If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Thyme Retreat in the Cotswolds might be just the place for you. This Seventeenth-century village turned chic retreat is set on a 150-acre property dedicated solely to relaxation, wellness, and enjoying good food in peaceful surroundings. Founder Caryn Hibbert, a former obstetrician turned hotelier, created this oasis for her family back in 2002, and it has since become a haven for travellers seeking a countryside escape.
Thyme offers 32 accommodations across manor houses that blend old-world charm with modern amenities. The retreat features various activities, such as tennis courts, a swimming pool, a top-notch spa, and one of the most highly regarded restaurants in the area, located in a converted ox barn. The Ox Barn at Thyme has become a legend in culinary circles and is worth the trip on its own. The location is impressive, with a high-ceilinged dining room boasting exposed beams and industrial mood lighting. The menu makes use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, giving every dish a sense of place.
The overall atmosphere at Thyme Retreat is an elegant blend of country relaxation and refined details. The former lamb shed has been converted into a luxurious bar, lounge, and library known as Baa. Guests can spend a leisurely time enjoying a drink and browsing through coffee table books from Assouline. Thyme Retreat is first and foremost a sanctuary, and the accommodations are designed with comfort and tranquillity in mind.
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