KENTSTAYCATION
HEVER CASTLE there are just 27 set within the castle’ s Tudor wings, are luxuriously appointed, with antique furniture, plush beds and views across the formal gardens or moat. Breakfast is served in the oak-panelled dining room, adding a sense of grandeur to the start of the day. Wandering through the historic corridors before curling up in a room steeped in history is magical at any time of year, but especially so when frost sparkles across the lawns and adds frozen wonder to the lake, which guests are able to freely enjoy as stays include tickets to the castle and gardens, too.
One Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells onewarwickpark. co. uk
Modern, chic and set right in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, One Warwick Park is a boutique hotel with a cosmopolitan feel. Rooms are sleek, with soft lighting and high-quality finishes. The most luxurious Junior Suites overlook the hotel’ s iconic glass atrium and boast period features alongside monsoon showers, Temple Spa products and treats from the minibar. For something a little different,‘ The House’ is One Warwick Park’ s own self-catering townhouse, set just steps from The Pantiles and boasting four double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a fully equipped modern kitchen- and the dog is welcome, too! Also boasting a brasserie dining experience that balances international flavours with Kentish ingredients and curated cocktails, this is the perfect pick for those who want town energy wrapped in boutique luxury.
Rowhill Grange, Wilmington near Dartford alexanderhotels. co. uk / rowhill-grange
For spa lovers, Rowhill Grange is an unmissable stay. This 19th-century manor has been transformed into a modern hotel with one of the region’ s most impressive wellness offerings- the Utopia spa- the hotel’ s crown jewel, with Roman-inspired pools, hydrotherapy circuits and indulgent treatments. Rooms blend country elegance with contemporary design, but for ultimate luxury opt for the Groombridge Suite, one of the just two Master Suites. Located in the main house, its luxurious bathroom takes grandeur to a new level with an oversize tub
( perfect for two) and modern furnishings set to vaulted ceilings. The restaurant here is also notable, serving modern British classes with a local twist. It’ s the place where you can arrive, wrap yourself in a robe and emerge blissfully reset.
Eastwell Manor, Ashford champneys. com / hotels / eastwell-manor
Few places capture winter grandeur quite like Eastwell Manor, a neo-Elizabethan manor set amid rolling parkland. Its spa and Champneys’ treatments are legendary, with state-of-the-art facilities including their new outdoor hydropool sitting alongside atmospheric therapy rooms. À la carte restaurant, Gardenia, blends classic British flavours with locally sourced produce while Champagne afternoon teas, set to a backdrop of panelled lounges, gothic windows and roaring fires, are a highlight. In fact, the grand fireplaces, wood-pannelled lounges and expanses of sweeping grounds make Eastwell a quintessential country retreat, especially when the frost is clinging to the trees outside.
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