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. 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 and one of Britain’s Finest places to stay. 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.

Lime Wood’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 barefoot chic style. The peaceful woodland setting is enhanced by 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 need more 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 house hotels in the UK. If you’re looking for a romantic escape, a spa retreat, or to enjoy the natural beauty of the New Forest, Lime Wood offers a perfect balance of indulgence, privacy and tranquillity.

Rates start from £435 per night.

Why go? One of the UK’s best country house hotels

Who will love Lime Wood Hotel and Spa? Anyone and everyone! It’s child and dog-friendly, so all ages are welcome. It’s also the perfect romantic weekend away for couples wanting to escape London or the daily grind. The spa has a shop, too, so you can scratch your shopping itch without leaving the hotel. Spa lovers will want to pad around in dressing gowns and slippers between the spa and their room.

Lulu Loves: I loved the mini bar in the rooms, in particular the ice bucket, which was full to the brim of fresh ice when we arrived, so there was no need to phone up to ask for ice. The lavender-scented pillow spray during turn down (used towels were replaced) was lovely. The bread, oh my goodness, the bread - to die for! Unspoilt gardens with areas of re-wilding.

Rating: 10/10

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 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 host her first Savour retreat at Lime Wood, drawing on the New Forest’s immense sense of peace and 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 magic 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: One-night retreat from £808 pp (based on two people sharing), including all workshops, food and drink.

www.limewoodhotel.co.uk