Hotel Review: Berkshire’s Newest Spa Hotel, West Court Retreat

I’ve always been a sucker for old houses with creaky floorboards, thick stone walls and fireplaces that tell stories. But pair that history with copper roll-top baths, an outdoor pool and a glasshouse restaurant, and I’m officially obsessed.

So when I heard whispers of the Nirvana Collection’s latest opening, West Court Retreat in Berkshire, I packed my weekender bag with indecent speed.

Nestled within 20 acres of landscaped countryside, this Grade II-listed 17th-century manor house is what you get when a classic English estate receives a thoroughly modern, thoroughly luxurious upgrade.

From the moment I pulled into the gravel drive, I felt like I was stepping onto the set of a period drama. The difference here is that the rooms come with Dyson hairdryers, the staff deliver digestifs to your velvet armchair, and there is a complimentary Bentley transfer ready to take you to Nirvana Spa, their sister property just ten minutes away.

Suites with Stories

The hotel has just 49 rooms, thoughtfully divided between the original Manor House and the newer Officers’ Wing.

I stayed in The Carlyle Suite, where original exposed beams and a freestanding copper tub struck a beautiful balance between heritage and indulgence.

The suite had its own private living room overlooking the manicured lawn, and the space felt intimate and full of character, with a strong sense of identity.

The bathroom was the undisputed star of the show. Victorian-style porcelain tiles, a gleaming copper tub, a sparkling rainfall shower and a new vanity unit came together to create a luxurious space that felt both restorative and indulgent. It was the kind of sanctuary that made it very tempting to stay in, robe on, for the entire evening.

That said, the living room didn’t quite deliver the same wow factor as the bathroom. The vintage furniture had character, but paired with the older carpet and more neutral tones, the space felt a little flat. A few warmer design touches - perhaps a richer rug, ambient lighting or updated textures, could really elevate the space and bring it in line with the rest of the suite’s thoughtful style.

Dining Worth the Detour

Dinner that evening was at The Dining Room, the hotel’s main restaurant, where locally sourced ingredients are given a beautifully seasonal twist. I started with a garlic spinach soup, followed by melt-in-your-mouth butternut squash gnocchi, and finished with strawberry sorbet. But for meat-eaters, there are lots of options too!

Later, I wandered into The Devil’s Highway Bar. Named after the Roman road that runs beneath the property, it is an intimate, dimly lit spot with plush interiors and a menu of classic cocktails. Although I would have loved a few more cocktail options on the list.

It is a beautifully designed space that could really sing with a slightly larger menu of signature drinks.

Quiet Luxury and Stillness

The next morning, coffee in hand, I found myself on the garden patio watching the mist lift across the lawns. There is something magical about the silence here. It wraps around you like a cashmere throw and invites you to slow down. I could have gone to the gym or booked a treatment, but instead I opted for a dip in the newly built outdoor pool followed by a long lounge in the sunshine. No regrets.

The spa experience, though, is not to be missed. Guests staying at West Court Retreat can enjoy complimentary Bentley transfers to Nirvana Spa, the UK’s leading pure water retreat. From fire and ice therapies to restorative floatation experiences, the spa is designed to recalibrate every part of you.

Countryside Calm

West Court Retreat is perfectly placed for weekenders. It is within easy reach of Ascot, Windsor, London and Reading, but still feels blissfully remote.

I took a long walk through the surrounding countryside after breakfast and passed just one fellow guest, a woman strolling with her dachshund. Yes, pets are welcome here too!

The hotel is stylish, but never showy. Calm, but never dull. The staff are warm, the interiors are thoughtful, and the details really do matter.

https://nirvanacollection.co.uk/west-court-retreat/