Gloucestershire's only five star hotel launches new spa garden

Ellenborough Park, on the edge of Cheltenham, has transformed part of its garden into an alfresco spa — complete with sauna cabin, hot tub and rare Taittinger yacht box — one of only five in the world!

By Emma Luther  |  Published

A new £70,000 Spa Garden Retreat has opened at Ellenborough Park hotel, packed full of inspiration from RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023.

The luxury hotel's new alfresco area is aimed at private parties and includes a hot tub, sauna cabin as well as reclining loungers.

It also features a Taittinger yacht box, one of only five in the world, with Ellenborough Park's being the only one situated on dry land.

The newly-installed walkway is framed by a wooden pergola overflowing with honeysuckles with seasonal planting running alongside it.

Inside the garden retreat are beautiful ornaments, inspired by RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023, as well as those brought from Cotswold antique shops. 

Coned hanging baskets adorn the walls with trailing plants as well as seasonal bedding in new sleeper borders.

Ellenborough Park general manager, Marwan Hemchaoui, said: 'Our new and exclusive Spa Garden Retreat is centred around wellness, in a private area close to our luxury spa in our historic 15th century manor house.

'We felt there was a need for a unique and exclusive-use spa area for anything from two people up to 20 people.

'The beauty of this retreat is that it can be used 365 days a year, whatever the weather.'

The garden has been built with eco-friendly Envirobuild Composite non-slip decking that's made from recycled materials and manufactured with wind energy — adding to its green credentials. 

Hemchaoui added: 'The hot tub is housed inside a Pergolux from Norway with screened glass and the luxury of a Louvre ceiling to suit all weathers.

'Our new Scandinavian pine sauna is stylish and spacious.

'We're delighted this new area is environmentally friendly and sustainable, with a focus on wildlife. We are already witnessing precious bees, butterflies and other fauna appearing in the plantings.

'We are really proud to showcase this new and welcome addition to our spa — we hope all of our guests enjoy it, too.'

Guests can order drinks and light bites ahead of their arrival, or during a visit, including Ellenborough Park's popular Taittinger Champagne flight.

The new Spa Garden Retreat is available from £199 for 90 minutes of exclusive use for four guests and facilities can be used by up to 20 guests.

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