SPA REVIEW: BAILIFFSCOURT HOTEL & SPA, CLIMPING, SUSSEX
My mum and I recently took a trip to Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, a stunning Sussex haven boasting thirty-nine bedrooms, a spa and a restaurant in a series of charming houses and cottages overlooking the grounds to the sea. The spa at Bailiffscourt is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful spas in the south of England, offering six treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub, sauna, steam room, state-of-the-art gym and much, much more.
On our way to Bailiffscourt, we were struck by the colours of autumn on our picturesque drive alongside the South Downs National Park. The hotel and spa is surrounded by miles of gently rolling countryside and overlooks Climping Beach, so nature lovers are in for an absolute treat. Throughout every season, there is so much beauty to be explored in this part of the world.
It was a particularly blustery day when we visited, so my blow dry was instantly reversed from the moment I emerged from the car, hit by an array of colourful autumn leaves making a bid for freedom from nearby trees. We were wowed by the hotel’s extraordinary properties and surrounding views - the reception is located within a incredible medieval-style house and the spa resembles a majestic Sussex barn.
The Spa
We headed straight to the spa, struck by a sense of total tranquillity before we had even reached the front door. The natural landscape and grounds here are truly magical, it is like being transported to a fairytale estate and all worries from the outside world quickly fade away. As you enter the spa building, the first thing you see is the impressive exposed timber frame of the barn above the reception desk and an inviting lounge area overlooking the indoor heated pool. We were greeted by friendly reception staff and a choice of fresh fruit juice as we filled out our spa forms on an incredibly comfortable couch, the scent of Temple Spa products drifting dreamily around us.
We were each taken to a treatment room for a Drift Away massage: a heavenly top-to-toe relaxing massage involving a specially curated blend of essential oils, plus a face and head massage with an aromatherapy resting cream. Before the massage, my therapist asked me a few questions about me and my lifestyle. I told her I lead a fast-paced life in the city, often carrying heavy items during my event planning, which lead her to discover several bad knots between my shoulder blades. This consultation means that each massage is perfectly tailored to your specific needs.
By the time I was led to the relaxation room after my 55 minute treatment, I felt like a whole new person - entirely relaxed and rejuvenated! Every painful knot had been removed and my skin felt thoroughly nourished from the essential oils. I sunk into one of the curved chairs, hugging myself in my white, fluffy robe. It was one of those ‘it doesn’t get much better than this’ moments. Seconds later, my mum appeared, glowing and fabulous. After working extremely hard within her job for many months, she too had forgotten how important it is to take a little time out for yourself, locking the phone away to indulge in an utterly blissful spa treatment.
The spa staff were smiley and professional throughout our visit, making us feel comfortable, relaxed and cared for. This is such a vital part of visiting a spa and it is one of the many reasons we will be returning again and again. I cannot think of anyone who should not visit to pause from the chaos of life to experience total tranquility in these beautiful surroundings. A highlight for us was the outdoor heated pool and hot tub. This is one way to truly connect with nature and I can’t say it didn’t make me miss living in Sussex!
Spa Facilities:
Six beautiful treatment rooms with heated water beds | Indoor swimming pool with spa bath | Heated outdoor infinity swimming pool & hot tub | Sun loungers & outdoor relaxation area | Sauna & steam room Relaxation room | State-of-the-art-gym | Fitness studio offering a range of fitness classes | Fluffy robes & flipflops | Complimentary tea & coffee | Temple Spa treatments & products | Leighton Denny nail treatments & products
The Tapestry Restaurant
“We're fortunate to have such a wealth of ingredients on our doorstep - Sussex is quite unlike any other county” - Martin Hadden, Group Executive Head Chef, Roux Scholar
After our spa treatments, we walked down the picturesque garden path to the main hotel building, home to The Tapestry Restaurant, a bright and beautiful space buzzing with the chatter of locals and hotel guests alike. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, mid-morning coffee or a full afternoon tea, The Tapestry Restaurant offers delicious, seasonal cuisine in a medieval-inspired space, with eye-catching mullioned windows and intricate tapestries adorning the four walls. Comfortable lounge rooms are available if you’re looking for a more secluded spot, with a pretty courtyard and rose garden available to use on warmer days.
Lounges at Bailiffscourt: the perfect spot for a morning coffee, an afternoon tea or a glass of wine
The Tapestry Restaurant menus showcase flavoursome dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients from Sussex suppliers, which adds a special touch to your dining experience - the A La Carte menus are even named after Climping and Sussex! After ringing ahead a few days before to confess my dietary requirements, I was greeted with a special vegan menu, which I was very grateful for. This is another example of the excellent service you can expect at Bailiffscourt.
Scallops
Mum settled on the A La Carte Sussex Menu (three courses for £68), opting for Seared Scallops, Grilled Seabass and Hot Pear Soufflé. She completed the meal with a well-deserved glass of Prosecco (there’s an excellent wine list too - lots of local wines to try). Utterly delicious. On my vegan menu: Roasted Squash, Pear and Pomegranate Salad, Crispy Tomato and Pesto Tart, Dark Chocolate Mousse with Raspberry Sorbet. This was an excellent pairing and the best vegan meal I have had in a very long time. The food was high-quality, beautifully presented and full of flavour - the perfect end to a wonderful day.
I thoroughly recommend Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa to anyone who needs a proper escape from the working world or for those who have a special occasion to celebrate with friends or family. The brilliant service, beautiful setting, tranquil treatments and thoughtful menus made our time here incredibly enjoyable, allowing us to create special memories that we will cherish for many years to come. I can’t wait to return.
Address: Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, Climping St, Climping BN17 5RW
Tel: +44 (0) 1903 723511 | Email: reception@bailiffscourt.com
