Why go abroad for some R&R when there is a plethora of family-friendly wellness staycations at home waiting to be discovered.
Words: Sophia Charalambous
The City stay: The Store
In a city with so much history it seems only fitting that the new opening The Store be located at the site of the former Boswells, one of the oldest department stores in the world. The design is an homage to Boswells, cosy snugs to discover as if they were concessions – a bar, a co-working space, a lounge area. The Store with a modern art deco style evokes a sense of humble grandeur; just look outside the window to spy Oxford University colleges – Balliol, Trinity, St Peters. With 101 rooms, the intimate space allows hotel staff to really get to know their guests, and it doesn’t take long to feel truly welcome; toys for the children sourced from the Natural History Museum Oxford as well as books and book vouchers went down a storm. For couples or friend groups, the over 21s rooftop bar is where you can absorb the breath-taking views of the city of dreaming spires while sampling a cocktail or two including four signatures (definitely try the tequila and mezcal combo called Modern Education).
Dinner is at Treadwell, named after the famous 19th century Treadwell Passage. The “untraditionally British” menu, as they like to call it, features standout dishes such as the Ruby Murray chicken pie, which will make you rethink all the curries you’ve ever had. Also, don’t miss the yuzu hollandaise on the breakfast menu with the poached egg dishes. Then, just when you think you have seen it all, the Spa at The Store takes you completely by surprise – a hidden sanctuary, with Nordic-style gym, yoga classes, sound baths by appointment, sauna, steam room, relaxation loungers. This is paired with the incredible Oskia treatments for the face and body, where therapists are only too happy to tailor to your specific needs, blending traditional technique with scientific innovation. So central, you’ll barely need a map to find it from either the train station or nearby car parks, this is the city stay you've been waiting for.
From £285 per night, thestoreoxford.com
The coastal stay: The Nici
Places like The Nici are enough to make you rethink your summer holidays abroad; on a bright summer’s day, looking out onto the sea from the terrace or bedroom window, it is easy to think you’re on one of the rivieras. Positioned right on the coast, beside Bournemouth’s West Cliff, this recently refurbished hotel ticks all the boxes for families, friends, couples and solo travellers. The star attraction is the 30-metre heated outdoor pool with its Miami vibes but in fact it’s all Instagram-friendly, from the flattering circular mirrors in one the 88 bedrooms, to the eye-catching artwork and accents of gold ornaments. The spa, a welcomed new addition, has an 18-metre heated indoor pool, and the must-have sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, gym and classes room. Oskia and OTO CBD feature in a range of treatments and the Nici Signature treatments are a must for anyone looking to dial up relaxation to its max, especially with a quiet lie-down down in the dimly lit relaxation room after.
Those with kids will not miss out; a proudly-family friendly hotel, there are so many options from the kids’ space downstairs, cinema room, activity centre with paddle boards – there’s also the Children’s Pavilion launching this summer for craft, music, even a children’s entertainer. Food is taken care of by South Beach Bar & Restaurant (also available as indulgent room service) and features crowd-pleasing favourites such as Caesar salad, a rib-eye steak, burger and lobster, and desserts such as pineapple tart tatin to inject a bit more of the tropics into your British seaside stay. Not to mention the hotly anticipated beachside restaurant Old Harry Rocks, due to launch soon, which is sure to draw in a crowd.
From £175 per night, thenici.com
The country stay: Four Seasons, Hampshire
It is extremely difficult to find a luxury staycation that can accommodate families, friend groups, work trips and couples, but Four Seasons Hampshire has mastered it. Excursions, canal trips, horse-riding, bike rides, you name it, this hotel can do it. There is a room or suite for everyone be it king beds, single beds (all with their infamous Signature Mattress and bedding) sofa beds or cots for children. From the welcome message on the mirror and homemade pastry on the dining table, this is a place that pays attention to detail. So much so, kids get a passport at reception to collect stamps around the hotel, which results in a prize at the end. One of the places to collect a stamp is the spa, complete with a 20-metre conservatory-style pool linked to an outdoor vitality pool, gym, treatment rooms, and of course, Sharkie’s Reef teaming with kids enjoying the bubble jets and four-metre slide.
New treatments from Dr Barbara Sturm and 111 Skin are a must as well as the Ni Putu signature massage, where Balinese lead therapist Yuni has devised a treatment using traditional Balinese technique alongside oils from flowers picked on the estate – think foot bathing, a stretching massage and a hot towel neck stretch. For women, the separate sauna and steam room is a welcomed touch. Nearby, at the on-site equestrian centre, there is an opportunity to pet miniature Shetland ponies Milo and Dougal, and collect another stamp. Head back to the hotel via the gelato shop where they make gelato including honey and plum flavours made from produce on the estate. That will whet your appetite for Wild Carrot, another stamp spot, which celebrates Britain’s culinary heritage. The menu even lets you know what has been locally sourced. Breakfast even has a whole section of homemade compote and jam, and honeycomb fresh from the estate hive. Dinner highlights include the hand-picked Cornish crab tart, native lobster calamarata and lime and banana sticky toffee pudding.
From £750 per night, four seasons.com
