GETAWAYS
OLD-SCHOOL ELEGANCE MEETS AMBIENT BONHOMIE AT
CHEWTON GLEN
THINK RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX , THINK IMMACULATE LUXURY , FAULTLESS HOSPITALITY AND FLAWLESS FOOD ; THAT ’ S A GIVEN . THE HOTEL GROUP IS KNOWN WORLDWIDE FOR HAND-SELECTING THE VERY BEST HOTELS ACROSS THE GLOBE AND THEIR INSTANTLY RECOGNISABLE FLEUR-DE-LIS LOGO IS A GUARANTEED STAMP OF EXCELLENCE . WHAT THIS ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT MEAN , HOWEVER , IS THAT THEY ARE A CHAIN ; WHILE IMPECCABLE COMPANY STANDARDS ARE COMMON ACROSS THE BOARD , EACH HOTEL HAS AN INSTANT WARMTH AND A VERY INDIVIDUAL PERSONALITY COMPRISED OF A UNIQUE COMBINATION OF ENERGY , STYLE AND ENTHUSIASM . NOT LEAST CHEWTON GLEN HOTEL & SPA , WHICH RIPS UP THE RULEBOOK AND REDEFINES OPULENCE AT EVERY TURN . BY POLLY HUMPHRIS
Perched on the edge of the New Forest in 130 acres of bucolic Hampshire countryside , five-star Chewton Glen is the very epitome the whole being greater than the sum of its parts . Every ‘ part ’ is exceptional , of course , but when combined , they create a haven of relaxation and indulgence that ’ s all underpinned by a palpable sense of fun . Everything runs seamlessly , and at the height of professionalism , but there is a playfulness to the atmosphere as soon as you enter the extensive grounds , which in turn promotes the hotel ’ s clear sense of inclusivity – every guest , be that a spa member , a couple overnighting , or a family on holiday from overseas is treated equally and nothing is too much trouble .
Champagne in hand , overlooking the pristine croquet lawn , one of the first things that struck me about Chewton Glen is that it ’ s as much a holiday destination for international guests as it is a UK staycationer ’ s getaway . I ’ ve never stayed at a hotel so packed with incredible facilities that has the ability to deliver those services so smoothly ( the staff-toguest ratio is two-to-one ) and yet still manages to retain a reassuringly traditional country house feel .
Perfect for families , and popular with holidaymakers from across the pond and throughout Europe who visit annually for this reason , Chewton is a homefrom-home family adventure wrapped up in all manner of activities . From sheep walking , country sports , art classes and archery to axe throwing , cooking classes at The Cookery School , mountain biking and bespoke on-the-water experiences , there is more than enough to keep any child – or caregiver for that matter – entertained . The icing on the cake ? The Beehive , a fantastical , treehouse-style kids ’ club with a daily packed programme so adults can slope off to enjoy a G & T and some welldeserved downtime .
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