When Staying Local Can Be Just the Break You Need
Staying close to home can be surprisingly good for your well-being—discovering a world of relaxation, time for yourself, a calm environment, good food, and the chance to try something new, all without the hassle of booking a plane ticket or navigating an unfamiliar place.
When our son was moving to New Zealand, he understandably wanted to say farewell to his close friends. To give them space, my husband and I decided to retreat to a nearby hotel—Dormy House, near Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds. It seemed the perfect excuse.
As we threw our overnight bags into the car, it felt quite indulgent to be paying for a luxury hotel stay so close to home. Yet, the 15-minute drive soon made us appreciate the benefits—no stressful motorway traffic or airport delays. Before we even had time to choose a playlist for the journey, we had arrived.
Pulling into the familiar driveway, excitement bubbled at the thought of a night of relaxation and pampering, leaving our home full of young adults to their own devices.
Mounting the old 17th-century farmhouse steps (Dormy House was originally a farm called Willersey Hill Farm), we were warmly greeted at the door. With no formal reception area, our arrival had a relaxed house-party feel. Living locally, we knew the hotel well from past celebratory meals, afternoon teas, spa and zen days, so we didn’t feel the need for the traditional welcome tour. However, en route to our room, we were introduced to the small cream retro Smeg fridges dotted around the corridors, stocked with water and a mix of milk options, to replenish room stocks and available for guests to help themselves.
We stayed in Room 11, classed as an “intimate” room—essentially, one of the smaller and more affordable options. Yet, it was more than spacious, with a large shower room and fully stocked with everything we needed. Including one of the Dormy House signature fabric owls which you will find hiding around the hotel.
With the spa open until 7 pm, we took full advantage of the facilities, being the last to leave. The eucalyptus steam room, forest shower, hammam, and snow shower were both refreshing and invigorating. The snow shower, in particular, felt magical—like soft, cool flakes falling on the skin. While the indoor pool was great for a swim, the outdoor hot tub truly came into its own as dusk fell. The flickering flame-effect fireplace gave the space an alpine feel, and sitting under a starlit sky with the crescent moon above felt magical and enchanting.
The Shed bar served snacks during the day and cocktails in the evening, and we were particularly taken with the ‘Wine Not’ self-service wine decanter—essentially a vending machine for wine. While unwinding in the spa, we debated whether to venture out to a local pub for dinner. Though the idea of wrapping up for a February evening and another car journey (even a short one) convinced us to opt for the intimacy of The Back Garden restaurant—which proved to be an excellent decision. The menu was full of tempting options, but the monkfish and chicken Kiev (with a mild curry filling) were both outstanding. Though the desserts looked incredible, we passed, feeling perfectly content with our meal.
As tempting as a nightcap by the lounge fire was, we retreated to our room after dinner, snuggling into the plush, king-sized bed to read. Is it just me, or is there something extra indulgent about reading in bed at a luxury hotel?
After a restful night, breakfast was served in The Back Garden restaurant, which had transformed from its sultry evening ambiance the night before into a bright, welcoming start to the day. Large glass windows overlooked a small garden framed by high hedges, neatly ordered flower beds, a summer terrace, and an inviting summer house. Even in February, it beckoned to be explored.
If, like me, you often find buffet-style breakfasts underwhelming, you needn’t worry. The extensive breakfast menu was freshly prepared and served to the table by a warm and engaging team.
Although we didn’t have time for spa treatments on this visit, I had previously experienced Dormy House’s Zen wellness program. Available to both hotel guests and non-guests (subject to availability), the program includes yoga, sound bowl sessions, breathwork, meditation, and Qi Gong. Sessions can be booked individually or as a series.
I had tried a number of the Zen experiences but I particularly enjoyed discovering Qi Gong, with its gentle body movements and breath control helping to harness internal energy or “Qi.” The breathwork sessions were equally meditative and grounding, but the most transformative experience for me was Reiki. This Japanese complementary therapy uses gentle touch to promote relaxation and well-being. My therapist worked from head to toe, aligning energies throughout my body. Interestingly, at the end of my session, she asked if I had been experiencing any discomfort in my stomach area. At the time, I hadn’t, but a week later, I found myself at the doctor’s with a kidney infection. Coincidence? Perhaps—but it certainly left me intrigued.
As we packed up and left our little oasis, the hotel gifted us a goodie bag for our onward journey. Of course, with home only minutes away, we didn’t exactly need provisions for the road, but the thoughtful touch was appreciated.
We often feel the urge to travel far and wide for a meaningful break, and I absolutely love discovering new places. But sometimes, the perfect escape is right on our doorstep—we just don’t realise it. Had we not been “forced” out for the evening, we may never have chosen to stay at Dormy House, despite always wanting to do so.
Sometimes, the best retreat isn’t about distance—it’s about presence. Whether it’s spending quality time with a loved one, enjoying solitude with a good book, swimming, indulging in spa treatments, or simply doing nothing at all, a change of scenery can work wonders, even if it’s only a few miles from home.
So, where have you always wanted to stay that’s close to home but has felt like an indulgence? Maybe it’s time to add it to your list—not as a someday plan, but as an intentional treat, just because you deserve it.
If you too want to escape to Dormy House Hotel or perhaps indulge in a spa day or one of the Zen wellness experiences the website is www.dormyhouse.co.uk
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