It’s easy to understand why visitors in search of escapism flock to Saunton Sands Hotel, as there can’t be many restaurants or spas with the kind of spectacular views enjoyed at this two AA rosette coastal find.
The hotel’s stunning Source Spa and Wellness offers body and soul nourishment amid world-class views of miles of shimmering coastline. Guests can follow the spa experience with gourmet gratification in the hotel’s smart brasserie, The Dining Room at Saunton Sands Hotel. This Art Deco-inspired spot is where holidaymakers and non-resident guests congregate to feast on head chef Mathias Oberg’s classic cooking.
This grown-ups-only hotel, spa and restaurant has a luxury resort vibe, thanks to its incredible views, contemporary styling and rock-star extras.
After a relaxing day being pampered in the Fistral Spa – treatments range from bespoke facials to therapeutic body massages – kick off the evening’s main event with drinks in the Bay Bar where an experienced team craft signature cocktails – try the Champagne Margarita – and serve local craft beers.
Dinner at the beautiful Dune Restaurant puts guests in the capable hands of head chef Daniel Kerr. He’s spent much of his career in Cornwall, so is well acquainted with seasonal Cornish produce and the best local suppliers. His smart menus put fabulous ingredients front and centre in dishes that flirt with Asian and Middle Eastern flavours.
Take a virtual visit here.
From the tree-lined drive and Palladian mansion to the award-winning spa and 500 acres of grounds, Lucknam Park has all the elements of a special country house hotel – and then some.
The contemporary spa is located within beautiful walled gardens, overlooking beautiful trees and manicured lawns, which creates a peaceful setting in which to unwind.
A full day of spa indulgence can be followed with relaxed dining in the adjoining Brasserie, or at Restaurant Hywel Jones for a truly decadent dining experience. The latter is the reason Lucknam has retained a Michelin star for 16 consecutive years and why gourmets flock to this Wiltshire gem. And the best way to explore Hywel’s culinary prowess is to plump for the seasonal tasting menu.
Take a virtual visit here.
Grade II-listed Boringdon Hall Hotel may be steeped in history, thanks to its Elizabethan architecture and inclusion in the Domesday Book, but it’s also the home of contemporary dining and a luxe 21st-century spa.
The swish Gaia Spa reveals uber-modern interiors and cutting edge treatments – from uplifting crystal facials to mud cocoon massages – and has picturesque views across the gardens.
Boringdon’s restaurant Àclèaf is an intimate and romantic setting in which to sample seasonal four-course menus or six-course tasting experiences from talented head chef Scott Paton. The focus is fully on ingredients and the chef expends serious energy sourcing the best produce to create his completely novel dining experience.
Take a virtual visit here.
For one of the most charming getaways in Dorset, you’d be hard pushed to top a visit to The Eastbury Hotel and the opportunity to step back into a more glamorous age.
Soothing sessions in the quirky woodland-style boutique spa are complemented by vino-therapy (body and face treatments using grape-inspired French skincare line Caudalie) and leave guests feeling suitably rejuvenated, ready for an evening of fabulous gastronomy.
The conservatory-style Seasons Restaurant sees Matthew Street’s excellent cooking and clever execution of classic dishes with a modern twist. Everything’s crafted with confident elegance – and without a single bum note.
Take a virtual visit here.
Jo Rees loosens her corset and revels in drama and dinner at one of the South West’s most historic country house hotels
Michael Caines’ country house hotel has been wowing reviewers and diners since its launch. Jo Rees visited to ‘experience the exceptional’.
The thought of splashing £200 plus on dinner for two might make you wince, but every penny is well accounted for in the uber luxe Lucknam Park experience.
We’ve been sunning ourselves at the Sea Side this month, checking out St Moritz Hotel’s revamped easy-going eatery
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