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You are here: Home / Travel / Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa – a Plymouth Sanctuary

Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa – a Plymouth Sanctuary

February 7, 2019 by Fiona Maclean 17 Comments

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Last Updated on January 1, 2020 by Fiona Maclean

Boringdon Hall Hotel Review

It must have been Karma. Just as I was putting the final details to my recent trip to Plymouth exploring the Mayflower heritage, an email hit my desk about Boringdon Hall Hotel. What could be better than balancing a trip to the centre of historic Plymouth with one to a historic hotel on the outskirts of the City? Especially one with a luxury spa and a fine dining restaurant.

Boringdon Hall Hotel

The sweeping lawns and driveway as you approach Boringdon Hall set the scene for what is a spectacular historic building. Boringdon Hall, now a 41 room hotel is set in 7 acres of land and was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book. The name Boringdon comes from the Saxon ‘Burth-Y-Don’ – the enchanted place on the hill. And that is is very much the impression any visitor will get.

Boringdon Hall Lion 2

At one time a priory, after the dissolution of the monasteries the Manor became Crown property, granted by Henry VIII to the Earl of Southampton. Remodelled by a later owner, John Parker in 1587, it became one of the foremost Manors in the West Country. Queen Elizabeth I stayed here and the great mantle about the fireplace in the Great Hall depicts the coat of arms of King James I.

Boringdon Hall Fireplace

A chequered history followed including a short period under the ownership of the National Trust and then as a hotel which suffered a serious fire in March 1989. The current owners bought Boringdon Hall in 2011 and have invested time and money to develop the stunning hotel and Spa it is today. The Gaia Spa opened in 2016 and the hotel is now the leading property in the area.

Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa

After a seamless check-in, I was shown to my room. Luggage already in place, there was nothing much for my courteous hostess to do other than show me the well-equipped minibar with fresh milk, the coffee machine and kettle and the shower room with fluffy towels and robes. I have to confess I’d happily have just nestled up in the luxurious four-poster bed right then.

Boringdon Hall Room

Instead, I went off to explore the Gaia spa. Facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, various herbal steam rooms, a sauna and a salt room. There’s a well equipped indoor hydrotherapy pool which I found rather addictive. You can lurk in there and have your shoulders massaged your cellulite caressed and your tummy tickled. You can float your way outside to a large hot-tub too, which even on a chilly January afternoon was really refreshing.

Boringdon Hall Gaia Spa

I was treated to a Gaia Jade facial – an hours worth of treatment, which started with a foot massage and moved on to a comprehensive facial which included a light massage with cooling jade wands. Apart from leaving my skin baby soft and wonderfully moisturised, I was impressed that there was no short term redness – especially as my next stop, just half an hour later was the fine dining restaurant.

Balcony Dining - Boringdon Hall

There’s an à la carte menu at the Three AA Rosette Balcony Restaurant, but if like me, you are just staying for a night, I’d suggest opting for the very reasonably priced tasting menu (£60 for five courses). And, I’d definitely ask for the paired wines because at £35 per person at each course, you’ll be enjoying exactly the right wine to bring out the best in the food. But whatever option you choose, I suspect you’ll be impressed by the delicious and picture perfect dishes produced by Head Chef Scott Paton.
executive Chef Boringdon Hall

Two delicious canapés and a basket of homemade bread set the pace. I particularly liked the naughty little three cheese sandwich – a kind of very posh cheese biscuit.
Amuse Bouche Boringdon Hall

But the little cracker filled with salmon ceviche was also delicious. And, my only reason for not devouring one each of the three types of bread on offer was the promise of five courses (which turned out to be six) to come.

Breads Boringdon Hall Fine Dining

Before the first course, an amuse bouche of langoustine bisque was light yet full flavoured and a good foil for the pain de Mourvin I’d picked from the basket.

Langoustine Bisque Boringdon Hall

Then, birds liver parfait (goose and chicken) with a PX reduction with hazelnuts and brioche served with a glass of Terra Iconia Beaujolais from the Alliance des Vignerons Bourgogne Beaujolais, a delicious fruity red wine.

Birds Liver Parfait Boringdon Hall

It was a richer start than I’d anticipated and I was glad I’d picked what appeared to be the lighter options from the tasting menu.

Birds Lliver Parfait Scott Paton Boringdon

Unlike many restaurants, Boringdon offers a choice of starter and main course even within the tasting menu, and I chose the pescatarian options throughout the remainder of the menu.

