Summer events at Whatley Manor
The new events guide from Whatley Manor, the beautifully restored private manor house hotel set amidst 12 acres of Wiltshire countryside offers a myriad selection of seasonal events and inspirational reasons to get out in the local Wiltshire countryside to welcome the start of spring and enjoy the summer months.
The events cover all aspects of the hotel, and highlights including a series of horticultural activities with tours of the hotel garden led by Head Gardener, Barry Holman each Tuesday in June and an evening talk by RHS Chelsea garden designer, Tom Stuart-Smith, in conjunction with Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Champagne corks will also be popping at the Ruinart Champagne and canapés event to herald the start of the nearby Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trails on 29th April and continue to flow in September with an exclusive Bollinger tasting and dinner.
Meanwhile in the hotel spa ‘Aquarias’ a Jessica Hands and Nails event in June will be keeping guests well groomed this summer, along with an exclusive La Prairie Beauty Workshop later in the year. Gastronomic delights this season include a new series of seasonal master classes each quarter with the hotel’s Michelin two star chef, Martin Burge and a summer event to welcome back the Swiss Air Force Jet Pilots – the Patrouille Suisse, in advance of their display at the Fairford Air Show in July.
Special events at the hotel
30th April – 3rd May: The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials
The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials are one of the toughest and most exciting equestrian events and the pinnacle of the world’s eventing calendar. Over the four days a different discipline or phase is judged. Horses and riders must complete a dressage test demonstrating obedience, discipline, accuracy and elegance. The horses and riders need to be fit and athletic to complete a four mile cross country ride, jumping several solid man-made and natural obstacles within a set time. Finally they must complete a course of show jumps designed to test their agility and accuracy at speed.
Standard rooms cost from £320 per night for two guests and include full English breakfast, full use of the spa facilities, plus transportation to and from Badminton courtesy of Land Rover.
Ground admission, dressage and cross country tickets can be purchased in advance on line by visiting badminton-horse.co.uk.
29th April: Ruinart Champagne and Canapés
Whether guests are attending the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials or just wish to start their evening with a glass or two of fizz they are invited to join a Ruinart champagne reception in the delightful setting of the Fountain Terrace overlooking the sweeping lawns.
£45 includes Ruinart champagne and canapés prepared by Michelin two star chef, Martin Burge
6.00pm – 7.30pm on the Fountain Terrace (weather permitting) or alternative location
Series of garden events
1st, 15th and 22nd June & 7th and 21st September - Whatley Manor Tuesday Garden Tours
The day starts at 11:30 am when guests will be welcomed with a refreshing long drink of Rozès Port followed by a two-course lunch using ingredients from the Kitchen Garden. After lunch Head Gardener, Barry Holman will give guests a private tour of the 12 acres of English country gardens, bringing the gardens to life and the explaining the inspiration behind the design of the 26 distinct areas.
£39.50 includes Whatley Manor reception, two-course lunch, coffee and the garden tour
11.30am for a 12.00 start, the garden tour from 2.30pm. Finishing at approximately 4.00pm
8th June – An evening with RHS Flower Show Garden Designer, Tom Stuart-Smith with Laurent-Perrier Champagne
On Tuesday, 8th June Tom Stuart-Smith, one of the UK’s most creative and talented garden designers will give guests a ‘behind the scenes’ insight into the Laurent-Perrier garden that he has designed for this years RHS Chelsea Flower Show. His brief was to create a visionary garden of romance and elegance that will offer a private intimate space for entertainment or quiet reflection. The centre piece of this modern garden will be a bronze pavilion designed by award-winning architect Jamie Fobert.
To accompany the event a special four-course menu will be prepared by Michelin two-star chef Martin Burge served in ‘The Dining Room’. Each dish will be matched with Laurent-Perrier Champagne.
£145 includes a Laurent-Perrier Champagne and canapé reception, the presentation, four-course menu with Laurent-Perrier Champagne, Nespresso and petit fours.
