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As the days grow increasingly darker and temperatures plummet dramatically, it's no wonder that countless Brits begin fantasising about warmer destinations to flee the grim autumn -to-winter period. Yet sunshine doesn't always guarantee bliss - and I was struck by this realisation following a visit to a stunning spa hotel right here in the UK. We frequently overlook that the most enchanting retreats don't demand a passport or a lengthy flight. Scattered throughout the UK are snug treasures ideal for an autumnal break, simply waiting to be explored. Rather than staying cooped up indoors, I chose to escape London's hustle and bustle and pamper my mum and myself with a tranquil staycation just 30 minutes away - and, truthfully, it felt utterly divine. For a well-earned evening away, my mum and I booked into the Crowne Plaza , situated between the "picturesque market town" of Beaconsfield and Buckinghamshire's Gerrards Cross. I'd personally never encountered Gerrards Cross before, but I was delighted to discover the hotel was just a swift 20-minute train journey from London Marylebone Station, plus a quick 10-minute drive. Yet during our car journey, it appeared we were venturing into complete isolation, encircled by nothing except roadway, vast emerald fields and magnificent golden and crimson trees. The moment we alighted, we were astounded by the hotel's impressive scale and sophisticated facade featuring a breathtaking water display; it genuinely resembled stepping into a contemporary fairytale manor. But the exterior was just the icing on a rather scrumptious cake. Before my mum and I even stepped through the front door, we spotted people emerging in luxurious white robes, their faces beaming with relaxation and contentment. That's when my anticipation truly kicked in. The lobby was even more breathtaking, boasting a modern yet sophisticated design. My favourite feature was the bold red tree that stood out against the neutral backdrop, making it an ideal spot for photos. However, despite its beauty, the best part of this hotel is its delightful scent; it felt like stepping into the freshest floral perfume shop. We were kindly provided with one of the "newer" rooms, which featured two double beds, a bath and shower, a large flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee station, a courtyard view and the luxurious white robes with slippers. A standard bed at the Crowne Plaza will set you back £94 per night. However, for a standard double room with two double beds and a courtyard view, the price tag is £218. The Crowne Plaza also offers packages, such as the Friday Night Package, which includes a complimentary cocktail while enjoying live entertainment, breakfast, and late checkout until 12 pm, all for £134. Alternatively, guests can choose the dinner, bed, and breakfast package, which includes breakfast and a three-course dinner from a set menu or buffet in the restaurant, for one or two resident adults sharing a room, priced at £191. Our room was enormous, easily fitting a family of four. It was spotless with plenty of amenities on offer, including dental care, a hair dryer, and an iron. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service for select items, but we chose to fully explore the facilities and head to the restaurant (more on the food later). Once back, we quickly whipped up a hot chocolate each before my mum took a dip in the bath. The bathroom was stunning, boasting a thick wooden sliding door, a massive rain shower head and a mirror with three lighting settings. There were ample towels available, and the rather posh-smelling soap, shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner were there for our use. My only complaint was the lukewarm water, as it wasn't quite hot enough. However, this might have been due to it being nighttime, as my shower the following morning was piping hot. Thankfully, drifting off to sleep was far from challenging and was one of the highlights of our stay. I usually find it hard to nod off in unfamiliar surroundings, but the mattress struck the perfect balance between firmness and softness. The thick yet light duvet kept me warm without feeling suffocating, so it felt like I could just sink into the huge bed. My mum was so chilled out she snored all night, but I must've embarrassingly done the same, as I woke up with drool on the side of my mouth. Needless to say, it was a cracking night's sleep. The restaurant proved just as visually stunning as the remainder of the hotel. It boasted a contemporary design with luxurious touches, showcasing neutral and earthy tones, including orange, green and brown, creating an ideal autumnal setting. We were promptly shown to our table and presented with their comprehensive menu. For our opening course, we opted for the beef, pork and caramelised onion meatballs (£10.50), plus the crispy salt and pepper chicken wings (£9.50). The servings were rather modest for the cost, though typical for appetisers. Mum and I both concluded that the meatballs were the superior choice, delivering succulent and tasty morsels. The crunchy toast paired with the delightful "sugo sauce" created a lovely contrast. The wings, on the other hand, were forgettable. You'll be served four tiny wings that were merely acceptable. The standout element was the pineapple ketchup, though there was more condiment than chicken. Our main courses proved far superior and satisfied our appetites properly. Mum chose the glazed confit pork belly (£19.95), which she scored 7/10, whilst I selected the steak frites (£24.95), earning a 6/10 rating as my beef was somewhat tough. In total, the dinner reached £90, incorporating two wine glasses but excluding pudding. The morning meal was arguably the standout feature of our visit, offering an unlimited full English breakfast, pastries, fresh fruit, yoghurt, and additional items. This was included complimentary with our booking, though Expedia indicates non-package customers would pay £18.95. Alternative sources suggest £19.50 per adult; however, this pricing isn't transparently displayed on the hotel's official website. Admittedly, the hotel's food prices are a bit steep, but you're not tied to dining in-house as Uber operates in the vicinity. However, I'm of the opinion that eating at the hotel adds to the overall luxury experience. I firmly believe everyone should indulge in a spa visit at least once. It may be a pricey treat, but once you've had a taste, it'll revolutionise your life, introducing you to levels of self-care you never knew you needed. Fortunately, the Crowne Plaza throws in free spa access when you book a room. This includes entry to the spacious and tranquil swimming pool, the blissful jacuzzi, a piping hot sauna and steam room. If you fancy a spa day without an overnight stay, day passes start from £49 per person. But if you opt for the autumn escape package at £75, you'll get a two-course lunch and a complimentary candle to take home. My spa highlight was undoubtedly the hot tub. It was my first time dipping into one, and blimey, has it changed my life. The powerful jets were a delight against my back, and the water was so warm it felt like a soothing bubble bath. Mum and I were lucky enough to also enjoy a 55-minute Swedish massage. As a woman in her twenties, it was quite a revelation to discover just how much tension and knots my body is harbouring. We were instructed to undress down to our underwear and lie flat on the bed with our heads positioned through a specially designed opening that faced downwards. On the floor below, there was a candle display which was soothing to observe, though I eventually shut my eyes. The music they played was gentle and calming, allowing your mind to drift into tranquillity. The therapist was extremely considerate as my mum was dealing with a fractured hand and joint issues, but they took particular care to ensure she was at ease. This experience was poignant for my mother as we lost my brother last year. She mentioned feeling as though the sorrow was being lifted from her body as she shed a few tears. If this spa excursion has shown me anything, it's that sometimes your parents require more compassion and attention than you might think. Not only did it feel absolutely divine, but the massage also completely centred me, serving as a reminder to look after her just as much as she looks after me. The therapist suggested that everyone should receive a massage at least twice monthly, as "stress is a killer." Having said that, I understand it can be far too costly for the average Brit to afford massage treatments this regularly - blimey, it's too pricey for me to go back anytime soon. Nevertheless, it's certainly a treatment worth splashing out on from time to time. After our session, we donned our robes and retreated to the relaxation room, where we exchanged candid reflections on our experience. I savoured a glass of cold water while my mum enjoyed some herbal tea, our phones set to do not disturb. In that moment, it was just us, tranquillity, and a much-needed emotional release. A Swedish body massage at the Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross comes with a price tag of £95. Explore more massages, spa or hotel packages by clicking here.
