Sopwell House, just a short hop from London (yet emotionally miles away), it’s the kind of place you go to gently return to yourself. Nestled in the quiet folds of St Albans’ green fringes, this elegant Georgian manor, once home to Lord Mountbatten (watchers of The Crown will be familiar) has been beautifully reimagined as a restorative sanctuary. It’s grown-up luxury done right: unpretentious, thoughtful, and deeply cocooning.

We visited as the weather scorched in London looking for a moment of exhale, and found a place that understands stillness in an exceptional spa, delicious food and may I add a beautiful bath robe!

 Sopwell House: The Rooms

The main house retains its stately charm, but the suites recently renovated where things got really luxurious.  Think private balcony with views of the countryside, gargantuan bed, your own bar and a bath to forget all your problems.  Interiors are classic but plush: velvet, marble, the quiet luxury of things that don’t need to shout. A place where you wake to birdsong, not sirens. A place where you finally read the book you’ve been carrying around for months.

 

 Sopwell House: The Spa

Let’s talk spa, because frankly, it’s a standout. Cottonmill is one thing; The Club at Cottonmill is quite another. Accessed via a soft wristband and an even softer hush, this private members-style wellness space offers saunas, hydrotherapy pools, herbal steam, a whispering relaxation room, and a swim-out vitality pool that glows in the early evening light.

We moved gently through saunas and pools, herbal teas in hand, moving from different types of saunas, steams, infra-red beds, hypnotherapy pools indoor and out. I emerged looser, softer, like I’d been gently unwound. What was really interesting is the level of commitment to having variety of facilities but also the thoughtfulness around the landscape. The panoramic sauna really lives up to its namesake with peripheral views of grassy landscapes as you sweat your toxins away. What stood out most was the thoughtful balance between the variety of facilities and the careful integration with the surrounding landscape. The panoramic sauna, true to its name, offers sweeping views of the lush greenery beyond, nature’s actual theatre as you sweat your toxins away.

 Sopwell House: The Restaurants

Omboo is Sopwell’s Pan- Asian restaurant, an immersive, low-lit dining experience that brings together flavours from across Asia in a way that feels both refined and playful. It’s not fusion for the sake of it; dishes are crafted with a real sense of respect and precision. We ordered a selection of my favourite foods, yellowtail with ponzu sauce, fatty tune nigiri, eel cuts rolls and then some delicious hot food, short rib, miso umami filled aubergine and a tangy spicy king prawn. Sharing is encouraged, and part of the joy here is the slow, steady rhythm of plates arriving “when they’re ready”.

For drinks, Sopwell has clearly thought about guests who don’t drink alcohol—and it shows. The bar menu is imaginative, with alcohol-free cocktails that go beyond the usual sugary stand-ins. Two personal favourites: a celery jalapeno pepper beverage called ‘Ola ola ola’ in a glass reserved for something twice as boozy and ‘The Ginger Puss, carrot juice, pineapple juice and lots of foam, a sort of healthy pina colada.

 Sopwell House: The Verdict

Sopwell House is more than just a hotel stay,  it’s a proper switch-off. From the beautifully designed rooms to the calming spa and genuinely yummy food, everything is done with care and attention. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down without even realising it. Luxurious without being over the top, stylish but never showy, it’s ideal for anyone needing a break from the noise. Whether you’re escaping London for a night or planning a longer unwind, Sopwell House knows exactly how to help you reset.