Travel
“Wild swimming fans need to know about this!”
Liz Earle shares a review of her stay at The Reeds at South Lodge Hotel & Spa in West Sussex…
Any fan of being by the water or wild swimming should know about The Reeds, nestled within the picturesque 93-acre grounds of South Lodge Hotel & Spa in West Sussex.
This contemporary collection of two-bedroomed luxury lakeside lodges seamlessly blends with the tranquillity of their water’s edge habitat. Each lodge, thoughtfully named after local lakeside species (we stayed in Water Lily) provides a very comfortable and serene retreat with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The Reeds at South Lodge Hotel & Spa
The newest addition to one of my favourite hotel spas, the lodges are a harmonious fusion of natural materials, modern aesthetics and thoughtful home comforts.
Interiors feature natural woods, comfy sofas, modern fires and plenty of plants creating a calming, spa-like vibe. Double-height windows flood the space with natural light, giving uninterrupted views of the lake, while maintaining maximum peace and privacy. Each lodge has its own furnished terrace, complete with a huge copper whirlpool bath. Perfect for unwinding under the stars (and added to my future home wishlist).
Guests can stay completely undisturbed, with room service and generous breakfast hampers (featuring warm, freshly baked sourdough loaves) left in the two-way hatch in each lodge hallway. Some of the lodges are dog-friendly too and come complete with canine shampoo and dog treats. A lovely touch.
The wild swimming experience
Fancy a wild swim? There’s plenty of choice. South Lodge provides an 18-meter outdoor wild swimming pool, designed to offer the benefits of open water swimming in an outdoor pool setting. This heated, reed-filtered pool maintains a temperature around 14 degrees celsius and is the perfect introduction to wild swimming. After my first visit some years ago, I was inspired to return home and dig a swim pond in my own garden! Now, there’s also supervised wild swimming sessions in the lake on offer, under the protective guidance of a friendly lifeguard, complete with neoprene hats, booties and dry robes. There’s even a flask of hot chocolate to warm up with afterwards.
Day spa guests can book in for a spot of wild swimming before enjoying the rest of the hotel’s superb spa facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool. There are also various thermal experiences including a botanical sauna and marble-lined salt steam room. If hydro-therapy is your thing, I can think of no finer place in the south of England.
I also enjoyed a blissful reflexology foot massage from Charlotte in one of their beautiful therapy rooms (recommended), while the boyfriend made use of the large and well-equipped gym.
Foodie feasts
Culinary offerings at South Lodge are diverse and cater to various palates. From Michelin-starred fine dining at The Pass to The Camellia restaurant serving modern British cuisine with ingredients sourced from the hotel’s walled garden. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Botanica, the spa’s Mediterranean-inspired, health-focused restaurant, offers dishes that highlight vegetables and plant-based options, including their signature Wasted Burgers and Falafel, crafted from freshly squeezed juice pulp.
In a nutshell
The Reeds at South Lodge Hotel & Spa is a welcome new option for the travel wellness-seeker. Whether you’re after a peaceful retreat, an invigorating wild swimming experience or a holistic getaway, The Reeds offers a very special environment with an especially friendly and helpful team.
