Synonymous with over the top quintessentially British luxe and set in a Hollywood-esque parkland tuned to the Venetian chisel of Palladian good looks, Grantley Hall, is, quite literally, old school five-star Hollywood glam served up on the world’s shiniest silver spoon. To call it “a resort” is somewhat filthy, but its sheer size and sweep of ‘so extra’ distractions give it that Disney theme park kind of wow factor that packs in all the punch of an all-in escape. Those in the know flock to the North Yorkshire estate to play in its marble-clad pool, train in the elite gym facilities, go wannabe Thomas Crown affair in the classically chic boudoirs and spend their days eating themselves silly in one of chef Shaun Rankin’s swathe of swanky dining hangouts.
BOOK WITH US FOR PERKS
For my first visit to the north of England as a 31-year-old suspicious of anything beyond the bubble of zone 1 type Londoner, all the above and more gave the iconic hotels of the south a run for their money. Having passed through the hands of many aristocratic families, the now Valeria Sykes-owned demi palace is the definition of an elegantly reinterpreted and restored luxury retreat fit for the 21st century. A mish-mash of the old meets the new works almost suspiciously too well, with soft creams and Wedgwood blues and oak panelling blending effortlessly with velvet furniture and modern fairylight-flecked indoor and outdoor terraces. An eclectic collection of art covers the walls (not all to everyone’s tastes), pots stuffed with wild orchids and tropical greenery are at every turn, and a new-build modern wing extension dons a first-floor atrium filled with olive trees and Greek-style marble statuary.
The rooms are less gaudy. Comfort and the modern English home reigns supreme in all of the 47 digs, suites and villas, all set to a country house vibe that’s infinitely virulent. Muted greys, shades of golds and creams, velvet couch numbers, great big flowery bedheads and bespoke marble-topped furniture decorate every nook and cranny in sight. In our signature suite, shelves were decorated with modern coffee table books, from Chanel to Tom Ford, decanters were filled to the brim with gin and televisions hidden behind paintings. Bathrooms? Gargantuan and marble clad, complete with freestanding tubs and walk in shower (some with steam room) and all the scrubs and salts your epidermis will ever need.
Then there’s the exceptional grub. There are five options, from fine dining to pan-Asian, but the star of the show is undoubtedly Shaun Rankin’s restaurant, Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall. The Michelin-starred menus are creative, unpretentious and stick to the hotel’s northern Yorkshire larva roots. 10 courses, including baby veg sat on an intricate bed of mushroom ‘soil’; bread and butter with dripping beef tea (imagine a piping pot of gravy); tender venison loin drenched in a delicious blackcurrant jus; locally sourced goat’s cheese served with honey; and a medley of desserts were just some of the highlights we enjoyed during our visit. Wines? Faultlessly paired and confidently expensive. Breakfast, also served here, is just as extravagant, headlined by local charcuterie, eggs Benedict, a full Yorkshire and veggie fry up and uber fluffy pancakes crowned with a sensible number of berries and clotted cream.
Other than the epicurean delights of all things food, long afternoons spent in the bath and romantic champagne picnics is what Grantley Hall does best. Cycling, riding and afternoon tea are obvious choices, but once you get an idea of the enormity of the place, nothing tops the countless opportunities of England’s most cherished rural pastime: a long country walk. Think arty commons, scattered with beautiful statues, rows of seasonal blooms and the Kyoto Garden.
If you’re not a muddy boots kind of person, head for the Three Graces spa. Kitted out with thermal experience and snow room, the 18-metre pool and an outside cedar hotub make for a perfect morning of post-brekkie relaxation. Treatment wise, expect excellent facials – go for Grantley’s signature high performance face pummel – and faultless mani-pedis. Elsewhere, the Elite Performance Center offers all sorts of high-tech body training rituals, from underwater treadmills to 3D body scanners, and if you can brave it, a cryotherapy chamber.
Grantley Hall isn’t your average English escape. It might look old, but on the inside it’s a modern demi palace, and for Americans looking for the best of the new and old worlds, not much trumps it. Grantley is Hollywood in the Yorkshire Dales, exceptionally well-run, oh so glam, and film-set-perfect. Insert fabulous nails emoji here:
Top Takeaways
Location: Ripon, Yorkshire, England, UK
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: Georgian splendour meets modern English cool. It’s the best of both worlds, especially for those who want a traditional British experience served with all the modcons.
Amenities: Restaurants, bar, wellness spa, boutique, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Our favourite thing about the hotel: The food. Just go there and eat it. Enough said.
What’s nearby? You are in the sticks, so not much. However, if you do want to escape go for a good old long walk in the Dales. It will be the most British thing you do. Pack a scarf, and a good hat.
Any personal neighbourhood reccs? No, because you are on a big old country estate. Grab a bike and explore.
Rooms: 47
Pricing: From about 634 USD per night.
Closest international airport: Manchester Airport
Hotels Above Par may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if products are purchased through our links, at no cost to you.
