Boringdon Hall Hotel: ‘History meets holistic wellness on Dartmoor’s doorstep’
I pull into the long driveway at Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa on a bright, sunny afternoon – the kind that makes the Devon countryside glow. The grounds ooze classic English charm, as guests sip Pimm’s from striped deckchairs, or play croquet on the pristine lawn. The imposing Elizabethan façade, complete with stone mullions and turrets, sets the scene for a stay that’s both grand and grounding
Just a short drive from Plymouth, and a stone’s throw from Dartmoor, this historic manor combines centuries-old character with a quietly luxurious spa offering that’s ideal for a weekend of true restoration.
Staying at Boringdon Hall
The rooms
I checked into the Hypnos Suite, designed with rest and relaxation in mind. Calm, spacious and softly lit, it features a private terrace with a bubbling outdoor hot tub — the perfect place to unwind at golden hour. Inside, I found thoughtful wellbeing touches: a yoga mat, calming bath salts, and a lavender sleep spray that, along with the blackout curtains and supremely comfortable bed, helped me drift off into the deepest sleep I’d had in weeks.
Inside the spa
The real jewel of Boringdon’s wellness offering is the Gaia Spa. Beyond the hydrotherapy pool and state-of-the-art gym, there’s a salt steam room, herbal laconium, Finnish sauna, and crystal salt room, as well as outdoor hot tubs and serene loungers for peaceful post-treatment lounging.
I chose the 90-minute GAIA Everglowing Face & Body Treatment, which starts with a foot scrub before choosing a personalised oil blend to tailor the experience to your needs. From there, it’s all about letting go – with a gentle back cleanse, exfoliation and back and shoulder massage, followed by a cooling application of GAIA’s Strengthening Fitness Gel to ease any tension. A glow-boosting facial comes next, complete with exfoliation, mask, and a soothing neck and shoulder massage, before the treatment concludes with a grounding foot massage. It’s a top-to-toe treat that left me feeling lighter, brighter, and completely reset. Afterwards, I was guided to a private relaxation room, where I lay cocooned in quiet and calm, letting the effects of the treatment sink in.
The food
Dinner at Àcleaf, Boringdon’s Michelin-starred restaurant, is a must. Perched on a balcony above the candlelit Great Hall, it feels as if you’ve stepped back into a Tudor court. It’s here, after all, that historic guests including Lady Jane Grey and Queen Elizabeth I once dined.
The four-course tasting menu was a celebration of Devon’s finest seasonal produce. The seafood particularly sang here – perfectly cooked scallops and the sesame tuna were my personal highlights. Another unexpected delight was the local goat’s butter, drizzled with honey from the estate’s own beehives, which I’d passed earlier while strolling through the lavender-strewn grounds. The wine pairing menu added extra sparkle, with thoughtful selections from England, Japan, Australia and beyond. There are plenty of surprises woven throughout the evening – I won’t spoil them here – but it’s a meal to savour and remember.
For a more casual meal, The Mayflower Brasserie is a relaxed and welcoming space. I started with a zingy salmon gravlax with grapefruit sorbet, followed by tender veal with parmesan and truffle fries — generous, satisfying dishes, beautifully presented. These are the kind of plates that please a crowd but still feel elevated and thoughtful.
If you have room after the slap up breakfast served daily, there’s also an excellent afternoon tea served in the Great Hall – freshly made finger sandwiches, warm scones and delicate patisserie, served with a wide selection of teas.
Whether you’re seeking solo restoration, planning a walking holiday in the Devon countryside, or dreaming up a romantic break with someone special, Boringdon Hall & Spa offers the perfect escape – rich in history, steeped in comfort, and nourishing for body and mind.
Wellness rooms from £240 a night.*
*Prices correct at time of publishing
