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Condé Nast Traveler

Thyme – Hotel, Restaurant, Spa — Hotel Review

Why book? A 150-acre Cotswolds estate that oozes English countryside charm Set the scene Just over an hour by train from London, the tiny hamlet of Gloucestershire feels like a Hollywood backdrop for the sprawling Southrop Manor Estate—quickly, you'll realize the estate is a bit of an anchor for the little town: an ancient church, open to the public, sits on the land, as does a local cemetery; the town's main pub is actually owned by Thyme and leans on produce from the plentiful gardens. There's a real harmony brought by this overall sentiment of coexistence. The crowd at the hotel, many of whom have come straight from London, quickly lower their voices to match the country quiet in these parts. And though, yes, the crowd is well-heeled and dressed in a clean-cut Cotswolds casual look—quilted jackets, well-oiled boots, and Wellies for walks—it's delightfully unpretentious. You can lean back and slow down here. The backstory The history of this property goes back centuries—take a walk with Jerry Hibbert, one half of the dynamic couple that has owned the place since 2002, and you'll hear of past occupants ranging from the Romans and the Normans to the French and even monks during its years as a monastery. Since purchasing the manor building in 2002, the couple went on to acquire the once-derelict farmhouse beside it, which, like all of the buildings that now make up Thyme, has since been restored with modern countryside interiors that respect the historical integrity of this estate. Not a window or beam has been changed in the protected spaces, though a fresh coat of paint and comfier furniture bring this stay into the 21st century. The rooms The decor in the rooms is like an English rose garden, bottled and distilled—there's floral (but not frilly) wallpaper in some, farmhouse-style furniture with smooth edges, claw-footed tubs, and antique-looking armoires that Gen Z would find cute and grandma would also nod approvingly at. It's cohesive, creams and pastels, and gentle on the eyes, with many a tea rose and climbing vine motif to remember you that this is the countryside, darling. Food and drink Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy the farm's bounty on your plate. You won't have a hard time: In the commanding Ox Barn, a changing seasonal menu reflects the best of the farm's yields—with anything-but-boring roasted vegetables, many of which compliment beautifully prepared protein like cod and lamp chop in delicate sauces. It's all decadent, yet sparing; it feels special, but is straightforward, and pure in presentation. The wine selection, and the stories you'll be offered with each, are just as memorable (I'm still thinking of a South African wine I had one night at Thyme). Things are fun at The Swan, which has the perfect charm of a pub given a new life by someone with an interior designer's eye—and the cocktails and plates, all of which likewise are farm-to-table from Thyme-to-pub, are hardly your average pub fare. If you find yourself in the Orchid House, before or after a dip in the pool, enjoy bright crudites and dips that, like everything else, come from this land. The spa If you thought the herbs grown here only went into the kitchen, think again. Thyme's own in-house beauty brand, Bertooli, uses fragrant ingredients plucked from these fields for the candles, soaps, lotions, and more. At the Meadow Spa, you'll recognize the scent of wild water mint throughout treatments, and everything from the wallpaper to the teas offered will continue to nod to the farm-to-massage-table connection. The treatments here prioritize relaxation, and overall wellness—if you're hoping to be poked and prodded and molded with the latest lasers, this is not the place (a relief, in my opinion). The neighborhood/area Make sure you step off the grounds to visit the Swan for a lunch in the sunny pub. And do pop over to the historic church (and cemetery, if like me you enjoy reading the names and snippets of life they sometimes reveal), as it really is remarkable how old some of these features are. The service It's easy to feel like you're a guest at someone's country estate, as you can walk around freely without bumping into hovering staff or hordes of guests. Wellies can be brought to your room for country walks, and bikes stand at the ready by the main house. When you need something, the team is always easy to find, and they tend to be of the storytelling sort—perfect for helping you learn about this place, from its niche historical facts to intricacies of the menu. Eco effort The Bertioli beauty line, which is used throughout the hotel, prioritizes plastic-free packaging. There's even a beauty bar they offer, which can be used as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, which you might decide to scoop up and use on all of your travels—it's space spacing, and sustainable packaging. Accessibility There are some gravel paths, and winding little routes between the buildings. The Manor House also has stairs. If you have mobility issues, ask upon booking. Anything left to mention? Talk a long walk around the property to admire the sheep, the bountiful garden, and importantly, the silence.