The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
Cambridge is widely believed to be one of the UK’s most historic cities since it is home to the University of Cambridge, the second oldest university in the world. One can even visit the grounds of the 31 colleges the city offers and tour inside the infamous St John’s Chapel. Yet, an attraction that draws visitors to the destination is the undulating river that flows through the city. At any time of the day, a visitor can book a punting excursion to tour Cambridge by water. On a long and narrow boat, a guest can sit back and float down the tranquil river while a guide regales them with stories of the city.
On one of the many riverbanks, a visitor can discover The Varsity Hotel and Spa. The opulent hotel is a luxurious respite from immersing oneself within all of Cambridge’s attractions. After a long day, guests can spend the evening on their private terrace, sipping on a glass of pinot gris and watch the sun disappear behind Jesus Green park.
The Varsity is a four-star boutique hotel situated in the centre of Cambridge. Like most cities, Cambridge is full of people from all over the world; one can hear all sorts of languages coming from all directions as they the city. However, none of this noise reaches the walls of The Varsity. The hotel lives on quiet Thompson Lane, where a guest enters the building through an idyllic archway of botanic flowers. One is looked after very well during their stay at The Varsity since a guest can dine at two of the hotel’s restaurants, visit the Rooftop Bar for after-dinner drinks, and relax while having a head massage at the Elemis Spa.
The hotel offers 48 individually designed rooms and suites, each celebrating the cultural legacy of Cambridge. A lavish stay a guest can select is the Senior Fellows Superking Room. The space is decorated with dark walnut furniture, which compliments a feature wall of gold with hand-painted lily designs. Upon waking in the morning, a guest can emerge from the plush four-poster bed, open the thick curtains, and overlook the slate rooftops houses of Cambridge.
Another excellent choice is the Senior Fellows Suite. Located on the top floor of The Varsity, the room is a stunning 80sqm corner suite that overlooks the historic St. John’s College Chapel. The space has many grand touches, such as a free-standing bathtub located near the floor-to-ceiling windows, so guests can enjoy a glass of prosecco amongst the bubbles while basking in the afternoon sunlight.
The Riverside Bar Steakhouse & Grill
Situated on the Quayside in an 18th-century bonded warehouse overlooking the rippling river Cam is The Riverside Bar Steakhouse and Grill. Whether a diner is a hotel guest or just in Cambridge for the day, they will want to visit and taste one of Riverside’s renowned steaks. All the steaks are dry-aged for a minimum of 28 days, and all the restaurant’s meat is traceable and sustainably sourced. A chef’s favourite is the nine-ounce wagyu steak served with pickled ginger, mash, or potato wedges.
However, if a diner isn’t a steak lover, the restaurant also offers dishes such as grilled fish, chargrilled chicken, and a selection of vegetarian options. There is also a fine range of tempting desserts like the chocolate brownie, crème brûlée, and tiramisu.
SIX Cocktail Bar
The SIX Cocktail Bar and Restaurant is a vibrant destination for Cambridge residents and hotel guests to enjoy for the evening. The drinks menu features classic and contemporary cocktails, a selection of the finest wines, and over 30 gins to be paired with premium tonics. A guest can choose from a range of different drinks from each cocktail section on the menu, such as Around the World in Fourteen Drinks, which celebrates a variety of cocktail blends from many cultures.
One can order the Toberlerone, which originates from Australia, a mixture of Frangelico, Kahlua, and Baileys paired with cream. The drink was created in 2003 by Simon Difford in Sydney. Another delicious option is the Pisco Sour, which was born in Peru. The drink is a wonderful concoction of Muscat Grape Brandy, lime juice, sugar syrup, shaken with egg whites, and bitters. Alternatively, these drinks can be enjoyed on the stylish Rooftop Terrace, a famous Cambridge landmark.
To top off a stay at The Varsity, one must pay a visit to the Elemis Spa. The restored warehouse is fused together with the hotel and is the perfect place to rejuvenate and de-stress. A guest can indulge in some long-overdue self-care with a wide range of Elemis spa treatments, a detox sauna, steam room, or even book a yoga class at the Elemis Spa studio.
After changing into a swimming costume, guests can slip into the SPA Pool. A semi-lit room in low purple light with a bubbling jacuzzi in the centre. Within the warm water, one can find their sense of inner peace and be ready to travel home in bliss. Alternatively, a guest can create their own bespoke spa day, which can include a range of massages, facials, and body treatments alongside an afternoon tea experience at the SIX Brasserie Restaurant.
Whether one is visiting Cambridge for the day or staying for a whole week, The Varsity Hotel and Spa offers a wide range of activities, such as an afternoon at the Elemis Spa or dinner and drinks at the SIX Cocktail Bar and Restaurant. Whatever one plans to do at The Varsity, they will always be greeted with a panoramic view of Cambridge’s chic townhouses or a view of the flowing river Cam.
