Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House

You’ve aligned your mind and soul in the spa. Now it’s time to enhance the wellbeing of your body in the gym. Make sure you’ve packed your leggings, because crushing your fitness goals feels like a breeze in this inspiring space. 

Flooded with natural light from vast Georgian windows that overlook the gardens, you’ll find zoned areas for cardio, weights and training. The world-class gym is equipped with the latest Technogym ‘Artis’ line of cardio strength and training machines which let you track your training to give a 360-degree view of your wellness.  

Like to reconnect as you workout? Join a group class. There’s spinning, Pilates, HIIT and yoga on offer, along with dance fit and Tabata. More intimate lessons can be had in subdivided areas with atmospheric lighting to energise or soothe your mood.

You’ve pampered yourself at the spa. Now it’s time to truly indulge with the heavenly food and drink experiences to be had within the Georgian surroundings of Sopwell House. 

The Cocktail Lounge

For pre-dinner drinks and light bites, the fabulous Cocktail Bar is well-worth dressing up for. With bags of character provided by stained-glass windows, towering bookcases and statement fireplaces, you can sit up at the ornate marble topped-bar while attentive staff mix you something fruity. Prefer to get cosy? Then sink into large velvet armchairs and enjoy the fire.

The Brasserie

Lazy lunches, delicious dinners, decadent afternoon teas. They’re all on offer at the vibrant Brasserie. Light and airy with a contemporary feel, the open plan kitchen adds to the relaxed vibe. Serving an all-day menu fusing British and Mediterranean cuisine, there are daily specials and an all-important Sunday roast.

Omboo

From its Spa to the Club, Sopwell House is all hedonism. Asian restaurant Omboo fits perfectly into the mix, bringing a touch of glamour to proceedings. Decked out with dark wooden tables, leafy wallpaper and zesty pops of colour throughout, it feels chilled-out yet buzzy. Indulge in sharing platters inspired by the spice routes of Asia, but don’t expect your food to arrive all together. The philosophy here is “when ready” - dishes are simply delivered to your table fresh out of the kitchen.

It sure does. The 14.5m heated indoor swimming pool is atmospherically lit and ideal for either energising laps or a relaxingly therapeutic soak. There are also two vitality pools to explore, as well as a sauna and steam room. Or just relax with your book in the poolside relaxation area or on the terrace.

It’s about a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride away. St Albans is well worth a visit as it’s jam-packed with things to do. The enormous cathedral is the city’s tourism highlight, closely followed by numerous attractions that unearth a rich history from the Roman-era.

Sopwell House has 128 bedrooms and suites in total, 16 of which are individually designed, exclusive Mews suites, Originally stable blocks, they have private courtyards, sunken spa baths and beautiful botanical gardens.

Expect to sleep peacefully whichever room category you choose. Duck feather duvets drape on super king-sized beds while some rooms offer balconies overlooking the grounds. Immaculate en-suite bathrooms all boast bespoke design vanity units and Elemis toiletries.

Check-in is after 3pm, and check-out time is before 11am. Late check-out is available at extra cost, while early check-in is available on request, subject to availability. You are welcome to leave luggage in the luggage store prior to check-in.

The dress code for dining at Omboo is smart-casual - you can choose to dress up or dress down. Jeans and smart trainers are welcome, but sportswear is frowned upon!

Sort of. The hotel accommodates children of all ages, but there are access restrictions in Cottonmill. The Spa is open for use to those aged 18 years and over. Those aged between 16 and 18 can use the Spa if accompanied by an adult, and have access to a selected treatment menu. They do make an exception during the Christmas holidays when there are specific children’s splash times.

Cots for babies can be placed in room categories Executive and above, however you’ll need to provide the bedding. Junior Suites and Balcony Suites can accommodate two adults and two small children aged 4-12 years. 

Children can dine in the Brasserie where a children’s menu is available, but Omboo is only suitable for children over 12. 

But the hotel is perfectly positioned for some child-friendly activities. Kids will adore nearby Willows Activity Farm, while your little history buffs should head to the Roman Verulamium Museum in St Albans.

Best to leave the four-legged friends at home – only guide dogs allowed.

No – Sopwell House doesn’t have a golf course on-site. However the historic Verulam Golf Club is right next door, perfect for those who like to pamper and par. Visitors are welcome to try the challenging par 72 course, designed by James Braid in 1905.