Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is Lake District luxury at its most private – a place where exceptional food, thoughtful touches and exclusive spa experiences make switching off effortless (Serene Spy)

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Tucked away in the Lake District near Windermere, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is split across two estates a mile apart, making it very secluded. Owned by the Cunliffe family since 1988, the hotel beautifully balances heritage with luxury. It has all the hallmarks of a top-end country retreat – elegant interiors, crackling fires, beautiful gardens and exceptional dining – but without a hint of stuffiness. Instead, there's a genuine warmth and easy-going atmosphere that encourages you to slow down from the moment you arrive.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

We were welcomed into the stylish lounge before begin taken on a tour. Outside, the manicured gardens give way to woodland paths where we met some of Gilpin's more unusual residents – Japanese pot-bellied pigs adorably called Salt, Pepper and Mustard, along with a small herd of curious Llamas and Alpacas.

Accommodation is split across two estates, giving guests the choice between the contemporary Gilpin Hotel and the more intimate Gilpin Lake House. At the hotel, most of the bedrooms open directly onto the gardens; six Garden Suites, 22 rooms with private hot tubs, five Spa Lodges and five Spa Suites elevate the experience, each with their own spa facilities (Spa Spy heaven).

Space Spa at Gilpin Hotel is exclusively reserved for two guests at a time, making it feel more like your own private wellness retreat than a traditional hotel spa. We explored the cedar-clad facilities, including outdoor sauna, two outdoor hot tubs, steam room, relaxation room and treehouse treatment rooms, all flooded with natural light.

That same sense of exclusivity continues at Gilpin Lake House - a mile away on the shores of Knipe Tarn - with just six bedrooms and two spa suites set within 100 acres of private grounds, it feels wonderfully secluded. After dropping off our bags with our host on arrival - which mysteriously reappeared in the changing space before we did - our Jetty Spa trail began with a gentle stroll through the lakeside gardens. Decking dotted with loungers, some complete with private hot tubs, invites you to soak up the peaceful surroundings.

After changing into generously sized sage-green robes and flip-flops, we started our spa journey with an invigorating Pure Lakes body scrub, des]igned to prepare the skin before a session in the sauna and a refreshing dip in the indoor pool. Our host then returned with chilled glasses of Champagne and led us to one of the outdoor wooden hot tubs. With no other guests in sight, our only soundtrack was birdsong.

TELL US ABOUT THE TREATMENTS

We tried a Pure Lakes Aromatherapy Massage (50 minutes, £115) and an Indian Head Massage (50 minutes, £115).

Our first spa experience began in the comfort of our own Spa Suite, where therapists Kia and Layla arrived at the door with consultation forms and everything needed for our treatments. While they quietly prepared the second treatment bed, we completed our consultations and chatted through our preferences.

Before the treatment began, we were invited to choose our aromatherapy oils. I opted for the uplifting Grapefruit & Lemongrass blend - a combination of grapefruit, geranium, basil and lemongrass - while my spa partner selected the calming Lavender & Chamomile oil

Once settled on the treatment bed, Kia began the massage by draping a warm towel across my back before using slow, flowing movements to ease tension through my shoulders and back. The privacy of enjoying a treatment without ever having to leave our accommodation made the whole experience feel particularly indulgent.

Our second treatment took place the following day in the spacious lakeside treatment room at Gilpin Lake House, where floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Tarn (an impressive setting). Sarah and Kia talked us through the treatments and let us choose our oils, ESPA's Restorative Bath and Body Oil - for me - before leaving us to settle onto the bed.

Bolsters beneath my ankles immediately helped me relax before warm towels and a gentle back, neck and shoulder massage melted away the last of any lingering tension. Turning over, the treatment continued across my décolletage, shoulders, neck and face before warm oil and an ESPA hair mask were slowly worked through my scalp. The flowing movements as Kia gently massaged and lifted through my hair were deeply soothing, leaving me hovering somewhere between sleep and wakefulness.

