My mum has received many Mother’s Day gifts from me over the past 20 something years – from the pasta shell covered cards of my Montessori days, followed closely by the bouquet of daffodils stolen from our neighbour’s garden, to some very dubious smelling rose petal perfume that she dotingly wore with pride.
But luckily for my mum the years of hand-made trinkets are over as I’m now of an age where my imagination (and my budget) allows me to think a little more extravagantly when it comes to showing her how much I care.
Which is why she found herself one sunny Friday afternoon on a First Great Western train, enjoying a G&T, as the beautiful English countryside rushed past. Her destination? Wyck Hill House Hotel and Spa in the heart of the stunning Cotswolds.
With snowdrops poking cautiously through the ground, rabbits gamboling on the green banks, and the late afternoon spring sun glancing off the windows, Wyck Hill is a welcome sight for city sore eyes! The main house itself is a lush mix of sweeping staircases and oak panelled walls, combined with avant garde flower displays and ultra modern metallic wallpaper.
Our home for the night was not in the main house, but just a short stroll along a charming garden path leading to the old orangery. Our room was the epitome of country chic, but without a doubt the most impressive feature was the stunning double doors that flooded the room with light. Opening directly onto our own private terrace, the wicker sun loungers proved the perfect spot from which to watch the sun go down as we sipped on a chilled glass of Chablis.
Dressed for dinner, we headed for drinks in the bespoke open air humidor. Despite the impressive whisky and wine selection, a Kir Royale was our tipple of choice – like mother like daughter.
Dinner was served in the AA 2 Rosette award winning restaurant, where I persuaded my mum to dismiss her diet for the evening and tuck into a lavish four course dinner. A refreshing amuse bouche of leek soup with apple crisp was the first thing to grace out lips – compliments of the chef. To start I opted for the air dried ham with Manchego cheese and honey roasted black figs, whilst my mum selected the crab, ginger and coriander cakes dressed with tomato and caviar.
For mains, the fillet of Hereford Cross beef could not have been more succulent and delicious, whilst my mum’s choice of sea bass in a shellfish cream sauce accompanied by saffron potatoes was eliciting sighs of delight even from me, a self confessed non fish fan. Pudding was to be shared owing to our joint love of all things chocolate, and the milk chocolate ganache with passion fruit mousse and a side of chocolate macaroon did not fail to disappoint.
The next day we headed to the Elemis Spa in the depths of the house for some much needed pampering. Dressed in deliciously fluffy white robes, we were ushered into the ‘Relaxation Room’ onto day beds swathed in burnt gold chiffon where icy mineral water and the latest glossy magazines awaited us. I had opted for the Herbal Lavender Repair Facial, with my mum choosing the Visible Brilliance Facial.
With the scent of lavender in the air lulling me into a calming daze, the cool hands of my therapist worked and massaged their way over my skin; ending in the most heavenly hand and arm massage I believe I will ever have the privilege of experiencing. My mum emerged from her own treatment in a similar state, feeling renewed, refreshed, and of course looking ten years younger.
The Mother’s Day experience at Wyck Hill is undeniably an incredible way to spoil your mum, but the best part is simply spending some rare time together in one of the most beautiful and peaceful locations in England. In fact why wait until Mother’s Day for your visit, a weekend at Wyck should be mandatory at least once a month – happily my mum agrees with me.
Wyck Hill House Hotel, Stow-on-the-Wold, The Costwolds, Gloucestershire, GL54 1HY
