About the Aztec Hotel & Spa
The Atzec Hotel & Spa is located in the Aztec West Business Park, Almondsbury which is to the South West of the City of Bristol just off junction 16 of the M5. Ideal for a stay on its own (business or pleasure, families, meetings and spa breaks) or perfectly situated for a break in your journey whether you are travelling North or South. The Aztec Hotel & Spa boasts free guest parking (in a very spacious area), a newly refurbished spa (November 2018) with complimentary towels, robe and slippers; a state-of-the-art gym (with qualified personal trainers all-inclusive activity classes as well as free lifestyle and nutrition consultations), and on-site restaurant, The Curious Kitchen – which was only launched in May 2019 but was already awarded its second AA Rosette in June 2019.
My Experience of the Aztec Hotel & Spa
I was invited along to a complimentary day at the Aztec Hotel & Spa complete with goody bag in return for a review. I was there along with other bloggers and we were treated as if we were guests.
The Hotel Room at Aztec Hotel & Spa
Although we did not stay overnight we met in one of the rooms which could be used as either a meeting room or converted to a bedroom – which I think is a brilliant use of space. I could see that this would be particularly good if utilising the girls’ night in package as it allows more of you to come together. There was comfy bean bags, a sofa, chairs, a big table, and a huge television – just off the top of my head.
Breakfast at Aztec Hotel & Spa
Head Chef Marc Payne personally delivered us our breakfast. It is served in the restaurant every day and there is also an additional breakfast menu served daily in the lounge; with Brunch being served between 10am-1pm on Saturdays.
We had a delicious fillet steak in a brioche bun with scrambled egg with chives and black truffle grated on top; plus a fruit bircher (oats with Greek yoghurt and tropical fruits; mango, pineapple, plums and fig, topped with freeze dried raspberries). To find out more about the food visit: https://www.aztechotelbristol.co.uk/food-drink/
The Spa at Aztec Hotel
The Award winning (World Luxury Spa Award 2018 as part of the House of Daniel Thwaites group) Spa at Aztec West Hotel & Spa was most definitely a highlight of my visit. With fluffy towels, dressing down and slippers provided all I needed to remember was my costume. The single-sex changing area has a small number of private changing cubicles, lockers which work with a bracelet, toilets, hair dryers and a swim costume dryer. Through into the pool side area there is a nice variety of seating (both around the pool and outside) – including some with tables should you wish to bring a drink from the Member’s Lounge (where you can also find papers to peruse and free WiFi).
As well as the pool the Spa area of The Aztec Hotel features a baby pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and of course their three tranquil treatment rooms.
All of the House of Daniel Thwaites spas use Caudalie products. These were chosen because the companies have a shared ethos with both being family run businesses. Caudalie is an independent, glamorous French skincare brand that combines the latest scientific cosmetic techniques with the ancient secrets from their family owned vineyards in Bordeaux. The vines and grapes within the vineyards possess exceptional powers for the skin, which founders Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas have developed into an award winning, scientifically proven skin care brand with impressive partnerships both in Bordeaux and Harvard universities.
Caudalie’s products have gorgeous textures and aromas that are a delight on the skin, whilst delivering remarkable results. Caudalie Vinotherapists are extensively trained to deliver luxurious, indulgent treatments, which are globally recognised as must have treatment experiences.
I opted for a Caudalie Des Vignes Back Massage which was given me to by Evie, who was very good. Also on offer are a Caudalie Express D-Vine Facial, Caudalie Hand or Foot Ritual Treatment, Caudalie Divine Scrub, Caudalie Cranial Massage or Caudalie Lifting and Firming eye treatment.
The Curious Kitchen at The Aztec Hotel & Spa
The Curious Kitchen is easy to locate with it’s beautiful purple lit up lettering, then once inside there are the original beams from the property and a very open plan spacious area.
Around are paintings with nods to Bristol (featuring boats by the docks, hot air balloons from the Bristol Hot Air Balloon Fiesta and the Clifton Suspension Bridge for example). Artist Jody Thomas painted the large boat mural and since then he has gone on to spray paint many of the iconic murals within Bristol, including a huge mural of Gretha Thunberg in Southville for the street art festival in Bristol, Upfest and also the follow up tackling single use plastic in the Millennium Square.
Lunch Tasting Menu at Aztec Hotel & Spa
We were treated to a 7 course lunch tasting menu – this began with a bread board with a home-made Farmhouse loaf complete with buerre noisette butter churned in the Curious Kitchen, Spanish olive oil and aged balsamic. Next we had Crispy Goats Cheese, Nigella seed, curry sauce and pickled onion – this rosette dish is quickly becoming the favourite. Followed by BBQ Onglet (a cut taken from the underside of the cow, bottom of the rib), pickled shallot and nasturtium. Exactly half way point we had Celeriac Risotto, Jerusalem artichoke and black truffle. Next was Chicken, gochujang, ponzu, boki choi, napa cabbage, charred spring onion, sesame and miso. Followed by chocolate and coffee Entrement served with a delectable roast banana ice cream and caramel sauce made using gold leaf – and finally peitit fours.
I cannot say that I had a favourite course because they were all amazing – beautifully presented and served, with great explanations and all our questions answered. Was lovely to see the efforts gone to ensure that vegetarian blogger Pink Pear Bear had as similar experiences as the rest of us adapting the meat dishes accordingly.
Dishes are made so allergies are never a problem – with each evening the restaurant staff receive a briefing detailing all the dishes on the menu, how they are prepared and any allergens that are included. This gives them the knowledge to ensure that all guests can avoid any ingredients they need to. Some of the produce is also locally sourced and grown by the hotel (such as flowers, leaves and beetroot in the demonstration we had) and the menu are changed quarterly so that they can use seasonal produce.
Demonstrations and Workshops at The Curious Kitchen
We were treated to a demonstration by Head Chef Marc Payne which is similar to the ones guests can experience each weekend. Not only is there a range on offer for adults but The Aztec Hotel & Spa also run workshops during the holidays for children – including pizza making, cupcake decorating and chocolate making. These have the added bonus that the price also includes time in the pool too! As well as demonstrations and workshops there is also a regular themed evening showcasing a cuisine from around the world.
THE AZTEC HOTEL & SPA, AZTEC WEST BUSINESS PARK, ALMONDSBURY, BRISTOL, BS32 4TS – CALL 01454 201090