The historic English manor that's launched a new Italian-like wine terrace in time for summer
Yet I'm nowhere near Italy. I'm in the heart of Kent, visiting an historic health spa during its landmark 100th anniversary year.
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Champney's Eastwell Manor, near Ashford, Kent, has undergone extensive renovations, including a total spa refresh
Credit: PETER KOCIHA/Supplied
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Along with the standard indoor swimming pool, with sauna, steam rooms and hot tub, there's a newly revamped outdoor pool
Credit: Supplied
From its quirky beginnings as the nation's first 'health farm', pioneering hydrotherapy in the '50s, to introducing
This year, it is marking the milestone with a year-long 100 Years Young campaign.
Think exclusive treatments and great products you won't find elsewhere.
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The wine is the only UK entry to make the top 50 in the 2025 World's Best Vineyards Awards.
A variety of amazing small plates, including a delicious whipped feta and flatbreads, are the perfect accompaniment.
Of course, you could go bigger, with pizzas, burgers and sandwiches on offer (the sea pizza being a feast of garlic chili prawns, salmon and pickles).
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Relaxing among the backdrop of an 18th century manor house, there are frankly few better ways to spend an evening.
The next day I was transported from Italy to France, with a beautifully laid out picnic on the manor grounds.
Go on a virtual tour of the Champneys hotel - the perfect Mother's Day retreat
Hopping into one of the hotel Range Rovers, I am assured by the driver that the walk would be far too difficult to do myself.
Taking an entire three minutes, I feel slightly put out until I spot the size of the hamper being hauled from the boot with a bucket of champagne. Perhaps my driver was right after all.
My only company is an errant bee as he leaves me to enjoy a feast of fresh pastries and sandwiches.
With more than enough to feed two people, I should have asked him to join me.
Back at the spa, there are more centenary celebrations to delight, including two exclusive treatments.
My Champneys 100 Years Facial (£105) begins with a meditation, followed by a triple cleanse, exfoliation and anti-ageing cryotherapy globes.
Back at the spa, there's more centenary celebrations to delight, including two exclusive treatments.
For more ingulgence, you could opt for The 100 Years Face & Body Reset (£150) with a massage, wood therapy, and lemon tea to finish.
Along with the standard indoor swimming pool, with sauna, steam rooms and hot tub, there's a newly revamped outdoor pool, with cream-covered plush sunloungers and beautiful sunset views.
Tucked next door are the Mews Cottages, with my room hidden behind a baby pink door.
Inside, a comfy double bed and lounge look out over lush grounds, and I make the most of the roll-top bath and Elemis toiletries.
Complete with my leftover hamper strawberries.
Not bad for a spa that's been doing this for 100 years.
They've clearly learned a thing or two about la dolce vita.
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The Sun's Kara Godfrey enjoys the view from Eastwell Manor's new summer terrace
Credit: Handout
GO: KENT CHAMPNEY'S
STAYING THERE:
One night at Eastwell Manor starts at£325 for two people, with unlimited spa, gym and class access as well as dinner, breakfast and lunch.
A picnic hamper is £55pp.
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