November Special : Lime Wood Hotel and Spa, Hampshire, UK
Lime Wood Hotel and Spa is a quintessentially British country house hotel in the heart of the New Forest National Park, offering a refined, yet relaxed country house hotel experience.
BY LULU TOWNSEND
Once a 13th-century hunting lodge and later home to the Duke of Clarence, the property has been transformed by architects Charles Morris and Ben Pentreath into one of the UK’s leading luxury hotels. The restoration, which spanned five years, combined heritage with contemporary design and touches, creating a homely atmosphere where modern British country house style meets laid-back luxury.
The hotel’s 33 spacious rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed, with attention to detail that discerning travellers will love; think complimentary snack bar, fully loaded ice bucket, sleep spray, massive beds, Bamford products and more. The blend of traditional charm and modern comforts creates a warm, inviting environment where you can unwind in style. The peaceful woodland setting is enhanced by the presence of wild New Forest ponies grazing nearby, adding to the sense of escape from the fast pace of city life.
At the heart of the Lime Wood experience is the Herb House Spa, an oasis of natural wellness just a short walk from the main house. With views of the surrounding forest, you can enjoy the herb-garden yoga, unwind in the indoor hydrotherapy pool, or relax in outdoor hot tubs. The spa’s commitment to a natural aesthetic is evident in the design and treatments, offering an immersive wellness experience that complements the tranquil surroundings. Raw and Cured is Lime Wood's food bar and restaurant in the Herb House Spa. You can eat inside or on the terrace and enjoy delicious, natural and healthy food, daily specials, fresh smoothies, juices, wine and bubbles.
Dining at Lime Wood is an event in itself, thanks to the culinary expertise of Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder at Hartnett Holder & Co. The Italian-influenced restaurant combines rustic charm with sophisticated flavours, using locally sourced ingredients to create seasonal dishes that are both comforting and refined. Be warned the homemade bread here is so good you may be tempted to ask for more but do resist the temptation otherwise you may not have room for the mouth-watering zucchini flowers or arancini. The restaurant and bar’s laid-back, yet elegant vibe reflects the overall ethos of the hotel—luxury without pretension.
Lime Wood’s ability to seamlessly blend exceptional service, delicious food, and a pretty country setting makes it one of the top country hotels in the UK. If you’re looking for a romantic escape, a spa retreat, or simply to enjoy the natural beauty of the New Forest, Lime Wood really does offer a perfect balance of indulgence, privacy and tranquillity.
Rates start from £495 per night.
https://www.thehotelguru.com/hotel/lime-wood-hampshire
New for November 2024 is Re-Balance: Alice Vincent Savour Retreat
Writer and broadcaster, Alice Vincent inspires thousands of people in her cult newsletter, Savour, to stop and appreciate the delicious aspects of life. Along with her columns for The Guardian and The New Statesman, Alice contributes to the likes of Vogue and The Financial Times, and her books include Why Women Grow, Stories of Soil, Sisterhood and Survival and Rootbound, Rewilding a Life.
This November, Alice will be hosting her first Savour retreat at Lime Wood, drawing on the New Forest’s immense sense of peace and its seasonal treasures. Focusing on rebalancing frazzled souls, the one-night retreat features a series of workshops with Alice, encouraging you to live consciously in the moment, and, from a place of calm, reconnect with your inner-creative. You can also look forward to morning swims, sound bathing, mindful walks and foraging for ingredients in the forest – all of which are handed to Luke Holder to work his culinary wizardry on for a relaxed ‘backstage’ supper showcasing the importance of seasonality.
The essence of Alice’s retreat is to take time to share, savour and reflect – a meaningful escape that harnesses Lime Wood’s enchanting countryside to slow down, take stock and relish delicious food with good conversation.
Dates: 12-13th November 2024: From £808 pp (based on two people sharing) including all workshops, food and drink.
