Driving into Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa is an experience that immediately takes your breath away.

The grand 16th-century manor rises majestically before you, framed by the vibrant last roses of summer and the brilliant autumn hues of the surrounding trees. It feels like a dreamscape, a magical place where time stands still - perfectly fitting for a hotel whose name, “Boringdon,” is derived from the Saxon "Burth-Y-Don," meaning "enchanted place on the hill." The Nettleton family, who purchased the estate in 2011, have truly brought it back to its former glory, transforming this historic building into a luxurious five-star hotel complete with an incredible spa and dining experiences that are nothing short of world-class.

The moment we arrived, we were greeted warmly by Alex at reception, who offered us a refreshing peach lemonade and walked us through our itinerary with infectious enthusiasm. Alex’s deep knowledge of the hotel’s rich history, the surrounding Dartmoor walks, and his love for the area made us feel like we were entering a truly special weekend. It was the perfect welcome to this extraordinary place.

Our stay in the newly opened Wellness Suites exceeded all expectations. These rooms are designed with relaxation and well-being at the forefront, with a perfect blend of contemporary design and natural textures that create such a serene space. The attention to detail was impeccable, from the plush dressing gowns to the coffee machine, minibar and Wi-Fi. But what truly set the room apart were the GAIA skincare products, which I instantly fell in love with. From the luxurious salts and oils next to the freestanding bath at the foot of the bed to the hair and skincare essentials in the bathroom, every detail was the epitome of indulgence. The pillow mist beside the bed was an especially soothing touch, and I can’t wait to order the entire collection for home.

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Boringdon Hall’s commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the hotel, but perhaps most impressively in the living moss walls within the wellness wing. These stunning installations purify the air naturally, removing pollutants and creating a serene, healthful environment for guests.

On Friday evening, we dined at the Mayflower restaurant, where we were treated to an incredible vegan three-course meal. Naomi, our wonderful hostess, couldn’t have been more accommodating and guided us through the menu with expert recommendations. We started with Celeriac Pastrami, accompanied by a tangy tomato chilli chutney and a hint of truffle. The smoky, earthy flavour of the celeriac paired perfectly with the sweetness and heat of the chutney, while the truffle added an indulgent depth. For the main course, we savoured a Beetroot Wellington, served with roasted summer vegetables and a rich Madeira sauce. The earthy sweetness of the beetroot was beautifully balanced by the bold flavours of the sauce, and the crisp pastry provided the perfect texture contrast. Dessert was an absolute highlight - rum-infused pineapple with banana sorbet and cinnamon sugar. The pineapple had a subtle warmth from the rum, while the sorbet was light and refreshing, with just the right amount of spice from the cinnamon. From start to finish, the dishes were both visually stunning and bursting with flavour, thanks to locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. We were also introduced to Mike, the ops manager, who was another wonderfully welcoming presence and clearly passionate about his role in making Boringdon Hall the remarkable place it is. We even discovered the secret entrance to the back bar - a must-explore for anyone visiting!

Saturday morning’s breakfast at the Mayflower was another delight. We enjoyed chia seed pudding with blackberry compote, fresh fruit, and pastries, followed by a hearty vegan full English breakfast. The fresh fruit juices and warming latte were the perfect start to our day, fuelling us for a day of relaxation ahead.

The highlight of our weekend had to be the Gaia Spa, nestled within the historic estate. Named after the Greek goddess of nature, Gaia Spa is truly the most beautiful spa I have ever visited. It’s pristine - flawless, really - with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer tranquil views of the surrounding greenery. Inside, the design is equally stunning, with a crystal salt steam room, herbal sauna, experience showers, and outdoor hot tubs. The interconnecting outdoor hydrotherapy pool is a real treat, allowing you to swim from inside to out. I was treated to the Gaia Calming Experience, expertly administered by the lovely Natalia. The treatment was pure bliss - a back, neck, and shoulder massage to ease tension, followed by a soothing scalp, hand, and arm massage that left me completely relaxed. Afterward, I rested in the serene relaxation room, sipping on hydrating cold drinks and herbal teas.

On Sunday evening, we capped off our stay with a visit to Boringdon Hall’s crown jewel: the Michelin-starred and 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Àclèaf, led by the incredible head chef, Scott Paton. Welcomed by James, we were seated on a balcony overlooking the stunning architecture of the main hall, setting the tone for a truly unforgettable dining experience. We began with a glass of Gusbourne, England’s most-awarded sparkling wine, and from there, each course was a masterpiece. I opted for the vegan goat’s cheese with blackberry and pecan to start, followed by squash with sage and almond. Each dish was beautifully presented and rich with seasonal flavours. The potato, mushroom, and haricot blanc course was a perfect balance of textures, while the vegan chocolate, Michel Berger, and pistachio dessert was an indulgent finale. Even the pre-dessert, which involved a playful table game, added a fun, immersive touch to the evening. The entire dining experience was extraordinary, from the impeccable service to the exquisite flavours. We were left speechless by how special it all felt.

I cannot praise Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa highly enough. They have perfected every detail, from the warm, personal service to the luxurious amenities and breathtaking dining experiences. Having stayed in many five-star hotels around the world, I can confidently say this is the best I’ve ever experienced, and we’ll definitely be returning. If you’re looking for a magical autumn escape, Boringdon Hall & Spa is absolutely the place to be.

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Book your stay at https://boringdonhall.co.uk

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