As my wife and I sat in a Jacuzzi with light rain falling on our faces, we couldn’t quite believe it.
We had just dropped off Cora, our 5-month-old daughter, at Calcot Manor’s colourful “Playbarn” – which accepts children of all ages – so we could have a few hours to chill in the heavenly spa.
The hot water of the Jacuzzi contrasted wonderfully with the cool early autumnal air, which was already turning leaves on the trees from green to shades of orange and red. A log fire burned a few meters away under a sheltered stone patio, adding to the ambience and giving guests a place to stay warm and relax either side of their dip. This is bliss, I thought to myself.
It was the first time we had left our “squidge” – who has recently learned how to squeal and roar at some decibels – with a non-family member. It felt bizarre, and my wife was understandably anxious, but I was giddy at the prospect of being able to go anywhere and do anything. “We’re free!” I exclaimed the moment we left the Playbarn. Younger guests can enjoy up to four hours in the Playbarn every day from 9:00am until 1:00pm or from 1.30pm until 5.30pm.
My wife and I had grand plans of playing disc golf and riding the hotel’s mountain bikes but in the end we decided the spa was exactly what we needed after 163 exhausting days of parenting. We had taken Cora swimming in the spa’s kiddy pool the day before but we felt like we needed to go back by ourselves, and do nothing, which is exactly what we did.
A place for parents to unwind We weren’t the only parents chilling in the sauna or full on sleeping in the relaxation rooms that morning. Weary mums and dads were everywhere, breathing a sigh of relief and unwinding as the Playbarn’s nannies took care of the little ones less than 200 metres away.
Our indulgent spa sesh was technically the second time we “escaped” our delightful baby during our one-night stay at Calcot Manor, a 14th century manor house set on 220 acres just outside the beautiful Cotswold village of Tetbury, in Gloucestershire.
The previous evening we’d managed to slink off and enjoy a sublime three course meal in The Brasserie – one of two eateries at the hotel. The other, The Hive, is more of an informal café lounge, offering up afternoon tea and cocktails.
As we sat in The Brasserie – feasting on seared scallops and perfectly cooked Chateaubriand, washing everything down with a well-rounded Malbec – we watched Cora fast asleep in her en-suite bedroom on a Wi-Fi enabled baby monitor that the hotel had provided us with. If she woke up in a rage or rolled over onto her front and got stuck face down (it’s been known to happen), we could see on the screen and be back in a flash. God bless technology.
The ultimate family suite
Cora was tucked up in our very secure family suite a short walk from the main house; it was a slight relief to be slightly separate due to Cora’s current noise levels. And what a place it was for her to be sleeping. The incredible two-storey suite reminded me of a very upmarket Center Parcs lodge.
Cora’s room was immediately to the left of the front door as we walked in. We knew it was her room the moment we arrived because her full name (Coralie) had been splashed across the bedroom door with magnetic letters by the hotel staff, which made us smile from ear-to-ear.
A travel cot was all nicely made up for her and there was a box full of baby gear including a changing mat, a bottle warmer, a steriliser, a bottle brush and some Fairy Liquid.
Opposite Cora’s room there was a lounge with a log burner and pile of novels nearby. I was desperate to get a fire going and curl up with a book but sadly time didn’t allow. And Mum was a bit concerned about me smoking the place out.
In the corner of the lounge, there was a kitchenette with a bread tin containing a sourdough loaf that you could smother in a selection of English jams, or marmite if that’s your thing. Other snacks on offer included Tony’s chocolate bars, as well as posh popcorn and crisps. Sadly there was no booze, but there were some tasty sparkling drinks, loads of tea and coffee, and even some hot chocolate. Everything was complimentary, and fully utilised for a pack lunch on checkout day.
Upstairs, the master bedroom was spacious and well equipped, with gadgets including one of those rather expensive Dyson hairdryers. Across the hallway, the family bathroom was substantial, boasting a large shower and a bathtub with a selection of colourful little buckets for Cora, and some Bramley baby wash.
I could have stayed for weeks but sadly we just had the one night.
As we said our farewells to the friendly staff at reception, we were handed a departure bag with a selection of sweets and some cans of water for the road.
I went for a final stomp around the 3km nature trail in the drizzle while Ally fed Cora in a plush lounge next to a fireplace. As I looked out over the rolling hills, searching for Belted Galloway cattle in the fields, I reflected on how liberating the stay had been.
Don’t get me wrong, we love Cora to bits. But sometimes, it’s nice for us both to part ways for a few hours. And any hotel that allows you to do that twice in 24 hours gets a thumbs up from me. Article by Sam Shead