Scallop Taco - Boringdon Hall - Scott Paton

Had I been looking for something more substantial, the next course would have been a terrine of duck confit with fig, chicory and Sauternes. But, instead, I picked the Scallop ‘taco’, three scallops with green peppers, citrus and coriander in a parmesan crisp. Truly delicious and rather beautiful on the plate. This was perfectly paired with Laurent Miquel Albarino, a French take on a Spanish traditional grape. Other than really enjoying the mouthful, I also came away wanting to try this one at home – it seems such a great idea.

Fine Dining Boringdon Hall - Crab 2

Next for me, local and famous Brixham crab with a curried emulsion, mango, cardamom and lime. Immaculate presentation and deliciously firm meaty crab was complemented by the piquant emulsion. Pairing with a floral Trimbach Gewürtztraminer, I was unsure on the first tasting of the wine (before the food) because the floral wine with notes of lychée, rose and ginger seemed almost too complex. But once paired, it worked perfectly.

Fine Dining Boringdon Hall - Crab

I was sorely tempted by the option of aged beef with tarragon emulsion and oxtail. But I was also curious about the rather more refined sounding option, braised turbot with celery root, truffle and champagne sauce.

Fine Dining Boringdon Hall Fish

In the end that was my choice and I was not in the least disappointed. It came with a glass of Ermita de San Felices Rioja Blanca from Spain which was light and fresh and a perfect complement for the fish. I was truly impressed with the presentation, a tiny confit of celery root that looked like a scallop, fennel, leek and nori to create a perfect mouthful of food. There was a lovely salty smokiness in the purée that paired perfectly with the light, fresh wine.

Dessert - Boringdon Hall Fine Dining

Dessert was a Raspberry mousse with pistachio cream and raspberry sorbet – classic pairings served with a local sparkling rosé from Lyme Bay.

Sparkling wine pairing - Boringdon Hall Balcony Restaurant

Homemade petit fours and coffee finished off an evening of fine dining at Boringdon Hall in style for me.
Boringdon Hall Fine Cheese and Wine

I skipped the delicious looking cheese board and I wandered back upstairs to my room to fill the slipper bath with bubbles and relax before tumbling into the fourposter. Deliciously comfortable and perfectly quiet, I defy anyone not to sleep well.
Boringdon Hall Slipper Bath

Such was my enthusiasm for the spa at Boringdon Hall Hotel that I’d set my alarm early so I could enjoy an hour or so there before breakfast. At that time in the morning, the only other people around are hotel guests and I loved watching the sunrise from the luxury of the outdoor hot-tub.

Boringdon Hall Full English

After 20 lengths of the pool, I thought I could be excused ordering a full English breakfast, all excellent quality, especially the sausage and bacon. I was sorely tempted by the various pastries, bread and local farmhouse yoghurt too.

Boringdon Hall Great Hall 2

Checkout was seamless too. I’d have happily hidden in the cupboard and stayed a few more days. But London was calling…and I needed to go home.

I stayed at Boringdon Hall Hotel as a guest of Mayflower400. All content is editorially given.

Boringdon Hall is just a short drive from the centre of Plymouth and would make an excellent base for exploring the West Country Mayflower links.

Plymouth is around 4 hours drive from London or can be reached by train from London Paddington. Direct trains take just over three hours. You can even travel overnight on the Night RiveriaSleeper Train from Paddington to Penzance, leaving just before midnight and arriving in Plymouth at around 5.30 a.m.

For more information about Mayflower 400 celebrations please see the Mayflower400 website

For more information about Plymouth please see the Visit Plymouth website

Thinking of visiting yourself? Why not pin this post for later!

Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa - Plymouth Devon

Filed Under: Travel, UK Tagged With: Boutique Hotel, Country house hotel, Devon, English Hotel, West Country

About Fiona Maclean

London based freelance writer and marketing consultant. I edit London-Unattached.com and write for a number of other publications. With a music degree and a background in marketing across many sectors, my passions include all types of music, food, restaurants, wine and travel

Comments

  1. Megri says

    March 5, 2019 at 5:17 am

    Really a fabulous place to have the best time. And the food sounds heavenly delicious will plan the earliest visit there.

    Reply
  2. Kate says

    February 27, 2019 at 7:17 pm

    It seems like a great place for a get away. It’s on my list for our next weekend trip.

