The Hotel
The Goodwood Hotel is set in a glorious
estate in the heart of the Sussex Downs. But this is far from just another
sumptuous country hotel; Goodwood is, after all, home to the ‘world’s most
beautiful racecourse’, an historic airfield, a racing circuit, the Dukes of
Richmond and the place to which people flock annually for an eclectic
sporting calendar of events. The elegant façade belies
the modern interior, which packs in a health club, spa and a near-constant
presence of Ferraris and Lamborghinis parked all around. Visitors to the hotel
may happily partake in rounds of golf and horse riding, but many come simply to
enjoy the hotel’s tranquil ambience.
The Spa
Head to The Waterbeach Spa for reflexology,
volcanic pebble therapy, Indian head massages or for the very special
‘Nurturing Nights package; it costs $480 for two people, with all meals
included for the day and night, and guests can choose between a facial, a
luxury manicure and pedicure or a shoulder and neck massage to enjoy. Decleor
and Carita products, used in all treatments, scent the air beautifully and help
to create the peaceful atmosphere that the spa – and adjacent health club – emits.
The Bedrooms
Choice is abundant at Goodwood. Winningly,
the suites are both spacious and cozy (think bookshelves stacked with tomes),
and are furnished with a beautiful mélange of antique and thoroughly
contemporary styles put together under the expert eye of designer Cindy
Leveson. The equally-modern and comfortable garden rooms feature
inter-connecting doors, making them ideal for larger groups or families, while
the Character Rooms, which are situated in the 18th-century block of
the hotel, ooze glamour in all their individually styled décor.
The Bathroom
A lavish affair, with a vast sunken bath, a
powerful walk-in shower, and a superfluity of pleasingly plump fresh white
towels.
The Restaurant
It’s hard to know where to start at this
epicure’s dream. Install yourself either at the Richmond Arms, for its informal
but cozy pub-like atmosphere, or at the Bar & Grill for its effortlessly
relaxed brasserie menu (plus there are serene views out to the golf course from
here). But for something completely different, all hotel guests are granted
access to dine at The Kennels, which is a splendid private members’ clubhouse,
ornate in its Georgian architecture and rich furnishings, and was originally
built on the estate for the 3rd Duke of Richmond’s Huntsman and
hounds.
