Provence in England: A Luxury Day at Calcot & Spa in the Cotswolds
*this article discusses a gifted experience. Discusses alcohol - please drink responsibly
A Taste of Provence in the Cotswolds – Maison Mirabeau at Calcot
When we think of a European summer, our minds often drift to the lavender fields of Provence, sun-drenched terraces in Italy, or leisurely afternoons by the Mediterranean. But the truth is, you don’t have to leave England to experience a taste of Provençal life - and where better than in the Cotswolds, one of England’s most picturesque regions?
Just a two-hour drive west of London, the Cotswolds is known for its rolling green hills, honey-coloured stone cottages, and market towns that feel almost untouched by time. It’s a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and in the southern part lies Tetbury, a charming town famous for its antique shops, cosy tearooms, and royal connections - Highgrove House, the private residence of King Charles III, is just minutes away.
Nestled on the edge of Tetbury is Calcot Manor, a luxurious country house hotel and spa set within 220 acres of countryside. With ivy-clad stone walls, roaring fireplaces in winter, and fragrant gardens in summer, Calcot offers that quintessential English escape - the kind of place where you can cycle through meadows in the morning, linger over lunch in the courtyard, and spend the afternoon in a lavender-scented spa.
For the launch of At Home in Provence - a beautiful new book by Jeany Cronk of Maison Mirabeau - we gathered at Calcot for a relaxed, Provençal-inspired lunch in the glow of the Cotswolds sunshine.
From the moment I arrived, the day felt special. I was greeted warmly at Calcot by the hotel team and the wonderful ladies from Niki Downs PR and Bloxham PR. The guest list was a collection of inspiring women, each with their own remarkable story of success, the sort of company that makes conversation flow as easily as the rosé.
A Long Lunch in the Provençal Spirit
We began with chilled glasses of Maison Mirabeau rosé, soft blush in colour and perfectly crisp, as we took our seats for lunch. I was thrilled to spot my dear friend Isobel, a fellow content creator, and even more delighted to find we’d be sitting next to each other.
Starters were served family-style - stuffed peppers, gordal olives, Iberico ham and cheese croquettes, and salt and pepper calamari - each dish a little reminder of sunny days abroad. The main course was a smoked chicken and French bean salad, light yet full of flavour, the perfect nod to summer dining. Dessert was a showstopper: strawberry trifle with Calcot honey and lavender, a sweet floral finish that paired beautifully with another pour of rosé.
As we lingered over dessert, Jeany spoke about her book - a love letter to the South of France. She shared stories from her life in Provence, the creation of the Maison Mirabeau winery, and her favourite seasonal recipes and tablescapes. Each guest was gifted a signed copy to take home, a tangible memento of the day.
Spa Serenity and Garden Strolls
After lunch, we wandered through Calcot’s gardens, soaking up the late afternoon sun and pausing to admire the flower fields that stretched toward the horizon. Then came the most indulgent part of the day - the spa. With no rush to be anywhere, Isobel and I slipped into the outdoor hot tub, chatting away as the bubbles and countryside views worked their magic. The steam rooms and indoor pool were also open to us, offering the perfect excuse to fully unwind.
Driving home through the golden fields and past Tetbury’s stone cottages, I felt a wave of gratitude. Days like this - surrounded by beauty, inspiration, and friendship - are rare and precious. The setting may have been the Cotswolds, but for a few blissful hours, it truly felt like Provence.
Thank you to Niki Downs PR, Bloxham PR, Jeany Cronk and the lovely team at Calcot Manor.
Jeany’s book is available at most shops and on Amazon.
Travel Notes for Visitors
Where is the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds is a protected rural region in southwest England, famous for its rolling hills, traditional stone villages, and postcard-perfect scenery. It covers parts of six counties, including Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.
Getting to Tetbury & Calcot
From London: Around 2–2.5 hours by car. You can also take a train from London Paddington to Kemble (about 1 hour 15 minutes), then a short 20-minute taxi ride to Calcot.
Nearest Airports:
London Heathrow (LHR) – about 1 hour 40 minutes by car.
Bristol Airport (BRS) – about 1 hour by car.
Birmingham Airport (BHX) – about 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
Where to Stay
Calcot & Spa – A luxury country house hotel offering 35 individually designed rooms, award-winning dining, and a world-class spa. Ideal for couples, solo travellers, or small groups seeking relaxation in the countryside.
What to Do Nearby
Explore Tetbury’s antique shops and boutiques.
Visit Highgrove Gardens, the private residence of King Charles III (open to the public on select dates).
Take a drive to nearby Cotswold villages such as Bibury, Castle Combe, or Painswick for charming English scenery.
Walk one of the scenic trails along the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile footpath running through the region.
