The Cheshire Magazine team took a couple of days away for some much needed R&R across some of the most alluring hotels in the UK

Joann Khatib discovers serenity in silence in The Cotswolds

Silence. Beautiful, glorious, incredibly underrated silence is what you’ll hear as you settle into your contemporary lodge at the stunning Feldon Valley. Better yet, the pure bliss of not hearing rushing cars and angry honking, is fittingly accompanied by the exquisite ceiling-to-floor window views over

the 105-acre golf course, all set in the beautiful Cotswolds countryside. Having made the journey from the bustling city on a Saturday morning, my partner and I couldn’t quite believe how we’d managed to transport ourselves into such serenity.

Having recently opened – in May of this year, everything at The Lodge is sparkling new, and every last comfort has been considered, down to coffee pods and luxurious robes. The Main Lodge houses 13 trendy en-suite bedrooms, with easy access to the coffee bar, a tranquil lounge and extended patio overlooking beautiful scenic views. Meanwhile, down past some charming woodland, you’ll find four individual lodges – complete with lounge and kitchenette – for those seeking complete privacy.

With no real distractions around, including the deliberately missing TV in your room, Feldon Valley is the ideal escape for a romantic getaway, presenting a rare opportunity to break away from interruptions and instead focus in on spending actual quality time with the company you’ve chosen. If you’re a golf buff, then you can perfect your swing and make your way through the magnificent par-71 golf course. With a panoramic view at every corner of the hilly terrain, you won’t be short of landscapes or challenges. However, Feldon Valley isn’t just for golfers. With plenty of walks to choose from, of varying distances and difficulty levels, you can easily go off on an adventure. And with so much to explore – almost 800 square miles and more than 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways – you can gleefully get lost in its sheer beauty.

After a long day of exploring, I personally couldn’t wait to visit the raved-about on-site restaurant, The Kitchen. With more breath-taking views overlooking the countryside and the sunset producing all sorts of colours in the sky, the setting was ideal for a romantic evening meal. Executive Head Chef Darren Brown, who has gained quite the reputation for earning a Michelin star and working at numerous prestigious restaurants, serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Working with a handpicked selection of suppliers to ensure the best ingredients, each dish is brimming with flavour and character. Having opted for the divine Salcombe Crab starter, my partner and I quickly agreed that we couldn’t resist a main course and dessert too. And while partner’s Cornish Plaice was cooked to perfection, my ricotta dumplings were deliciously filling. Dessert didn’t disappoint either, choosing a sublime raspberry tart and the dark chocolate mousse, it’s safe to say we were most definitely sated.

Following a heavenly night’s sleep in the huge, comfortable bed, and using the swanky power shower, the buffet breakfast and option to order hot food was certainly welcome. The perfect end to the most peaceful weekend away.

Feldon Valley

Sutton Lane, Lower Brailes, Oxfordshire, OX15 5BB

t: 01608 685633 w: feldonvalley.co.uk

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