Carden is set on a 17th Century estate in Broxton, Cheshire, boasting a private vineyard which also produces its own sparkling wine and cider but what amazed us was the sheer size of Carden Park itself as you roll up the extensive driveway.

The hotel, separate spa and Vertigo adventure area complete with zip-wire and obstacle course is a nod to the thrill-seekers as well as those wanting a restful escape from city life in the heart of stunning Cheshire.

The concierge was very friendly and the room was perfect for a one-night stay. With a comfy double bed, beautiful views of the garden and a little trio of welcome desserts, it was easy to settle in, but we had to explore!

As a regular gym-goer, the leisure club was top of the list and it blew my mind. Filled with state-of-the-art equipment for cardio, weightlifting and body composition analysis, as well as a dedicated cycle studio and boxing bag, it was fitness heaven. After a quick change, it was time for dinner and the newly refurbished restaurant, The Vines.

Designed specifically to provide the very best gourmet dining experience, we found out that The Vines at Carden was inspired by the on-site vineyard and features an extensive selection of fine wines which is always exciting.

Executive Chef Graham Tinsley MBE and Head Chef Harri Williams create seasonal à la carte menus with the finest locally sourced ingredients, showcasing true culinary craftsmanship. This combined with impeccable service and an elegant ambience was an absolute winner for me.

We opted for the tasting menu to try a little bit of everything on offer, and the absolute shining stars on the plates had to be the Chef’s snacks which comprised of Pea and shallot tartlet, Whipped chicken liver parfait, peach, brioche Miso cod taco – tantalising. But I couldn’t forget the Welsh lamb loin Lamb breast fritter, baba ganoush, purple sprouting broccoli, crispy polenta, pickled garlic and lamb jus either.

The chef even allowed us to swap a dessert for the Baked Alaska which was with lemon curd ice cream, sorrel sorbet and flamed in Limoncello – utter heaven.

This was washed down with a glass of the Carden Spa Rose Sparkling and was a very easy British sparkling to drink.

After a very deep sleep, we awoke to spend the day immersed in the stunning countryside spa.

The Spa at Carden boasts one of the largest Spa Gardens in the UK which is equipped with outdoor hot tubs, swimming pools and sun loungers, giving the Love Island villa a run for its money.

This £10m Spa with a five-star treatment centre gives the ultimate beach club summer vibes with hot tubs neatly placed outside, two pools, loungers, a champagne bar, a finish-style sauna and love island-style fire pits made for selfies.

It’s safe to say that you’re certainly ‘wowed’ when you walk into the stunning entrance, especially on a sunny day which gives the ultimate beach club summer vibes with hot tubs neatly placed outside, two pools, loungers, a champagne bar, finish style sauna and love island-style fire pits that are made for selfies.

The Bollinger Champagne Bar is a stunning central addition, I got rich housewives of Cheshire vibes as they took my order, with a sprinkle of hen party thrown in for good measure.

They have been awarded the Large Spa of the Year award and Luxury Destination Spa award in 2021 and honestly, it’s easy to see why! The spa gardens were simply breathtaking, it honestly felt like you were abroad (but the heat helped too!).

The rooms included a Finnish sauna, a Bio sauna, experience showers, Tepidarium, a salt steam room, aroma steam room and centred in the middle was an ice fountain.

There were some really incredible added touches including the full range of face and body treatments that were designed by natural product house, Elemental Herbology which is based on the Five Element Theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine, a belief that everything in life needs to work in harmony in order to achieve perfect equilibrium.

From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, I felt calm and at peace. This is really what you want when it comes to the perfect spa day and Carden went above and beyond my expectations when it came to ticking every box.

It may be my favourite spa yet.

A: Broxton Rd, Chester CH3 9DQ
E: Reservations
T: 01829 731000
W: Carden Park

Written by Kaya Cheshire  for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International