With state-of-the-art wellness facilities and grounds so beautiful you can understand the Romantics’ obsession with Mother Nature, stay the night at The Langley and immerse yourself in a restorative world of refined luxury, where stepping into a princess role feels as easy as pulling on a bathrobe. Sophie Ritchie shares more:
One of Buckinghamshire’s most distinguished properties, simply approaching The Langley hotel is an experience in itself. Surrounded by acres of captivatingly beautiful English countryside and reached at the very end of an elongated, romance novel-esque drive, this five-star hotel feels both exclusive and exquisite in equal measures.
A former 18th century house, it took six years of extensive work (and a steep £66 million price tag) to renovate The Langley to its current flawless state. The project’s completion in 2019 unveiled a transformation that still draws one’s breath away today – preserving the Grade II listed building’s unique history and features whilst adding a hefty dose of glossy modern magic.
The most enchanting new addition of all is undeniably the Dubai-worthy subterranean spa, where a lavish swimming pool, hammams, saunas, and various treatment rooms melt the fickle tension of daily life away. Some properties are designed for adventure, exploring, pressing accelerate – but within these regal painting-bedecked walls, soaking up the restoration factor is number one priority.
The Room
The 41 abodes at The Langley are divided into two properties, the original house and the Grade II listed outbuilding, the Brew House (no prizes for guessing its original purpose, even if you’re an avid tea fan).
The various rooms and suites have all been curated by Dennis Irvine studio, featuring comfortable furnishings and spacious marble-clad bathrooms that invite a guest to sit down and switch off in these realms of uncompromising luxury.
Pooch owners can also rejoice when it comes to a weekend away, as a handful of beautiful Terrace Rooms, located in the aforementioned Brew House and grounds, are also dog-friendly. There’s even complimentary branded plastic bags and treats awaiting in the corridor for an added bone-us.
Easy on the eye, my own Terrace Room features soft colour schemes, patterned carpet and a hidden gem – its own private patio complete with inviting garden furniture. The distinct lack of noise eases you quietly out of reality and into The Langley’s world of hospitality instead, where every whimsical detail has already been taken care of.
The Food & Drink
Attaining the balance of refined dining with the right level of staff attentiveness is a tight rope act many fail to complete, but at Cedar at The Langley, this restaurant achieves the perfect equilibrium. Its name draws inspiration from the former hunting ground surroundings, where amidst picturesque acres of formal gardens and parklands, an English Heritage listed Lebanon Cedar tree can be found. Menu-wise however, that’s where anything bark-related strictly ends.
Think European cuisine with flair, showcasing influences from Spain, France, and the finest Italian flavours through stunning presentation and locally-sourced ingredients. The team themselves bring the experience to life through genuine smiles and a warm nature – although be warned, once someone brings you a puffy stool simply for your handbag, you’ll be thoroughly spoiled for life.
Breakfast is served back within these regal surroundings the following morning, presented as a dainty double-sided list of a la carte options. Whether it’s a saintly avocado toast or hefty stack of pancakes you’re after, there’s a breakfast for every champion upon these tables.
The Wellness
The Langley might be technically located in Buckinghamshire but at its ultra lavish subterranean spa, you could easily be fooled into thinking you’ve stumbled across a slice of the UAE. Hedonistic to its core, slip into a swimsuit and immerse yourself in a slow-paced paradise – where a lavish swimming pool with shimmering waters, steam rooms, hammams and even a piping hot Himalayan Salt Sauna all await in this 1,600sq m space
For those looking to amp the pampering up a notch, various treatments can also be booked. They’re all divine, of course, but the full-body Akwaterra Massage with heated, ergonomic sandstone pods is particularly rejuvenating.
Combining the elements of water and earth, this 60-minute bliss is designed to provide a continuous flow of warmth and pressure, targeting specific areas of the body for deep relaxation and overall well-being. Inhale, exhale.
A hotel spa, no matter how beautiful, can often come with one significant drawback – the like-minded hoards of fellow guests. At The Langley however, the serenity stays untarnished. Fellow guests keep to themselves and there’s even a separate female-only facility area where more petite versions of the main spa await.
For those who enjoy a little sweat alongside an escape, pack the lululemon and make a beeline for the on-site Matt Roberts gym, where bespoke one-on-one personal training and custom-made equipment awaits. For the runners, it would be impossible to deny yourself the fun of exploring the surrounding grounds, where 150 acres of glorious estate were designed and executed by Capability Brown, the man still widely renowned as England and history’s best gardener. A treat for both eyes and calves, the paths and wilder trails make an irresistible start to a morning.
The Wordrobe Verdict
One of Buckinghamshire’s most distinguished properties, simply approaching The Langley hotel is an experience in itself. Surrounded by acres of captivatingly beautiful English countryside and reached at the very end of an elongated, romance novel-esque drive, this five-star hotel feels both exclusive and exquisite in equal measures.
With state-of-the-art wellness facilities and grounds so beautiful you can understand the Romantics’ obsession with Mother Nature, stay the night and immerse yourself in a restorative world of refined luxury, where stepping into a princess role feels as easy as pulling on a bathrobe.
Make it happen
Where: Avenue Dr, Uxbridge Rd, Iver, Slough SL3 6DU (we thoroughly recommend using Waze to avoid SatNav confusion) waze.com
How: Find out more and make a booking via marriott.com
Wallet:
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
