Babymoon Break in Style: Ockenden Manor

We revisit Ockenden Manor for the perfect Babymoon indulgence break in partnership with luxury maternity brand, Jem and Bea.

When it comes to getting away pre-baby, an Elizabethan Manor House with a Michelin starred restaurant and a state of the art spa is just what you need. Trust us.

At Ockenden Manor, the most stressful decisions you’re likely to have to make are whether to relax in the indoor or outdoor (heated) pool, or which lounge to take your evening (soft) drink in. The Babymoon Break has been brilliantly planned out in partnership with luxury maternity brand Jem + Bea to provide you with a ready-built 24 hours of pure indulgence.

We arrived early evening on a Friday and loved the ease with which we reached Cuckfield (a lovely village to explore) from London (under an hour and a half even at the start of the weekend).

Start the celebrations with a stunning three course dinner from the seriously impressive Sussex menu which uses the finest locally sourced ingredients. Absolute highlights were the salt beef amuse bouche, as well as the pumpkin soup with wild mushrooms on toast for starter then the Newhaven cod as a main. The service is outstanding and each member of the staff is attentive and cheery. Treat yourself to the Apple Souffle for dessert – we won’t ruin the surprise but it involves a cinnamon doughnut…

Whatever stage of your pregnancy, you’re unlikely to have problems getting a good night’s sleep here. We stayed in the Per room which was in the spa building and provided a quiet, peaceful night after a fabulous soak in one of the biggest bathtubs I’d seen. Also in the room we found a wonderful treat – a baby bag from Jem + Bea which is a gift included in the price of the Babymoon package and gets you excited all over again for your new arrival!

Get up early for breakfast so that you can make the most of the spa facilities for the day. There’s an excellent continental offering but the eggs are also delicious and the tables are adorned with the most beautiful Pip Studio crockery for you to sip their selection of fresh teas from.

The spa here is really outstanding – there’s everything from the standard sauna and steam rooms, to a stunning outdoor hot tub and a heated outdoor pool where you can lie back and look at the sky.

The Babymoon break includes not only a prenatal spa treatment (ask for Helen – she gave me the best massage I’ve had) but also a 30 minute Isopod float. I’d recommend doing the Isopod float first – it’s certainly a novel experience and I have to admit to keeping the lid of the pod open for fear of claustrophobia. The after effects of floating for 30 minutes weightless in a salt solution will be truly appreciated by your pregnant body. You can then chill out in the relaxation room before you enjoy a remedial and calming massage which uses the most divine Elemental Herbology essential oils based products.

As if this doesn’t leave you feeling pampered enough, you’ll also get a gift from the hotel of an Elemental Herbology Tree of Life balm which is ideal for everything your body is craving, and helps to reduce stretch marks.

This break really is the ideal option to either enjoy with your partner or seize as a last weekend with a girlfriend who will equally enjoy being wrapped in white fluffy robes for the majority of your stay.

To book: call 01444416111
Prices start at £485

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