Situated in the heart of the sprawling Berkshire countryside, West Court Retreat is a lavish boutique hotel brimming with unique history tucked neatly into every nook and cranny. Sophie Ritchie shares more about this sophisticated staycation:
Set within 20 secluded acres of serene landscape, this sense of elusive privacy is heightened by West Court Retreat’s gated entrance and fence, which is flanked by a security team at all times. It’s hardly surprising, when you spot the gleaming Bentley waiting by the front door to shuttle guests in style – which makes an entrance as much as the long drive does. Hello, beautiful!
Despite its quiet atmosphere, the property is located just a 10-minute drive from Nirvana Spa – one of the UK’s most well-known spa hotspots – which makes this grand hotel the ideal choice of accommodation for anyone looking to robe up for longer.
There’s just as much to discover within these elegant walls however, as within its ultra popular sister property (they’re both part of the exquisite Nirvana Collection, with West Court Retreat opened in spring 2025).
Set in a beautiful Grade II listed Manor House from the 17th century, this hotel is a history buff’s dream come true. From the intricate Jacobean panelling to the ornate chimney pieces, the house also once played a significant role in military history – both as a training base for the Secret Service and as the Officers Mess for the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (now the chandelier-clad restaurant).
There’s even current research taking place in the immediate grounds to unearth and excavate a potential section of Roman road, which could stretch deep underneath the hotel itself.
Such an intricate past means that West Court Retreat has many fascinating corners, particularly from its military era. From a tiny attic sauna filled with hidden soldier scribblings through to cellars once used for practising combat and even disguised rooms, the strictly confidential layers underneath the initial surface here are absolutely absorbing.
The Room
There’s an array of room categories to choose from at West Court Retreat, with a selection of 11 Manor House Suites and Deluxe Rooms in the original establishment, plus 38 other spacious rooms awaiting in the newly-built Officers’ Wing.
Once reserved only for generals and those of highest food chain priority, my Princess Marina Suite, room number one, pays homage to the past – with dark wooden panelled walls, secret doors and enough china to make even the most prestigious of antique shops envious.
A huge room split into an entrance area, bathroom, separate toilet and main abode – where a four-person table and chairs also awaits, the suite is larger than most modern apartments.
It’s full of incredible historic detail that simply can’t be replicated in a modern world – the grand fireplace, the huge ceilings and overall sense of grandeur that stems from looking out over the manicured grounds and simply sinking into the sense of luxurious elegance.
Filled with sophisticated interiors, the chaise lounge invites you to curl up and read a pastel edition of Jane Austen or Wuthering Heights, complete with magnifying glass for added theatrics. The bed meanwhile, a vast space of comfortable mattress and oodles of pillows provides the perfect night’s sleep – even when sharing with a known snorer. Don’t get me started on the beautiful carpentry, either – the chairs, table and even chest of drawers are all works of art in themselves. Special and romantic, the Princess Marina Suite is ideal for a serious getaway – it’s no surprise that this room was once granted only for soldiers on their first married night!
The suite’s spacious bathroom is fit for a queen, decked out with a huge rainfall shower and standing roll-top copper tubs, designed for soaking up the bubbles with a glass of something delicious.
Filled with tiny details that complete the poised package, busts of Grecian-esque ladies remind me of sister property Niravana which has similar decor within its spa spaces. There are certainly similarities between the siblings (such as matching Germaine de Capuccini toiletries, for example) but the properties’ atmospheres are vastly different – West Court Retreat is exclusive, intimate, archaic – whilst Nirvana is bustling, contemporary and full of fellow spa goers. That doesn’t mean there’s any fuddy duddy feel of course – the suite still comes kitted out with a Nespresso machine, fluffy robes and other mod cons.
Things To Try
1 A pampering spa day at nearby Nirvana: Treat yourself to a few hours or full day access at nearby Nirvana spa, where a world of pools, saunas and steam rooms await you via complimentary shuttle service. Sooth tired muscles in the hydrotherapy pool, connect with one’s inner self in the Celestial Floatation waters or simply find yourself a sun lounger and park up until it’s time to head home. nirvanacollection.co.uk/spa
2 Head out for a jog: The sprawling estate surrounding West Court Retreat includes a beautiful new 3-mile path that’s ideal for running (or dog walking) with an earthy caramel-toned trail that loops around the expansive grounds. Locals use it as much as the guests, although being hidden behind the hotel’s woodland means this feels discreet.
3 Work up a sweat at the on-site gym: The property is set to soon unveil a new fitness centre complete with a swish sauna/steam room of its own.
4 Watch this space! The West Court Retreat team have big plans to follow for the coming year – from greenhouse dining through to open air cinema pop-ups and more enchanting guest experiences.
The Food & Drink
Get ready to fill your boots, whether polished to a soldier-approved standard or not. Served in the former Officer’s Mess, the hotel’s restaurant The Dining Room feels both regal and refined, with enormous shimmering chandeliers that dangle from the ceiling. Here, guests can enjoy fine dining by night, then classic breakfast dishes by morning.
Tasty three-course set menus include a choice of fish or meats, with simple vegetarian options too. There’s also the option for a classic a la carte experience too, for anyone with a serious hankering for steak or sides.
The Wordrobe Verdict
West Court Retreat provides exactly that – a place to escape to when the bustle gets a little overbearing. This is a place for reclining, dining and enjoying a slice of preserved history without the masses. Ideal for a scenic countryside stay that combines world-class spa facilities with a dose of decadence, I’m already scouring the diary for the next special occasion to robe up for again.
Start the adventure
Wallet: Prices for a room based on two sharing for one night on a Bed and Breakfast basis start from £150. Spa Retreat Packages inclusive of a hotel stay and Spa Experience at Nirvana Spa are also available.
How: To book and for more information on the hotel, visit nirvanacollection.co.uk
Where: West Court Retreat, Reading Rd, Wokingham RG40 4AX
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
