Whether splashing out with The Reeds or simply soaking up some spa time, catch your breath this winter and let Mother Nature nurse you back to your health at South Lodge’s slice of Sussex escapism instead. Sophie Ritchie dives in to share more:
When it comes to switching off in style, there’s nowhere better suited for a breath of fresh air and relaxing calmness than the five-star South Lodge hotel near Horsham in West Sussex.
With invigorating wild swimming opportunities, a multi-million pound spa and new lakeside lodges so beautiful you’ll consider hiding under one of the vast double beds to stay just a little bit longer, a getaway here does more than just fill your belly and provide a good night’s sleep – it’s a dose of escapism that’ll have you feeling rejuvenated in no time. Sophie Ritchie takes the plunge to find out more.
Wild Swimming Spots
Thanks to the worldwide Wim Hof cult and trending ice bath videos (I’ll admire the dedication from afar, thanks), we all know that a little bit of cold water is good for us. And as nice as swimming contained lengths in a heated pool can be, the health benefits of wild swimming provide ample physical and mental rewards.
Not only does it release feel-good endorphins and mood-boosting hormones (ideal for combatting the effects of SAD as we creep into the winter months) wild swimming can also help encourage blood flow, thus supporting muscle recovery whilst improving cardiovascular health – all whilst providing an improved sense of all round wellbeing thanks to the invigorating nature of plunging into cold water.
Recently launched back in the summer, South Lodge has unveiled a new swimming pond for guests to enjoy. It’s set a little back from the main building and spa, leading guests to a hidden world of shimmering water and the unmissable sight of the property’s brand new lakeside lodges, The Reeds.
I visit for the day to see it for myself, having had my curiosity sparked after spotting the new development in its construction stage during a stay with my family around this time last year. After arriving at the spa, I join a friendly group of swimsuit-clad others before we’re led like ducklings in branded robes down to the water’s edge. A lifeguard awaits us, who gives a beaming faff-free safety briefing before we climb down, one by one, into the somewhat chilly water. It’s cold but far from baltic – with some patches by the edges practically warm due to the layout of the new pond.
I feel a little like a garden frog as my legs kick into action to fight the cold and I begin to swim laps around the circular space. In recent months, I’ve become a regular swimmer – it’s not by choice, it’s because it’s a low impact exercise that allows me to recover from a bad knee injury. I’d love to say I swim merely for the fun of it, but that would be an outright lie – my competitive side says completely otherwise. At South Lodge, I swim sans goggle and enjoy pushing my body through the water as the chillier temperatures call for me to climb straight back out.
It’s worth noting that I’m a somewhat more cautious explorer these days, following a year of unfortunate sporting accidents – but it feels very safe with a lifeguard so close by, who patrols the lake and keeps a beady eye on us at all times. When the cramps in my calves flare up after around twenty minutes of paddling, I admit defeat and thoroughly enjoy the post-swim treats of a warming hot chocolate and the waiting cocooning dry robe. Watch out, Bear Grylls – there’s a new survival queen in town.
The Lodges
Swimming in the new pond, it’s impossible not to spot (or salivate over) South Lodge’s latest accommodation addition – The Reeds. With each luxurious cabin named after different lakeside flora and fauna, the brand new six lakeside lodges and two extra lavish spa lodges provide more than just a sense of secluded exclusivity – they invite guests to reconnect to the natural world and feel Mother Nature’s restorative power.
Accessed via a carefully monitored woodland trail, each of the six lakeside lodges feature two-bedrooms spread across two floors, along with the dreamiest of open plan living spaces and everything else required for a dose of total relaxation. Oodles of natural light, elegant meets modern interiors and complimentary cake – sit back and soak up the soothing ambience.
The lodges are not just a pretty face either – there’s some serious sustainable thought behind the new designs. Reflecting Exclusive Collection’s commitment to sustainability as a B Corp organisation, the lodges have been designed to respect the surrounding ecology using innovative, up-cycled, locally sourced or naturally derived materials.
Take even the buildings’ foundations for example – South Lodge’s spa manager proudly tells me they could be pulled out tomorrow and still leave the original land completely intact.
Bringing the outside in, exterior materials have been carefully chosen to blend with the surrounding West Sussex beauty – whilst Pelegrims skincare products and toiletries with their forest green packing further amplify the natural feel.
For something extra relaxing, the two lakeside spa lodges feature additional space for unwinding – making them the ideal couples getaway. Each comes kitted out with its own steam shower, outdoor whirlpool bath and infrared halotherapy sauna – goodbye muscle pain and tired limbs, hello horizontal life.
Forest Bathing
As well as taking the plunge and spa sessions, the wellness extends beyond the walls of South Lodge perimeter – it also regularly hosts forest bathing sessions with Helena Skoog, an expert in Shinrin-Yoku (that’s Japanese forest bathing, and breath work for those who aren’t in the know).
Find yourself led into the wild for a day of breathing, movement and staring at the sky. The organised overnight retreats include introductory sessions, shared lunches, guided walks and dedicated spa time.
Pack your sturdy shoes (this is muddy England, after all) and leave the constant chatter of everyday life behind. This experience is ideal for those feeling stressed out, wired and overworked. Get back to basics and put one foot in front of the other instead with Helena’s nature immersion escape. exclusive.co.uk
The Food & Drink
Restoring the body is hungry work. Whether you’ve been swimming or steam rooming, the spa’s on-site restaurant Botanica provides a plant-based plethora of delicious dishes, with unusual twists on typical brunch classics. Local ingredients, calming interiors and the hum of many locals also enjoying the space – pull up a plate and nourish the day away.
For something extra special, any foodie worth their salt will be well versed in the mouthfuls from South Lodge’s Michelin-starred The Pass and equally sumptuous Camelia restaurant, where fine dining delights can be devoured. You’ll just need to remove the robe first, of course.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Wellness in hotels should be so much more than just a mandatory tick list of pool, sauna and bubbling jacuzzi. South Lodge gets this completely, providing guests with a 360 degree wellness immersion that gets guests out of their comfort zones and into the natural world instead.
Whether going all out with The Reeds or simply soaking up some spa time, catch your breath (instead of a cold) this winter and let Mother Nature nurse you back to your health at this slice of Sussex escapism instead.
Start the adventure
Wallet:`Rates start from £1,200 per night in a Lakeside Lodge, and £1,400 per night in a Spa Lodge.
Where: Brighton Rd, Lower Beeding, Crabtree, Horsham RH13 6PS
How: Find out more and make a booking via exclusive.co.uk
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor. Follow her on Instagram via @sophritchie_/