    Reply
  3. Kathryn Burrington says

    February 15, 2019 at 9:10 am

    What a fabulous place! Gobsmacked by the spa building though. I hope it’s well hidden in the grounds. The treatments sound divine though, as does the outdoor hot tub!

    Reply
  4. Jeanne @ Cooksister says

    February 13, 2019 at 1:38 pm

    Oh my…. bedroom goals!!! That looks spectacular Fiona – and i love the sou d of the pool. And the presentation of the food is flawless. For my money, I’m hankering after that liver terrine… 😍

    Reply
  5. sherianne says

    February 13, 2019 at 2:24 am

    This property sounds like heaven! I’ve never had a massage using jade wands and the scallop taco sounds super good.

    Reply
  6. Kate says

    February 13, 2019 at 1:22 am

    It looks like Boringdon has perfectly balanced historic and modern. I can’t believe this is even someplace that you can actually stay. I think the hardest part of a stay there would be ruining that gorgeous art called a menu by devouring it. I’m sure it’s just as delicious as it looks though, so I’d probably get over it. 🙂

    Reply
  7. Lisa says

    February 12, 2019 at 8:31 pm

    First off, that four-poster bed – yes, please!! 😍😍 However, I can totally see why you chose the spa instead – sounds divine! ☺️ Relaxing in some bubbles sounds like the perfect end to a day 🙌🏼

    Reply
  8. Claire says

    February 12, 2019 at 10:04 am

    what a beautiful building! I love 4 poster beds, and the outdoor hot tub at sunrise sounds divine! And that food? OMG I’d be in heaven!!

    Reply
  9. Hannah says

    February 11, 2019 at 10:08 pm

    Boringdon Hall looks so tranquil – the perfect english countryside getaway! Your meal looked so delicious, I’m a big fan of turbot, so I would’ve chosen the same as you. Well done for getting up early for a swim – I enjoy the quiet of the morning too.

    Reply
  10. Indrani says

    February 11, 2019 at 9:57 am

    Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa looks fantastic to me. Its history has added charm to it.
    They have taken care to present excellent dishes. I loved the luxurious room.

    Reply
  11. Christina Pfeiffer says

    February 10, 2019 at 11:44 pm

    Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa looks like a fabulous place to get away for a relaxing and luxurious stay. The Raspberry Mousse looks too beautiful to eat! I will definitely add this to my collection of potential places to stay when I visit the UK next year!

    Reply
  12. Mei from Travel with Mei and Kerstin says

    February 10, 2019 at 12:03 pm

    Oh I love staying in historic buildings turned into luxury hotels (we got married in a castle-turned-into-a-hotel a few years ago). We’ve never been to Plymouth, but if we do someday we’ll certainly consider staying at Boringdon Hall. The room you got looks perfectly charming. And it’s awesome that they have a spa and a restaurant. All the food you tasted look so delicious. And £60 for a five course dinner is definitely a reasonable price! Since I love cheese, I wouldn’t have been able to skip that cheese platter! haha… 😉 Thanks a lot for sharing this review!

    Reply
    • Fiona Maclean says

      February 10, 2019 at 7:00 pm

      The spa is quite special, but I never take pictures inside spas out of consideration for other visitors – so I’m waiting to add a bit to this piece!

      Reply
  13. Louise says

    February 10, 2019 at 11:39 am

    Fiona… You lucky, lucky woman! Everything about this place looks absolutely marvellous! And that bed!!! (well, the entire room looks wonderful!)
    I haven’t been to Plymouth, but we are actually going in two weeks for the first time, so its great for me to get a little pre-view!
    Oh… and the food! Beautiful!
    Louise x

    Reply
  14. Tala Valino says

    February 10, 2019 at 1:47 am

    Such a luxurious room you have! I would try all of their delicious looking pastries if I was there. With excellent facilities, great food, this looks like the perfect hotel when in Plymouth.

    Reply
  15. Adonis Villanueva says

    February 10, 2019 at 1:43 am

    The food pictures are amazing and look so delicious! The hotel looks almost like a palace. That tasting menu meal with sparkling wine is already worth the price of entry. A hot bath on that marvelous bathtub would be a fitting way to end the day of culinary exploration.

    Reply
  16. Priya Iyer says

    February 9, 2019 at 4:38 am

    The Boringdon Hall Hotel looks so charming and beautiful! So much history to it, I’m sure. This is exactly the kind of place I’d love to check into whenever I visit the UK. 🙂
    Thank you for this detailed post!

    Reply

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