Plans for spa, bistro and additional accommodation at Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons approved

A wellness spa, bistro, academy and additional guest accommodation are set to enhance Raymond Blanc’s Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons, after development plans were given the green light.

South Oxfordshire District Council’s planning committee approved plans, which the two-Michelin-starred hotel in great Milton said would safeguard excellence and promote longer stays.

The planning proposal stated: “The overall proposals for Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons are in response to improving guest experience in a competitive marketplace, addressing operational conflicts across the site and safeguarding excellence in its embedded sustainability and international culinary expertise.”

It is hoped the wellness spa, which will use botanicals from the gardens, and an alternative dining experience in the form of Belmond Le Manoir Bistro Deluxe, will encourage two- or three-night stays.

Additional accommodation will be created through a series of garden villas, suites and guest rooms as well as through remodelling of the Grade II*-listed manor.

The Raymond Blanc Academy will be housed in a timber-clad green-oak trussed barn and the existing cookery and art school will be enhanced with a development kitchen and lecture space.

The existing conservatory dining room will be demolished and replaced, with the number of covers maintained, and the kitchen will be upgraded with new technologies including an induction suite.

A cocktail bar will be moved to provide access to the formal garden and terrace for serving pre-dinner drinks and afternoon teas, and new and improved guest toilets will provide an accessible facility including baby change.

A purpose-built office suite will also be created.