Swans are renowned for their elegant duality: serenely gliding above water while paddling vigorously beneath the surface. Similarly, Somerset’s new Mad Swans resort blends effortless beauty with dedicated, behind-the-scenes effort to create an extraordinary getaway.
Opened just this October near Midsomer Norton atop the Mendip Hills, Mad Swans offers a breathtaking countryside retreat—a calm, restorative haven far removed from the bustle of city living. But beyond its stunning setting, the resort prides itself on its distinctive philosophy of ‘unreasonable hospitality’, elevating guest experiences well beyond typical expectations.
“Our inspiration came from the remarkable book Unreasonable Hospitality,” says Katy Jones, the resort’s General Manager. She introduced me to the concept while giving a tour before the grand opening. In fact, Mad Swans employs a ‘Head of Unreasonable Hospitality’ whose role is to craft unique, memorable moments tailored for every visitor.
READ MORE: Inside the Luxurious WWII Bunker Transformed into a Stunning Holiday Home
READ MORE: Somerset Receptionist Honoured as the Best Veterinary Front-of-House in the UK
Dining at Mad Swans is an experience in itself, with two restaurants catering to different moods. The Potting Shed on the ground floor invites guests to dress up and savor dishes influenced by Michelin-star chef Ollie Dabbous. Each plate is a work of art—from the vibrant Eat the Rainbow grilled vegetable medley to honeyed figs paired with burrata and a lavender salad. It’s the kind of place where you want to wear something special.
For a more casual vibe, the upper-level Hangout offers a lively atmosphere with a bar, pizzeria, shuffleboard, and darts. As a novice to shuffleboard, I appreciated Katy’s patient explanation of the game where pushing the puck closest to the end without it wobbling off wins the round. While I struggled with hand-eye coordination and sent many pucks flying off the board, I found joy in the games and ambiance. The quirky pizza menu, featuring names like Hot Mess (Katy’s favorite), Ladies Night, and Getting Piggy With It, adds to the fun. Even though I was too full to sample the pizzas, the lavender and honeycomb ice cream was a delightfully refreshing treat.
Beyond dining and games, Mad Swans boasts a laid-back gym, paddle and pickleball courts, and an expansive golf course nestled among rolling hills. A tranquil lavender garden and eco-friendly cabins provide peaceful rest after an active day.
Though I am notoriously bad at golf—relegated to caddy duty at age eight—I was heartened by Katy’s inclusive approach to the sport. “We want to reinvigorate golf and break down barriers,” she explained. The resort has eliminated the strict dress code, offers club rentals to avoid costly purchases, and uses color-coded tees instead of gendered ones to appeal to all players.
The relaxed atmosphere is further enhanced by options like playing your own music through Bluetooth speakers on golf carts or bringing drinks onto the course with you. Experience levels don’t matter—Katy herself jokes about being rubbish at golf!
The driving range invites endless practice, encouraging guests to enjoy swings and laughs with friends over food and drinks. While I didn’t manage a perfect shot, the fun and welcoming spirit of the resort made every attempt worthwhile.
As I descended the hill back to city life, I wished I could have stayed longer. A weekend at Mad Swans, surrounded by Somerset’s natural beauty and fueled by exceptional hospitality, promises the perfect restorative escape.
Mad Swans opened its doors on Wednesday, October 1.