Two unhurried days by the lake: sunrise kayaking, a thermal circuit at the Forest Spa, long lunches and a sunset ridge hike, planned loosely, hour by hour.
The best weekends here are the ones with the least planning. Still, a little shape helps, especially if it is your first visit. This is the rhythm we suggest to friends: a few gentle anchors, plenty of empty space, and nothing that needs an alarm, except perhaps one.
Friday: arriving slowly
Late afternoon
Check-in opens from 3pm, and your personal host will usually have been in touch beforehand to ask about arrival times, dietary notes and anything you would like waiting in the room. If you have booked a private airport transfer, the drive is the first chance to unwind.
Early evening
Take a short walk along the shoreline path before dinner. It is the easiest way to get your bearings across the 40 acres of gardens, woodland and water. Then settle into the Cedar Bar for something cold and a seat facing west.
Dinner
Keep the first night simple. The Lake Terrace serves a seasonal menu built around the kitchen garden, and an early, unhurried dinner sets up a good night’s sleep. Browse the dining page beforehand if you like to know what is on.
Saturday: water, warmth and a long lunch
Sunrise
This is the one early start we recommend. Our sunrise kayak tours leave from the jetty while the lake is still glassy and the mist is lifting off the far bank. No experience is needed.
Mid-morning
Breakfast, then nothing at all. The heated 30-metre infinity pool opens from sunrise, and late morning is when it is at its quietest. Our guide to infinity pool days has a few favourite spots for shade.
Afternoon
Lunch at the Pool House Kitchen, then make your way to the Forest Spa. Work through the thermal circuit at your own pace:
- Warm up in the thermal pools
- Move to the cedar sauna, then the steam room
- Finish with the cold plunge, and repeat if you are feeling brave
- Rest afterwards with a herbal infusion made from kitchen-garden botanicals
If you would like a treatment, ask your host to arrange one. Our Forest Spa rituals are a good place to start.
Evening
Saturday is the night to book something special. The Chef’s Table dinner seats just eight guests for a tasting menu shaped by whatever the garden is offering that week. Spaces are limited, so mention it when you book.
Sunday: one last look at the lake
Morning
Borrow a bicycle and follow the woodland lanes, or join one of our guided forest trails for a slower walk with someone who knows every path.
Late morning
Check-out is by 11am, but there is no need to rush off. Your host can look after your luggage so you can have a final swim or a late coffee on the terrace.
A slow weekend is less about what you do and more about what you leave out.
Before you go
If you can stay a few hours longer, the sunset ridge hike is the perfect send-off. The view back over the lake as the light drops is the one most guests remember.
Planning your own weekend
Every stay can be shaped around you, so treat this as a starting point rather than a schedule. Take a look at our current offers, choose from our rooms and villas, or head straight to booking. If you have questions, our team is always happy to help through the contact page.
