The Secret Garden: Bazaar’s Guide To Belmond’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons | Review
Could there be a more bucolic English country retreat than this?
Put on your rose-coloured spectacles, imagine the most stereotypically idyllic manor house you can, set amid Oxfordshire’s rolling green pastures, and add a two-Michelin starred, French-accented restaurant. Plus 11 gardens, ranging from a wild ‘mushroom valley’ to fragrant apple orchards and a Japanese tea pagoda. Sounds special? Belmond’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons certainly is.
Bucket list. It is a phrase that’s been bandied about a lot recently. But when it comes to this English country retreat, it certainly rings true – and yes, thankfully, it lives up to its hype. I have waited for 20 years to visit, since I was a student at nearby Oxford, and it was the go-to destination for affluent parents looking to celebrate their children’s matriculation. It’s a big ask for a venue to satisfy two decades of dreams.
Bazaar’s Guide To Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons in Oxfordshire
Celebrity Touch
Raymond Blanc was flying the flag for foodie excellence and haute cuisine before the term ‘celebrity chef’ was even coined. One of the first instantly recognisable gastronomic kings, his ethos of using seasonal ingredients, grown in his own gardens and greenhouses, spearheaded the ‘farm-to-table’ movement we constantly aspire to today.
Manoir was – and is – Raymond’s quintessence brought to life. The highlight of any stay at this 32-room boutique property, is a degustation tasting menu at the much-lauded restaurant, helmed by his protégé Luke Selby. When you enter the living room, fire blazing during cooler months and comfortable floral furnishings fitting in with the botanical setting, the excitement of fellow diners is palpable. This is a spot booked to mark milestones: anniversaries, birthdays, promotions.
The beamed conservatory dining room has all the trappings required for fine French dining; crisp white linen, crystal that could double as a mirror and suited service staff there to fulfil your every whim. Yet there is a warmth, a welcome that would make a first-timer feel secure as they feasted on the seven course dinner featuring le pistou made from ‘our garden’s vegetables’ and roast fillet of veal. The kitchen’s deft touch shows when you realise how light and contemporary this elevated set menu is.
The Suite Life
Although the Garden Suites are lauded for their private green space, ideal for relaxing during sundowners, in our opinion, the spot to secure is the fragrantly named ‘Lavende,’ situated in the main house. With bay windows giving an incomparable view of the hotel’s lavender pathway, expansive marble bathroom, a wood-burning fireplace and traditional oak furniture, you’ll be loath to leave, even though you get a stunning view of what lies outside to explore.
Breakfast is a must. Make your way back to the sun-filled conservatory for a selection of patisserie, charcuterie, yogurts, fruit, cheeses and Bircher muesli – the buttery pistachio croissants cannot be missed – all with their provenance carefully noted. Supplement all this with à la carte offerings including Scottish haddock and poached eggs, kippers, or a feather-light herb omelette.
Time To Wander
Aside from meandering through the acres of greenery around, and joining the gardeners on a tour of their plantations, there are plenty of activities to indulge in. First and foremost, there are cookery and gardening classes, and its Great Milton location puts you in close proximity to Blenheim Palace, Oxford, and Bicester Village for shopping. It’s also an excellent starting point to explore the tourist-friendly Cotswolds villages and towns.
For more information visit Belmond.com
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