According to Mental Health UK, over 30% of us suffer from poor sleep quality. One in five people say they don’t get enough sleep, and with 74% of adults reporting poor sleep quality in the past 12 months solely due to work stress, family stress and the general state of modern life, it’s easy to see. why most of us are tired and exhausted.
So when I was asked to travel to The Cottage in Wood in Great Malvern to try out their ‘Dream Big Package’ I was more than happy to jump at the chance. What better way to recharge your batteries than to spend the night in luxurious surroundings with a truly excellent meal in the tranquility of the British countryside?
Nestled high above Malvern, Cottage in the Wood is secluded in eight acres of woodland, possibly one of the country’s best kept secrets. The Malvern’s may not be as famous as the neighboring Cotswolds, but they are just as beautiful.
The hotel has 32 bright and spacious rooms in two beautiful buildings: the main building and Beech Cottage. The rooms vary in size and comfort and, of course, in price. You can choose cozy, classic, very good, great and best.
On this occasion, I ended up in the “Best” room, which had panoramic views of the stunning Severn Valley, which can even be enjoyed while relaxing on the king-size bed.
I especially liked the record player with a selection of soft vinyl records – a really unique and enjoyable touch!
The bathroom has a free-standing roll-top bath with a selection of luxurious bath oils.
A soak was definitely in order after the long drive from Yorkshire and I found myself relaxing to the point where I could have easily forgotten about my dinner reservations!
In addition to this, the package also included a luxury freshly laundered silk pillowcase and a sleep kit that included earplugs, a reusable eye mask, and lavender, St. John’s wort, and chamomile pillow spray, all of which promote a great night’s sleep.
But before that, there was the trivia of a 7-course tasting menu served in a 1919 grand restaurant. The menu created by Executive Chef Rob Mason made the tedious business of choosing what to eat from the mouth-watering menu so much easier, reducing the stress level even further (they really have thought of everything).
Like everything else in the hotel, 1919 Restaurant and Lounge is relaxed, friendly and social. No formalities and everything at your own pace. Cottage in the Wood offers an impressive selection of wines to go with your meal either by the glass or by the bottle. I would recommend a wine flight as a tasting menu – but the restaurant’s experts are happy to advise.
Naturally, the restaurant has an incomparable view of the valley.
There was nothing on this menu that I wouldn’t recommend. As Rob himself says, “It’s just about letting the ingredients do the talking.” And the ingredients speak loudly.
The whole menu is really amazing. Don’t be fooled by the word “taster” either. I have to say I started to struggle when we got to the desserts (yes plural).
Favorite dishes included Cornish crab, avocado, Verjus melon and chilli and Hereford beef roast fillets, slow braised cheek, black garlic emulsion and celery with madria and truffle sauce. And if you have a sweet tooth, you won’t be disappointed, there’s plenty to see!
And off to sleep, which turned out to be one of the best nights sleep I’ve had in a very long time.
The next morning it was back to the 1919 restaurant again for a full English breakfast. The perfect way to prepare for a walk through the nine kilometers of hills that surround the hotel, containing beautifully quaint villages and historical landmarks. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t have time for this as the itinerary included a long journey home. Not walking these hills was my only regret during my visit.
I left rested and recharged. Now this could be the room, the beautifully prepared food, or the old fashioned I had as a nightcap. But I think it was a combination of all these things created by Nick Davies and all his incredible staff at Cottage in the Wood.
Words by Dan Riley
Cabin at Wood Hotel & Restaurant
Holywell Rd, Malvern Wells, Malvern WR14 4LG, United Kingdom
+44 (0)1684 588860