Boringdon Hall is like something out of a fairytale, with its majestic entrance, ornate features, Great Hall and sumptuous four-poster bedrooms. The name Boringdon is derived from the Saxon ‘Burth-Y-Don’ meaning enchanted place on the hill’, and I can vouch that it truly does live up to its name.
We were invited to spend a restful night in the gorgeous hotel to sample their purpose-built wellness-spa as well as their 4 AA Rosette restaurant, Àclèaf.
The Hotel
The hotel is located on the southern edge of Dartmoor, in a quiet position just a short 10-minute drive from Plymouth. The location makes the hotel a great base to explore, with the moor and coast on your doorstep.
We arrived a little early on a Sunday afternoon so decided to head to the Great Hall for a drink whilst our room was being prepared. The inside of the hotel is as grand as the exterior. An exquisite blend of old and new add a touch of luxury throughout. Antique furniture combine with gorgeous sofas and opulent jewel-coloured fabrics offering a nod to times gone by. The Great Hall has been designed to preserve its heritage with a wide open fireplace, huge coat of arms and a high ceiling with intricate patterns.
The hotel boasts 42 beautifully designed rooms and two suites. We stayed in the Elizabeth room which was spacious and characterful with antique furniture, original features and a magnificent four-poster bed. There was a freestanding roll-top bath in the corner of the room, which was a delight to sink into at the end of the day. We were also kindly treated to a bottle of gin which had our names printed on the label – a lovely touch for a special occasion.
The Spa
Housed in the newest part of the hotel, Gaia Spa is a haven of tranquillity inspired by nature. As part of your stay you can use any of the spa facilities to help you relax and unwind, these include an indoor heated swimming pool and hydrotherapy pool with a swim through to an outside area, perfect for a sunset or sunrise dip. I love testing out the different heat experiences, and here you’ll find five glorious rooms to soothe the senses. We didn’t book a treatment this time but there is an extensive menu that looks utterly divine, along with a deep relaxation room that is exclusively for people having treatments… definitely a treat for next time we visit.
Àclèaf
On a mezainne level overlooking the Great Hall, the hotel’s crowning glory is its 4 AA Rosette restaurant, Àclèaf. Head chef Scott Paton has created a unique dining experience that transports the diner through an exquisite four-course menu using delicious seasonal produce to create plates of food that wouldn’t be out of place in an art gallery.
The menu is neatly laid out with only a few ingredients per dish listed. Scallop, trout, duck, pheasant, crab, turbot, venison and Highland Wagyu (or Wangus) to name a few. The team’s attention to detail is second to none. Each dish is introduced either by the chef or front of house team, with additional sources added at the table. There’s even an unexpected sprinkling of fun to add to the drama.
This is hands down one of the best foodie experiences I’ve ever had. The team are incredible at what they do, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for this brilliant restaurant.
Although we only stayed for one night we felt completely refreshed and relaxed, and loved every second of our time at the enchanted place on the hill.
The Details
To book the hotel, spa or restaurants visit:
boringdonhall.co.uk | 01752 344 455
Àclèaf
Four courses £100pp
Sunday-Saturday
6:30pm – 11:00pm
acleaf.co.uk
