Lakes Hotel & Spa

Five-star luxury in Bowness-on-Windermere

Just a stone’s throw from Lake Windermere is the perfect retreat for weary singles looking to recharge their batteries. The Lakes Hotel & Spa is a 5-star destination that offers the epitome of luxury. Just what I needed after consecutive bouts of flu and Covid that had sapped every ounce of energy I had. I arrived at the hotel feeling decidedly lack lustre, but left feeling like a million dollars.

Simply stunning

From the minute checked in, I knew I had made a great choice; the interior decor was elegant, understated and spotlessly clean. My room was incredible, boasting a four-poster bed, luxurious couch, large armoire wardrobe and dressing table. All themed in black, white and old gold. By the huge bay window, an enormous statement chair afforded views of Lake Windermere and the mountains beyond. A drinks station offered a generous selection of coffee, tea, milk and sweeteners, along with the best kettle I have ever had the pleasure of using in a hotel. The bathroom was spacious and contemporary with fluffy white towels and a soft white robe hung on the back of the door. Everything I needed to relax in style.

I reclined on the extra-large king size bed, dressed with an abundance of pillows, and applied a dab of Elemis cool balm to each temple from a tiny tube placed on the bed next to the complementary chocolate. I’d save that for later. Time to check out the hotel app to plan some me time for the next two days.

Perfect for pampering

As its name suggests, the Lakes Hotel & Spa has a range of facilities for pampering and relaxation. There’s even the option to hire a bike and cycle along the lake shore. Much as I love cycling, I didn’t have the energy for a bike ride. So, I booked a hot shell massage for the next day, then strolled over to the Spa to try out the pool and hot tub before dinner.

The Spa is accessed through a tradition country-style pub complete with bar, pool table and roaring log fire. Hotel guests sign in to receive complementary towels; the changing rooms are located behind the bar, which has dual access from pub and poolside, should you fancy a tipple in the hot tub.

The pool area has a real wow factor with exposed stone walls, subtle lighting with a relaxing blue ambience, and a huge luminaire, reminiscent of a fabulous exploding firework, suspended over the pool. I headed straight for the hot tub to relax and unwind.

Dinner in Bowness

As the hotel is perched just above the edge of Lake Windermere, later that day I decided to walk down into Bowness and dine at Hyltons Restaurant. The menu promised an excellent selection of reasonably-priced dishes and the Lancashire Hot Pot was perfect given the light dusting of snow that had appeared while I was in the Spa!

The hot, smooth shells untangled all my knotted muscles and was a truly blissful experience.

The next morning, a delicious breakfast of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs with wholemeal toast and hot coffee set me up for a day of much-needed self care. I headed straight for the Spa where I alternated between pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room and freezing cold plunge pool. Hours later, skin tingling and cheeks glowing, I found a quiet corner in the pub to enjoy a latte and a light snack.

That afternoon, I headed to the Spa rooms above the pub for my Full Body Lava Shell Treatment. Using 100% natural Tiger Clam shells from the Philippines, the masseuse treated me to a 60-minute, deep healing and wonderfully-soothing massage. The hot, smooth shells untangled all my knotted muscles and was a truly blissful experience. So blissful that afterwards I have to admit, I retired to my room where I slept like a baby for a full two hours!

Dining in style

Dinner that evening was served in the sumptuous surroundings of the hotel restaurant where a à la carte menu of specialty dishes and homemade desserts tempted my newly-revived taste buds. I chose Pan-Fried Hand Dive King Scallops, followed by Locally-sourced Cartmel Valley Smoked Venison Loin wrapped in Parma Ham, leaving just enough room for a dessert of Orange Flavoured Cream Catalonia.

I savoured every morsel, mindful of the fact that my time at this fabulous hotel coming to an end. To put off the inevitable, I ordered a coffee to be served in the adjacent Cocktail Bar. A thousand stars twinkled over the inky blue lake and mountains. And I felt like a million dollars.

>>Go-solo star rating
5 stars

Let’s go!
Lakes Hotel & Spa
Lake Road
Bowness, Windermere
Cumbria LA23 3HH

Call 015394 42211 or email stay@lakeshotel.co.uk

find them at www.lakeshotel.co.uk/

_{Permission to use official photography has been requested.}