Review: Jennifer O’Shea
If you’re looking for a Mediterranean inspired getaway this summer then head to the Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa. A gorgeous boutique hotel with outdoor swimming pool, poolside suites, luxury spa suites which have sweeping glass balconies, and The Weathervane restaurant which champions British produce. This little gem is nestled in the picturesque market town of Helmsley in the North York Moors, 24 miles from the city of York.
THE HOTEL
This sandy coloured stone building was once a Coaching Inn but has been sympathetically restored and developed over the years into a glorious hotel; a restoration and expansion so well done so that from the roadside you can’t really tell a 33-bed hotel with pool is tucked into this little town. This glorious outdoor living set up lends for a real Mediterranean vibe where lies a pretty paved terrace dotted with luxury loungers, an abundance of fluffy towels and 2 hot tubs. The star of the show must be the shimmering outdoor heated pool.
Spa Suite Balcony
Spa Suite
THE BEDROOMS
There are 5 room categories ranging from standard suite to spa suites and the poolside suite which we stayed in. The pool side suites have recently undergone a revamp and give a cosy vibe of a mini lodge. With subtle nod to a cool blue hues of the Mediterranean, and sumptuous soft furnishings, an amazingly comfy king size bed, blackout curtains and a bathroom filled with Temple Spa toiletries, it’s a cosy haven. As the name suggests, these suites have direct pool access, along with a mini seated patio area. These rooms are perfect for a summer stay as the pool, spa and hot tubs are literally on your doorstep.
Pool Suite
Thermal Suite
THE SPA
The Verbena Spa offers membership, spa day packages and a compact thermal suite featuring Aromatherapy Room, Steam Room, Sauna, Monsoon Feature Shower, and Foot Spa station. While when we visited the thermal suite could do with a little TLC, overall, the rest of the spa is fresh and welcoming. For an extra pampering treat, a spa treatment was a must. I had the full body massage which I have to say it was, hands down, one of the best massages I’ve had in my 15 years of reviewing spas and salons. I’d wholeheartedly recommend if you visit.
Hot Tub
THE RESTAURANT
The Weathervane restaurant, with 2 AA Rosettes, is headed up by Jon Appleby who creates dishes using locally sourced produce and food foraged from the North Yorkshire Moors. The menu features delights for starters such as BEEF TARTARE with Pickles, Osietra, and Yolk, and EAST COAST MACKEREL with Gooseberry Jam, Horseradish Cream Fresh , Squid Ink Tuile, and Soy Aioli. For mains you must try the LOIN OF YORKSHIRE BEEF with Truffle Pommes Dauphine, Buttered King Oyster Mushroom, Shallot and Red Wine Sauce or the NEW SEASON YORKSHIRE LAMB RUMP with Fresh Garden Peas, Spiced Yogurt, Confit Lamb Breast, Baked Jersey Royals.
Desserts are a real treat and include LAVENDER PANNA COTTA, Macerated Summer Berries and Blackberry sorbet, and POACHED PEACH with Peach Sorbet, Honeycomb, and fresh Raspberries.
The cheese board is an absolute must, and absolutely one of the best and supplied by Parlour Made Cheese where the Parlour Made Dairy is set on a 240 acre site near Sedgefield. The selection we tried was all outstanding and featured MORDON BLUE, HATTIE’S BLUE, DURHAM CAMEMBERT, MORDON ISLE and MORDON OLD MOUSE.
This restaurant is a lovely space with atrium roof, white tablecloths, ambient lighting, and a relaxed vibe where you can eat great food and enjoy good wine. The bar area offers tables dotted in and around cosy nooks where you can enjoy after dinner drinks or coffee.
OVERVIEW
This is a brilliant boutique hotel perfect for a staycation, a romantic getaway, or a mini girls spa break. The outdoor pool and surrounding area make you feel like you’ve taken a trip to more exotic shores and the staff are warm and welcoming. The suites make this place extra special and once you’ve made the visit you’ll absolutely want to return.
High season
From £160 BB – based on a Standard Double room
From £268 DBB – based on a Standard Double room
Low season;
From £140 BB – based on a Standard Double room
From £248 DBB – based on a Standard Double room
www.fevershamarmshotel.com
01439 770766
@fevershamarmshotel