Get an education in luxury at The Varsity Hotel and Spa

Cambridge is known for its prestigious university, quaint shops and cafes, but many visitors are oblivious to the unashamedly chic Varsity Hotel and Spa hidden down a narrow side street.

The boutique hotel is known for its pretty rooftop restaurant boasting one of the best views of the city.

I was lucky enough to stay in this hidden gem recently with my other half and we were impressed from the minute we arrived.

The staff in the elegant reception area were exceptionally friendly and showed us to our spacious suite on the top floor of the hotel.

The inviting space featured a spacious king sized bed with plush bedding, tea and coffee making facilities with artisan teas, flat screen TV, ceiling to floor windows with mesmerising views of the city and a bathroom complete with a dressing table – and a shower cubicle bigger than a few Central London studio flats.

All of the 44 rooms in this refined boutique hotel have been individually decorated and are adorned with quirky artwork and unique stylish touches echoing the cultural heritage of the city.

After we had put our suitcases away and made some reviving cups of teas – (the typical travelling Brits that we are), we made our way to dinner in the hotel’s inviting River Bar Steakhouse and Grill restaurant.

Nestled on the picturesque Quayside in a magnificently restored century brick warehouse, the restaurant excludes a homely sense of rustic charm.

I opted for the Surf n’ Turf – half a fire roasted lobster smothered lovingly in lemon, garlic and parsley butter and a 8oz fillet steak. My partner gorged on the decadently creamy lobster. Both dishes were a dream.

We pushed through our substantial food comas to share a custard-laden sticky toffee pudding, which teleported us back to our fondest school dinner memories with every bite.

The following day, after a delightful slummer in exquisite Egyptian cotton bedding, we ordered a full English to devour in bed, before making our way down to the hotel’s highly revered Elemis spa.

A jacuzzi with a view

As we had chosen the couples massage, we lay side by side each other as two expert therapists massaged our weary bodies using a divine blend of sweet almond and rejuvenating essential oils.

We were told to wait a few hours to let the oils work their magic on our skin, but after spotting the bubbling whirlpool overlooking the River Cam, we decided to spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the inviting warm water as the odd punting boat sailed by rather scenically.

When in Cambridge….

 

Mitra Msaad

Editor in Chief