Travel Review: Take a dip into some Lakes luxury

Whether there’s a celebration to be had or you just feel like spoiling yourself, there’s no greater pick-me-up than a weekend away somewhere a little out of the ordinary.

In fact, there’s nothing at all ‘ordinary’ about Linthwaite House Hotel at Bowness, which is where my partner and I headed for our special weekend away.

This luxurious 36-room boutique hotel has recently been named by the Sunday Times as one of the top 100 great British hotels. It is located in the heart of the Lake District, surrounded by 14 acres of established gardens and well-maintained private woodland. It sits on a hilltop overlooking Lake Windermere, its wrap-around terrace offering spectacular views.

Linthwaite House re-opened in June after a £10 million refurbishment by its new owners. It is now part of the prestigious Leeu Collection, a small portfolio of stunning and individual boutique hotels around the world. If romance is the reason for your visit, then prepared to be swept away.

To be honest, our top priority was just a good old stomp around the fells to take in the breath-taking views associated with the Lakes. How charming to see on our arrival a boot room at the hotel’s entrance, offering guests Hunter wellies in a choice of tasteful colours – just in case you’d only packed your stilettos and slippers.

Indeed, slippers are also provided, along with luxurious waffle bathrobes. The rooms have been stylishly renovated with vast, super-comfy beds, sleek and airy bathrooms and top quality furnishings. The palette is soothing shades of grey, blue and green, the calm broken only by simple yet dramatic pieces of original artwork. Many of the rooms offer stunning views of the lake but if you want to take luxury to a new level, a couple even have their own outdoor hot tub. The swishy Loft suite has a retractable glass ceiling and fabulous egg-shaped bath. Rooms are attended twice a day – an evening visit to fold back the bed and leave a little tray of homemade chocolates.

And there’s the hi-tech gadgetry – including a sound bar so you can play music from your phone, smart TV with Amazon Prime and Netflix, top-of-the-range coffee maker and a number of handy USB ports around the room.

The main part of the hotel is elegant, relaxed and very modern. The large rooms flow from one to another, with the effortless style of a glossy magazine photo shoot – solid sofas, tub chairs, fresh orchids, expensive coffee tables scattered with heavy books on art and design, tall bookcases stacked with decidedly un-dog-eared offerings; open fires bring warmth and cosiness, quirky artwork and unexpected jazzy leopard prints reference the Leeu Collection’s South African roots. Surprises continue in the garden with giant sculptures of wild animals – you won’t be finding Peter Rabbit here. A huge conservatory-garden room opens onto the stunning terrace with views overlooking the lake and fells beyond.

The restaurant – named Stella – serves authentic Italian cuisine with a Cumbrian twist. Produce is locally sourced where possible and much of it is organic. It’s undoubtedly one of the classiest places to eat in the Lake District.

The daytime lounge bar menu includes a range of pizzas, and small plates such as bruschetta and arancini while the evening menu offers classics with a fresh style: stone sea bass with tomato and olive broth, for example, or dry aged fillet steak with wild mushroom ragout. Mains average around £30, but the food and service are exceptional. The wine list is similarly priced (predominantly £30-plus) with a heavy Italian and South African presence. Discreet staff are able to pre-empt your every need, silently appearing from nowhere to refill your class or bring more of their wonderful warm, home-baked bread selection.

There’s no real need to leave the hotel at all; a stroll around the large gardens will give you fabulous views of Lake Windermere. We cut short our foray into the fells, and spent the late afternoon relaxing in the sumptuous surroundings, enjoying a leisurely G&T. You don’t have to be a hardy outdoors lover to enjoy this little bit of the Lakes. Just relax and let Linthwaite House bring out the romantic in you.

Rooms for two, including breakfast are available from £200. Visit www.leeucollection.com/UK/linthwaite-house, call 015394 88600 or email reservations@linthwaitehouse.com