MANY hotels claim to be big on wellness, but the recently-opened Cotswolds escape Hyll has mastered it.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Where is Hyll?
Buried deep in the Cotswolds countryside, near Chipping Campden and fancy members clubs like Soho Farmhouse, Hyll is undoubtedly as stylish as its plush neighbours – only you won’t need to sell out for an extortionate members fee.
Named after the old English word hill, meaning elevated piece of ground, rural views are pretty spectacular from this retreat’s high perch.
There’s a car park on site or the hotel can arrange transfers from the train station.
What’s it like?
Not just a hotel, Hyll is more of a sanctuary where guests are gently encouraged to switch off – whether that’s with a board game in front of a freshly-stoked fire or with a scenic stroll around the 60 acres of manicured grounds.
Views are just as gorgeous from within the Grade-II listed 14th century manor house thanks to its original stone frame, timber beams and framed artwork that wouldn’t look out of place in a French farmhouse.
What are the rooms like?
The 26 unique bedrooms (some in the main house and some in the courtyard) feel homely yet luxurious with plump feathered cushions, freestanding bathtubs and chic coffee table books.
If the strict colour palette of neutral browns and sandy tones doesn’t soothe you, a guided yoga nidra (a type of specific relaxation yoga) session sure will.
A series of wellness videos have been designed exclusively for hotel guests and are text to your phone ahead of bedtime.
What is there to eat and drink?
Eat in the dining room, living room, outside or wherever you please, thanks to the laid back “mi casa, su casa” ethos.
Dinner relies on local ingredients sourced from nearby farms, mills and distilleries.
Star dishes include Briar Hill Farm hogget served with salsa verde and baklava tart soaked in the hotel’s own honey.
Post dinner, retire to the marshmallow-like sofas next door with a book and signature cocktail – I liked the yuzu and plum sour, both tart and sweet.
Non-drinkers are catered for, too, with a decent selection of no and low cocktails including a sharp No-groni.
Breakfast is a farm-style mix of homemade granola and hot options like full English and scotch woodcock (scrambled eggs on toast, topped with salty anchovies) both on the menu.
Breakfast hampers can also be delivered straight to your bed.
What else is there to do?
Small books labelled ‘Do Nothing’ and ‘Do something’ are left on bedside tables with suggestions on how to fully embrace and unwind in the Cotswolds nature.
In-room massages can be booked on request and dogs are welcome in certain bedrooms and throughout living rooms and restaurants in the main house.
The essence of the place, in general, is to do very little.
I’d recommend just kicking back with a book – each of the three lounge areas are kitted out with bookshelves and artsy side tables covered in fiction and non-fictions reads that you can borrow for the duration of your stay.
Thanks to a partnership with Borzoi Books, these are refreshed on a monthly basis.
You can even arrange to take a book home with you, for a fee.
How much are rooms at Hyll?
Rooms cost from £210 per night including breakfast.
Is Hyll family friendly?
Kids are welcome but it’s not the most child-friendly of places.
Cost and additional child beds are available on request, however.
Is there access for guests with disabilities?
Although, staff are always on hand to help, Hyll is not the ideal place for wheelchair users.
Given the historic property is Grade II listed, a lift cannot be installed and therefore bedrooms are accessed via stairs.
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