It was as my family members padded back to their sun loungers after a spa treatment, each looking more blissed-out than the last, that I decided our multi-generational weekend away had been an unmitigated success.
We had ostensibly convened on the shores of the glistening Lakes by Yoo in the Cotswolds to celebrate a significant birthday of my mother’s. But life being the white-knuckle ride that it is, each of us had reasons for needing some serious rest and relaxation — with varying degrees of urgency. A perfectly executed Wildsmith Skin massage at the spa brought two of my party to tears. At the end of a healing 60-minute treatment, my auntie asked the therapist if she could hug her. Such is the power of touch.
Our weekend escape began with the familiar post-work dash along the M4 from London. By 8pm we were merrily firing up the log burner and clinking flutes in our cosy three-bedroom lakeside apartment.
The older members of the group (we ranged from mid-thirties to 70), who have long been happily retired, checked in at 3pm, put the champagne on ice and rustled up a full meal to greet the rest of us — the hungry, tired, employed “youngsters”. With a fully equipped kitchen and gorgeous space for entertaining, the self-catering option is ideal for that end-of-the-week desire to collapse in a heap. It is also exceedingly helpful in keeping down costs.
There is no need to leave the apartment for sustenance (you can order in), but should guests be inclined to venture out, the Lakes by Yoo Bar & Kitchen on the banks of the sailing lake, and with views over to the sailing club, is wonderful. The festooned wigwam is cosy on cold evenings and a perfect suntrap during summer afternoons. The few hours we spent eating pizza and sipping on rosé were some of the happiest I’ve had all year.
The restaurant is becoming famed for its supper club series and has hosted evenings with Tom Aikens, Emily Roux and Adam Smith. Coming up are one-off culinary nights with Sally Abé and Jean Delport. They sell out quickly.
Lakes by Yoo is an ambitious project by property magnate John Hitchcox, who has transformed 850 acres of former quarry into a sort of elite Center Parcs. Originally conceived as a second home retreat — footballers, royalty and titans of industry all own pads here, with some designed by Kate Moss and Jade Jagger — it has evolved into a chic weekend escape for London families.
Hotel rooms, cabins and apartments are all available for rent and included in the price are the endless lakes, woodlands and meadows to romp in. It would be impossible to get bored here, with paddleboarding, fresh-water wild swimming, cycling, kayaking, zip wire, archery, bushcraft and tennis all on the menu.
Our focus was wellness — and the spa, with its temperature-controlled pool, steam room and sauna, was up to the task of soothing the frayed nerves of five frazzled women. Facials are provided by Dr Barbara Sturm and Wildsmith Skin’s nourishing oils are the perfect accompaniment to the superlative massages. There is a cryotherapy chamber for hardy souls.
On Saturday night we headed 15 minutes along the winding, pretty lanes to the Double Red Duke in Clanfield, which has become something of a scene in those parts. In fact, we bumped into some friends from London smooching in the corner. Nothing untoward, don’t worry.
The spring menu was everything one could want: grilled asparagus with anchovy aioli, woodfired scallops, rump of lamb. Meat is a big thing here and if anyone has had the one-kilogram porterhouse for £120, I’d love to know how it was.
Back in the apartment, enjoying a night cap while gazing up at the stars and listening to the gentle lapping of the water below, we all felt revived and ready to take on the white-knuckle ride again.
Three-bedroom lakeside apartment from £995 per night, thelakesbyyoo.com
