deluxe suites and one double treatment room along with a Wellbeing House. Products such as Anne Semonin, Carita Paris and the organic range ILA are used for the beauty treatments and spa therapies.

Remembering the tip about pre-dinner drinks, we sat in the luxurious drawing room with beautiful drapes and a roaring fire. Two of us savoured the Lucknam Park Champagne Cocktail while the other enjoyed a Singapore Sling.

We eventually tore ourselves away from the fire for a meal in The Brasserie, which was in the spa building.

And what a contrast to the main building – we felt we had been transported through the decades.

The Brasserie, with its wood-fired oven and open kitchen, was contemporary. The mixture of wood and glass with creamy white armchairs added to the minimalist feel.

Lucknam Park has both the Michelin-starred The Park restaurant and also the less formal, but contemporary The Brasserie.

The meal at the latter was tremendous and the service impeccable. What particularly stood out for us was the chateaubriand with Béarnaise sauce and chunky chips followed by cinnamon dusted churros, vanilla marshmallow, rosewater meringue, and dark chocolate dip for dessert. After our relaxing meal we ventured back to the library for teas and coffees. Again we sank into the luxurious sofas and chairs feeling rested.

Breakfast was in the The Park restaurant. It's a beautiful room with luxurious furnishings and chandeliers. The sun shone through the window – the view from which the was stunning, across some of the 500 acres of listed parkland.

And breakfast was equally stunning. The eggs Benedict and eggs Royale were delicious.

Service in the restaurant was again top-notch.

Both of the restaurants pride themselves on being innovative and using local produce.

The quality of their food is illustrated by Lucknam Spa's Head Chef Ben Taylor recently being named National Chef of Wales and he was in good company as he was also up against his colleague Thomas Westerland, chef de partie.

In the grounds of Lucknam Park, there is an equestrian centre and also a cookery school.

The school offers a unique opportunity for anyone who enjoys cooking to perfect their skills and master new techniques through a variety of innovative courses led by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Hywel Jones.

The Equestrian Centre has 35 horses of all sizes and capabilities. It provides courses from complete beginners to the more proficient riders.

Lucknam Park was awarded the gold award for Best Large Hotel and Best Spa 2016 at the South West Tourism Awards last month and you can see why.

As we left the idyllic hotel and spa behind, we felt we had stayed there for more than just a night. We were so relaxed.

By Lisa Bailey