Series of Culinary events
Meet and Dine with the Swiss Air Force Jet Pilots Patrouille Suisse on 15th July
With the Royal International Air Tattoo taking place at Fairford on 17th and 18th July, Whatley Manor is hosting the Patrouille Suisse Commander Mr Daniel Hösli and his team prior to their display at the air show.
The Patrouille Suisse is the Swiss equivalent of the Red Arrows and has been the official jet aerobatic team of the Swiss Air Force for more than 40 years. Commander Daniel Hösli will be giving an insight into the fascinating world of close formation flight using dramatic breath-taking footage of the team in action in the hotel’s private cinema prior to a Swiss inspired three course dinner and wines from Domaine du Daley. Guests will be seated at tables of eight to ten and a jet pilot will host each table.
Aperitif and canapé reception from 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start.
£75 includes a presentation by the pilots and a short film screened in the cinema followed by three-course meal and wines.
Bollinger Exclusive Champagne Dinner on 14th September
Due to the success of previous events, on 14 September Whatley Manor is welcoming back Christian Dennis, Ambassador of Bollinger to host an exclusive Champagne event at which guests will be able to gain an insight into the unique style of Bollinger and the attributes that set it apart from other Champagnes. Guests will enjoy a ‘Bollinger Special Cuvee’, ‘Bollinger Rose La Grande Annee 2000’ and a superb red wine alongside an exquisite four-course menu created by Michelin two-star head chef Martin Burge in ‘The Dining Room.
£138 per person includes Bollinger Champagne and canapé reception, four-course menu with Bollinger Champagne, wine, Nespresso coffee and petit fours.
Champagne and canapé reception from 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start.
New season of Master Classes with Michelin Two star Head Chef Martin Burge
Whatley Manor is continuing its seasonal series of master classes with the hotel’s Michelin two star chef Martin Burge by enabling guests to spend a practical and fun day in the kitchens at Whatley Manor increasing their culinary confidence by learning how to create a seasonal four-course menu of dishes that are perfect for entertaining guests at home. Martin and his team will share culinary tips and techniques and participants will be able to take home some of the dishes they have prepared during the day.
15th November 2010 – Creating dishes for Autumn
17th January 2011 – Creating dishes for the Winter
11th April 2011 – Creating dishes for Spring
8th August 2011 – Creating dishes for Summer
9.30am for a 10.00am start finishing approximately 5.00pm.
Each course costs £175 per person and includes the master class, an apron, recipes, buffet lunch with wine and refreshments throughout the day. You will be provided all essential equipment.
Jazz Sunday Lunch in Le Mazot
On selected dates from April to November the new season of Jazz Sunday lunches will be taking place in Le Mazot with the Walter Weber International Jazz Band or the Solent City New Orleans Jazz Band. Costs £38 per person to include three course lunch in Le Mazot whilst listening to live Jazz from 12:00 – 3:30 pm.
Sunday Cinema Screenings with lunch or dinner in Le Mazot
The new season of films is set to while away the lazy Sunday afternoon and evenings throughout the spring and summer starting with ‘State of Play’ on 25th April, ‘Last Chance Harvey’ on 23rd May, ‘Sherlock Holmes’ on 27th June, ‘An Education’ on 25th July, ‘Nine’ on 15th August, ‘Robin Hood’ on 26th September, ‘Julie & Julia’ on 31st October and ‘The Back up Plan’ on 28th November. Costs £38 per person including three course lunch or dinner, the film and popcorn.
Pampering Packages and Promotions
Whatley Manor’s spa Aquarias is the only La Prairie 5 star ‘Art of Beauty’ centre outside London and from May will be feature La Prairie’s new ‘Anti Aging Anti Wrinkle Eye Line Filler’ as well as the brand new ‘Celluar Serum Platinum Range’, which uses the most advanced anti-ageing technology to brighten and tighten and slow down the ageing of the skin.
