Checking in: Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, Devon
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Nestled in a lush green forest on the Devon-Dorset border and boasting breath-taking views of the Axe Valley, the Hawkchurch Resort & Spa is a haven of tranquillity.
This stunning retreat, which opened last year, comprises stylish upscale self-catering lodges, complemented with an impressive range of high-quality facilities including an on-site spa, relaxation areas, a restaurant and a well-stocked bar.
A welcome addition to the Hoseasons offering for 2016, it’s a staycation option that will prove popular with a wide range of clients, from families with children looking to explore the many attractions Devon and the Jurassic Coast have to offer, to couples seeking a relaxing spa break.
It’s a great base for groups too, particularly those seeking an activity holiday involving cycling, hiking, sailing or watersports.
Travel Daily UK checked into the Hawkchurch Resort & Spa in July. Here’s the low-down on our overwhelmingly positive experience.
The booking process
A few weeks after booking Hawkchurch Resort & Spa I was pleasantly surprised to receive a phone call from a member of staff wishing me a great holiday and asking if I had any questions. I don’t think this has ever happened to me before – and I travel to many places. A week before my stay I also received an email reminding me of my booking and prompting me to check what I should bring. Some self-catering options require guests to bring bed linen and towels so I clicked the handy link provided by Hoseasons to check if this was the case for Hawkchurch. Happily, all towels and linen were included – one less thing to worry about when packing for a break with two young children.
The arrival experience
Although Hawkchurch Resort & Spa is located in a rural area, it is easy to find, thanks to the detailed directions and Satellite Navigation information provided by Hoseasons prior to departure. On arrival, the only action guests are must take is to complete a very easy check-in procedure; just park up, provide reservation and car registration details to the friendly receptionist, sign in, and grab your keys. The reception is located in a contemporary but homely lodge, which also houses the spa, bar and restaurant. I’m a coffee lover and what caught my eye on arrival was that Hawkchurch serves Costa coffee at the bar – and grabbing my favourite skinny latte fast became my morning ritual. It’s a home comfort that made my stay even more enjoyable as coffee addicts might imagine.
The lodge
We (two adults, two kids) stayed in Coleridge Lodge featuring a spacious open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner, kitted out with comfortable sofas, a dining table for six and a more than adequate kitchen with a hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, kettle, toaster, fridge-freezer, washing machine and complimentary ‘welcome’ amenities including washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets etc. The crockery, utensils, glassware and pots and pans etc were all of a high standard. There were three generously-size bedrooms, two with a double bed and each with their own en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and the other with twin beds and a separate bathroom with a bath. Every bedroom had a TV in addition to the screen in the lounge room. To top off the offering, there was a large balcony leading from the lounge with awe-inspiring views of the Axe Valley. It was decked out with another large table and six chairs – the ideal spot for morning coffee or breakfast taking in the sunrise or for evening drinks and nibbles watching the sun set on the horizon.
The all-new contemporary lodge was spotless – no traces of former residents, as is often an issue with self-catering accommodation. It was well thought-out design wise, featured lots of wood-inspired interiors and was tastefully decorated in neutral, muted tones, with hard wearing but comfortable and tasteful fabrics. And if you do venture to Hawkchurch in the winter, there’s a very inviting fireplace, which conjures images of cosy nights in following an action-packed day in the countryside.
The on-site facilities
The Ezina Spa: Pitched as Devon’s newest and most exclusive spa, the facility offers a wide range of treatments for men and women including manicures, pedicures and full body treatments, from massages to body wraps. We didn’t try out these amenities with the kids in tow, but they looked very appealing and made for a perfect spa getaway. There are three treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, a sauna and Hammam-style steam room and a relaxation room. A well-equipped state-of-the-art-gym and fitness and pilates classes complete the wellness offering.
The Beeches Restaurant
Contemporary but cosy, Beeches is one of Axminster’s newest fine-dining restaurant and is open to the public as well as lodge residents. Start your evening with a drink at the bar with indoor or outdoor terrace seating, followed by a modern British dining experience. It’s a sophisticated bistro-style restaurant, but laid back too, which means children are welcome and the menu caters to palates of all ages. We can recommend the steak and cheese burger, the Devonshire ribeye with chips, vine cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and watercress, as well as the baked whole goats cheese and the carpaccio of beetroot, to name but a few of the dishes that whet our appetites.
What attractions are nearby?
Devon has something for everyone – Axminster, the Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis and historical Exeter are all on the doorstep. East Devon is also an area of outstanding natural beauty and a perfect place to explore the great outdoors, while there are plenty of attractions for kids, from pleasure grounds, water parks and donkey sanctuaries to caves, beaches and parks.
The overall experience
We could not fault our stay at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa. The accommodation and facilities were of a high standard, the staff were friendly, and the resort was well located, close to many attractions and areas of natural beauty. We liked the fact that we could enjoy a family meal in our lodge or on site at the restaurant if we didn’t fancy cooking. There were also plenty of great restaurants nearby, from fish and chip shops to the River Cottage Canteen and Deli, the brainchild of quirky British chef and TV personality, Hugh Christopher Edmund Fearnley-Whittingstall. However, if I could introduce one new element to Hawkchurch Resort & Spa it would be a children’s play area – there’s enough space for one and if it was close to the bar, the parents would spend more time there spending on food and drink. In terms of Hoseasons, the company handled the booking very professionally and I would not hesitate to book another holiday with the specialist again.
HOW TO SELL
What?
A selection of one-bedroom holiday homes and two-, three- and four-bedroom lodges (some offering outdoor hot tubs).
How much?
A three-night self-catering break at Coleridge Lodge, Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, which has three bedrooms and sleeps up to six people, is priced from £335. A seven-night stay is priced from £605. Hoseasons.co.uk
Travel trade incentives – prizes up for grabs
Agents currently have the opportunity to make their wishes come true with 12 chances to win one of eight great prizes as part of the latest Hoseasons ‘What would you wish for’ trade campaign. Virgin Experiences, a Fortnum and Mason Hamper and a Personal Shopping Experience are just some of the prizes up for grabs as part of the six-week giveaway. All agents need to do to be in with a chance of bagging one of the prizes is register every Hoseasons booking they confirm until September 25th, 2016.
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