KENTSTAYCATION
For One Night Only cont...
FOR THE EXPERIENCE
PORT LYMPNE HOTEL & NATURE RESERVE, LYMPNE aspinallfoundation. org
Rural, wild and surrounded by 600 acres of Kent’ s natural landscape, Port Lympne Hotel & Nature Reserve offers a stay unlike any other in the county. Check in as day visitors begin to disappear, then hop aboard your golf buggy and follow the roads through the reserve. Stay among the treetops in a luxury treehouse, sleep beside resident lions or a pack of wolves, or discover this year’ s new Elfwood, an enchanting woodland glamping village dressed with festoon lights and Christmas trees. From the comfort of your bed, listen for the distant grumbling of rhinos or the breathy snort of tigers- overnight stays bring the wildlife to life in a way a day visit cannot, while mornings offer exclusive access to the park. When it is time to refuel, head to the Garden Room Restaurant, set within the historic mansion’ s former stable yard, for a seasonally inspired afternoon tea with mince pie cheesecakes and warming chai teas.
CHILSTON PARK, LENHAM handpickedhotels. co. uk
Exuding a true sense of country-house luxury, Chilston Park combines a classic countryside retreat with a taste of life as it once was. Set in 77 acres of picturesque parkland, a tree-lined approach leads to the Grade I listed manor house at the heart of the estate. Settle into one of the bespoke bedrooms or suites once occupied by the lord and lady of the manor. Arguably the most characterful is the Tudor Room, where exposed wooden beams frame a hand-carved oak bed and a separate living room makes it perfectly suited to in-room dining. For those who prefer eating in the hotel’ s restaurant, Culpeper’ s, awarded two AA Rosettes for seasonal excellence, offers an equally indulgent experience. Head chef Ali Altunas focuses on ingredients sourced from across the UK, from Caldecott Farm chicken to south coast turbot, served with unforgettable views stretching across the historic parkland.
FOR THE RELAXATION
ROWHILL GRANGE, WILMINGTON alexanderhotels. co. uk
At Rowhill Grange, the only thing on the agenda is to slow down; to wrap yourself in a soft robe, leave the outside world behind and truly relax. Book the Renew and Refresh overnight package and check into one of the hotel’ s boutique rooms, where atmospheric lighting, bespoke interiors and oversized beds make it easy to sink in and switch off. For something extra special, upgrade to a suite in the Main House or Clockhouse, including the Groombridge Master Suite complete with a tub for two. The real reason to stay, however, is the Utopia Spa, which is set within a Roman-inspired subterranean retreat. Its split-level pool, sauna and steam room are surrounded by temple-like stone pillars and Italian frescoes, creating the feeling of stepping into an ancient Roman bath. Take your time over a treatment, drift between the therapeutic pools and enjoy the blissful quiet without needing a whole weekend to properly switch off.
THE ROSE, DEAL therosedeal. com
A chic East Kent coastal retreat, The Rose sits moments from the beach and within walking distance of Deal’ s eclectic independent shops, making it the perfect base for a one-night seaside escape. Inside, intimate interiors mirror the town’ s charming, eccentric character, with bedrooms dressed in bold colours, vintage furnishings and luxurious beds. The gentle chime of church bells and muffled sound of street life become part of the experience, yet a few steps away, guests can disappear into a world of calm at The Pelican Rooms, a boutique wellness retreat tucked inside this seafront townhouse. Run by expert practitioners, its treatment rooms are decorated in soothing sea blues and inspired by the rhythm of the ocean. Choose an organic seaweed leaf wrap, combining a detoxifying body buff with a nourishing full-body wrap, or an Indian head massage designed to ease tension and restore balance.
CHILSTON PARK- TUDOR SUITE UTOPIA SPA AT ROWHILL GRANGE
56 • www. insidekent. co. uk