The spa has recently introduced a new 30 minute intensive eye lift treatment (£55) which instantly re-hydrates the eye area with the highest levels of Caviar extracts providing instant relief for eyes. This treatment may be booked on its own or as a supplement to a facial or any other spa treatment.
Escape the Virgin London Marathon on 25th April
If the thought of running just over twenty six miles leaves you cold then help is at hand with a relaxing stay at Whatley Manor. Arrive early and make full use of the spa facilities during the day with a relaxing 45 minute spa treatment included during the stay.
A one night stay costs £315 per couple including room and breakfast plus a 45 minute spa treatment each.
11 May - Hands and Nails with Jessica at Spa Aquarias
Jessica Nails was started in the 1970’s by Jessica Vartoughian and is considered the world’s leading authority on natural nail care. Guests can experience the benefits of Jessica nail products combined with the relaxing atmosphere of Spa Aquarias in a full day event that starts with a short Jessica presentation by nail expert, Cindy Johnson. The day will also comprise two thirty minute treatments – a nourishing hand treatment and nail file and paint, as well as lunch in Le Mazot and a mini garden tour. Guests will also take home a Jessica goodie bag to the value of £15.
10.00am for a 10.30am start. Finishing approximately 5.00pm
The event costs £115 per person and includes the presentation, two-course lunch, two thirty minute treatments, a mini garden tour, goodie bag and full use of the spa facilities.
5th October La Prairie Beauty Workshop at Whatley Manor
La Prairie will be sharing the secrets of a perfect complexion with an exclusive La Prairie workshop, the first of its kind. The event will be hosted by La Prairie expert Rachel Simmonds alongside Spa Aquarias professional therapists. A short presentation introducing guests to the new La Prairie launches will start the day followed by individual workshops taking place in the privacy of the spa treatment rooms and a two-course lunch served in Le Mazot brasserie. During the workshop La Prairie experts and Spa Aquarias therapists will demystify the correct use of La Prairie beauty products with a practical hands on approach. Guests will leave armed with expert tips and tricks for an ever radiant complexion.
10.30am for an11.00am start finishing approximately 5.30pm
£125 includes a short presentation on the new La Prairie product launches, La Prairie workshop, access to La Prairie experts and professional spa therapists throughout the day. A two-course lunch and glass of wine served in Le Mazot, refreshments throughout the day, use of the award winning spa facilities and a luxury La Prairie Goodie bag to take home.
Spring Bank Holiday at Whatley Manor 28th – 31st May
Late spring is the perfect time to admire the gardens at Whatley Manor and appreciate the natural surroundings in which they are set. During a three night stay there is also time to restore the equilibrium by booking a session of Tai Chi which may be experienced in The Loggia Garden (weather permitting).
Enjoy a three night stay arriving either on the 28th, 29th and 30th May costs from £295 per room including full English breakfast and full use of the spa facilities, vat and 10% discretionary service charge. Thai chi may arranged from 65 for a 60 min session.
Try Tuesday Wednesday
Looking for a midweek escape? Then take a two night break and relax in the hotel’s award winning spa, Aquarias with its hydrotherapy pool, salt scrub showers, relaxation areas, scented steam cabins and a fully equipped gym complete with a Power Plate®. On Tuesday evening enjoy a delicious three-course dinner served in the warmth of the Swiss interior style brasserie, Le Mazot. The two night stay costs from £590 per room based on two sharing a standard room on and room and breakfast basis.
A one night stay at Whatley Manor costs from £295 for a standard room including bed and breakfast and 10% discretionary service charge and VAT, plus use of the award winning spa Aquarias. For guests attending any of the events a special events rate of £210 per standard room is offered subject to availability. For further information visit the website at whatleymanor.com. To book events email events@whatleymanor.com.
Whatley Manor is a member of Relais & Châteaux.
