Written by Menswear Style in Travel on the 3rd October 2014

Dubbed as "London's country retreat", The Grove Hotel is the place to unwind, relax and dine in a 5 star setting on an estate with 300 acres of parkland. Part of the 'Leading Hotels of the World' you instantly forget that you're in London (well, very near London) and quickly imagine you could easily be on holiday in the south of France. 

Once you arrive you can certainly see why this is a popular spot. Driving in from the entrance gate alone you'll see vast greenery, trees, canal boats and golf carts whizzing around in all directions.

The car park is not only huge and full of sports cars (you get the idea of the clientele), but it's really busy too. We point this out because the scale of the parking area resembles that of a large supermarket.

For such a large space which seems to never end with building after building, there's a great ambiance and atmosphere which positively stands out. This hotel is certainly the place to be and be seen in, and with such a grand space you'd expect to find a couple of corners untouched, but the landscape gardening is expertly finished throughout. 

There's plenty of areas to spend a few hours too; streams, water fountains, gardens, sculptures, beach (yep we said beach), outdoor pool, tennis, giant chess... we've probably missed something. When you're finished exploring the outside you can tackle the interior maze. There's lounges which lead to lounges... which lead to lounges. 

'Each room is impressively completely different from the next with no expense spared. The attention to interior design stands out a country mile' 

When time has finished running away from you on your country adventure, you'll most probably spend a little while longer finding your room along the long art-filled corridors.

Afternoon Tea 

Afternoon tea followed by an Aperol Spritz and a Remy Martin & ginger, sat out on the terrace as the sun goes down, was nothing short of perfect. The service was good but the setting and ambiance was first class. Tea is also never ending, giving you the opportunity to try many of the unusual and unique options on the menu. 

When you've finished your sweet and savoury plates, another round is generously offered, leaving you fully satisfied as you retire to your room. 

Room 

The room is so effortlessly cool, it feels like you've stepped into a hybrid of an art gallery come mad men set. The retro sofa within the lounge area complements beautifully with the art on the walls. And it’s not hotel art as we know it, every piece seems well considered. The view is the next thing to hit you, with balcony doors leading out to a breath-taking vista across the golf course and rolling hills.

Sequoia Spa 

The Sequoia Spa is a haven of well-being. Fresh from an extensive nine-month renovation, there are five new treatment rooms, a rejuvenating multi-jet steam shower, and a newly expanded ‘Relaxation Room’. Although minimal in design and decor, the spa has absolutely everything you need to unwind from the madness of the big smoke. Keeping things so simple helped the mind relax and either take hours doing nothing, or explore the sauna, steam room and swimming pool on offer. 

Restaurants  

The Grove’s three restaurants, all showcase seasonal ingredients from the Walled Garden, at the heart of the estate. Whatever your tastes, The Grove has something for everyone: from fine-dining at Colette's, to hearty food at The Stables, to modern cuisine in the sleek setting of The Glasshouse. For those with a sweet tooth, The Lounges feature spectacular showpieces from the talented Head Pastry Chef.

We take a short 30min trip to Watford to review The Grove London Hotel and Spa by experiencing their Spa, Room, Afternoon Tea and impressive grounds.