Meanwhile, on the treatment bed beside me, my spa partner enjoyed a Pure Lakes Walker's Ritual, inspired by the surrounding fells and designed to revive tired feet after a day on the trails or, in his case, the golf course.

FOOD FACTS

Guests can choose between two restaurants at Gilpin Hotel: the Michelin-starred SOURCE, where an elegant tasting menu celebrates the best seasonal Lake District produce, or the more relaxed Gilpin Spice, serving vibrant pan-Asian dishes in a series of beautifully themed dining rooms.

For lunch we dined at Gilpin Spice, where each room draws inspiration from a different part of Asia. We were seated at the Chef's Table beneath woven Malaysian basket lamps, giving us a front-row view of the kitchen. The chef chatted with us throughout, sharing insights into the new dishes and turning lunch into a real culinary experience. Our friendly waitress, Laura, guided us through the menu as we began with spicy edamame and prawn crackers served with a coriander and sweet chilli emulsion, before sharing Korean barbecue grilled octopus with tofu foam and chimichurri, Spice Fried Chicken coated in a sticky Korean sauce, and a beautifully presented Dragon Roll filled with tempura prawn, avocado and cucumber.

The main event was a perfectly cooked 30-day aged British ribeye served with a punchy Thai chimichurri, accompanied by egg fried rice topped with a slow-cooked egg and barrel-aged soy, plus tenderstem broccoli with tofu foam and spicy chilli crunch. Somehow, we found room for dessert: a light banana mousse (our waitress’s favourite) and a spiced Jamaican ginger pudding.

For our evening meal, we dined at SOURCE. Awarded both a Michelin Star and four AA Rosettes, the intimate restaurant serves an expertly crafted tasting menu with optional wine pairings. Think Cheese and Onion Tartlette to begin, followed by Ikejime Chalkstream Trout, delicate Agnolotti and beautifully cooked Cornish Turbot. Our favourite course was the turbot, closely followed by the Cumbrian Lamb, while the fennel course rounded off the savoury dishes before a Scottish Strawberry dessert provided the perfect finale. Every course is carefully introduced and explained by the team, making the experience every bit as memorable as the exceptional food itself.

During our time at Gilpin Lake House, we also enjoyed afternoon tea served in the bright, elegant restaurant overlooking the gardens.

SWEET STAY?

After checking in, we were whisked away by buggy to our luxurious Spa Suite (Duddon), where the beautiful wooden exterior gave a first glimpse of the private retreat waiting inside. Guests can also park directly outside their suite, with electric charging points available for those travelling by EV.

Beyond the bedroom: an expansive open-plan living space, complete with a cosy lounge, suspended fireplace, dining area, kitchenette and minibar, all centred around a striking circular stone bath. Twin rainfall showers, his-and-hers basins, a private sauna, steam room, infrared relaxation bed and an automated massage chair afforded a private spa experience. Floor-to-ceiling doors opened onto a private deck with loungers, a large hot tub and a peaceful pond.

A large white bird cage filled with foliage hangs above the bath, while outside, the private decking is brought to life with a living wall of greenery and vibrant planting – I’m already planning to recreate something similar at home.

WE LOVED

Our Spa Suite: having your own private spa retreat just steps from your bed is the ultimate indulgence. From the sauna and steam room to the treatment space and outdoor hot tub, every thoughtful touch made it effortless to relax without ever needing to leave.

The food: from the relaxed elegance of Gilpin Lake House afternoon tea to the exceptional tasting menu at SOURCE and the flavours of Spice, every dining experience was beautifully executed and memorable in its own way.

The service: warm, genuine and effortlessly attentive, the team at Gilpin made us feel completely at home. From knowledgeable recommendations to thoughtful touches throughout our stay, nothing ever felt like too much trouble.

WHAT BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded Gilpin Hotel & Lake House our highest Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubble Luxury for its exceptional service, outstanding dining, beautifully designed suites and exclusive spa experiences that deliver complete privacy and indulgence. A new Spa Spy favourite.