Ellenborough Park shapes India strategy with luxury at its core

Ellenborough Park hotel & spa, a 15th century manor-turned-luxury hotel in the Cotswolds, is ready to court India with offers, personalisation and experiences fit for multigenerational families. Director of Sales and Marketing Nadine Linington says the Indian market is new but already showing strong summer demand.

Ellenborough Park, a 1485 manor hotel set on 90 acres overlooking the iconic Cheltenham racecourse, is preparing its first structured push into India. Director of Sales and Marketing Nadine Linington says interest from India rose noticeably this summer, led by multigenerational travellers seeking space, countryside charm and access to the Cotswolds.

The privately owned 62-room property blends historic character with modern comforts. Bedrooms range from contemporary rooms with patios to traditional suites with restored wood panelling. Linington highlights that amenities important to Indian travellers are already in place including 24-hour room service, concierge support, full porterage, in-room comforts, children’s facilities and a relaxed approach to dietary preferences. Vegetarian options, onion and garlic-free meals and simple familiar dishes can all be accommodated.

“What sets Ellenborough apart is the sheer amount of space. Many hotels in the Cotswolds are charming but sit right on a main road with barely any gardens. Here you truly feel you’ve stepped into the countryside” she says.

The property offers a wide leisure mix. Guests can enjoy the outdoor heated pool, an indoor spa with seven treatment rooms, the popular Japanese head spa, and a private Spa Garden Retreat with sauna, loungers and an ice bath. Families can book archery or laser clay shooting on site, explore scenic walking routes on the Cotswold Way, or opt for curated experiences including behind-the-scenes farm tours inspired by Clarkson’s Farm or private visits to Sudeley Castle.

Linington believes Indians staying four days can use Ellenborough Park as a base without the hassle of changing hotels daily. Day trips to Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bourton-on-the-Water, Winchcombe, Broadway, Blenheim Palace and Burford are all easy from Cheltenham. Oxford and Bicester Village are within an hour, the latter a major draw for luxury shoppers. A golf course sits half a mile away, making it attractive to couples travelling with parents or friends.

The hotel is also seeing enquiries for intimate destination weddings and is well-positioned for exclusive-use takeovers.

For India, Ellenborough Park sits comfortably in the top-end leisure category with the sort of countryside space, dining flexibility and family-friendly design that Indian luxury travellers actively seek. With the right partnerships, timing and visibility, it could become a natural extension to London itineraries for high-value guests looking for a relaxed yet quintessentially British break.