Luxury hotels in the New Forest for an indulgent weekend away

An old-world English aesthetic pervades the main 18th-century building at Careys Manor, thanks in part to a sweeping staircase and beamed ceilings. But it’s the Thai-themed spa that brings a touch of the exotic to your New Forest holiday.

Slice through the water in the spacious Ozone pool, soothe your senses in the whirlpool then take your spa experience up a notch with a stint in the herb-scented sauna and crystal steam room. You can meditate in the Thai Temple before choosing your treatment; options such as Ayurvedic head massages from India are given on smooth Asian silks for an authentic experience. For a top-to-toe treatment, the spa’s Rhassoul ritual uses mud sourced from Morocco’s Atlas Mountains to give a deep, exfoliating cleanse (performed in a private mosaic-tiled steam room).

With three restaurants to select from, dining options are just as varied as the spa therapies. Opt for locally-sourced produce eaten among the rustic wood setting of Cambium, order French fare at Parisian brasserie Le Blaireau or share Thai curries beneath the bamboo ceilings in Zen Garden. After exploring the countryside, you could while away a few hours with a delectable afternoon tea, including New Forest jam and rich Fair Trade coffee next to the lounge’s crackling open fire.

The hotel’s penchant for finery extends to its guest rooms. Curl up on a bed hand-made by local craftsmen and dressed in cotton, lambswool and silk linens hailing from nearby Dorset. Rooms with grand four-poster beds have a romantic appeal, while a suite with its own personal roof terrace is ideal for relaxing al-fresco with a glass of English wine from Careys’ selection – one of the largest in the country.

Taking pride of place amid 40 acres of verdant grounds, Rhinefield House is a handsome blend of Tudor and Gothic architectural styles. When you’re not exploring the local area – think pony trekking or rambling among the centuries-old trees – pamper yourself with a session in the colonnade-lined hot tub, mosaic-tiled indoor pool or steam room. After a treatment, if you’ve headed on a New Forest break with your mum, indulge in a cream tea, with freshly baked scones and a glass of champagne. Bliss!

The Armada Restaurant – named for the ornate carved frieze of ships that graces the wall of the formal dining room at Rhinefield House – serves seasonal fare, including tender meats such as lamb in spring and venison in winter. With its large conservatory windows and vistas of the ornamental ponds in the gardens, the Grill is more of a relaxed space. Here you’ll find light bites like salt and pepper squid, healthy sides such as ‘skinny’ fries, tasty burgers and bloomer sandwiches. Breakfast, meanwhile, is a cooked-to-order affair made up of traditional options such as oak-smoked kippers, as well as continental-style flaky pastries and soft cheeses.

Retire to a plush room in the Classic wing of the hotel each night during your trip. You’ll have views of the outdoor swimming pool, grassy banks or beech trees from the comfort of a premium cashmere mattress. If it’s a special occasion, you could upgrade to the Munro Suite for authentic manor house features such as an ornate fireplace, arched window and separate personal lounge with velvet furniture to recline on.

For a woodland retreat with a twist, you could stay in the treetops themselves at award-winning hotel, Chewton Glen. Book a break in its treehouse rooms to spend your New Forest holiday 35 feet above the ground, with a bird’s eye views over the leafy canopy.

After a little luxury? You’ll have an open-air hot tub, set on a spacious outside terrace, from which to take in the vistas. Inside, there’s a comfortable, king-sized bed to nestle in under romantic mood lighting, as well as a small kitchenette.

If you’d prefer to eat out, make your way to Chewton Glen’s casual Kitchen. Watch the chefs whip up your meal in the open-plan space, perhaps a pizza with tempting ingredients such as white truffle oil and roasted butternut squash. For fine dining, sample dishes such as poached salmon from Loch Duart in the hotel’s light and airy conservatory. Many of the meals served here are created using vegetables and herbs grown in the hotel’s grounds for super fresh cuisine.

Indulge in Chewton Glen’s spa and country club, a tranquil space designed to promote relaxation. Float in the indoor pool and Jacuzzi in Italianate surroundings, or breathe in the scented air of the aromatherapy saunas and crystal steam rooms as you completely unwind. Follow up with a beauty treatment and holistic therapy from the 50 available, whether that’s a skin-soothing sea-salt body scrub or a Japanese Reiki massage. Join a fitness class from the daily programme, such as yoga or Pilates, or play a few rounds on the nine-hole golf course.

For a holiday in the middle of the New Forest with a zingy Mediterranean twist, consider Burley Manor. This country house has served as a hotel since as far back as 1935, and has a dining room with an eclectic interior design that translates into a convivial setting. Sit on striped or floral-print chairs and share tapas such as horseradish-infused chicory falafels and lamb kibbeh cooked in the wood-fired oven here. Slow food is the focus, with seasonal ingredients sourced from the New Forest where possible, as well as across the rest of the UK.

Rooms are as varied in terms of decor as the restaurant. Discover antique dark-wood furnishings enlivened by velveteen cushions and chairs in bold block colours for a high-octane feel. You’ll have a premium bed to rest on no matter which space you select, but upgrade to a Burley Suite for idyllic views of skittering fawns in the nearby deer park. White-tiled bathrooms are equipped with power showers and Temple Spa amenities.

Calm your senses at Burley Manor’s luxurious Temple Spa. You’ll find a Mediterranean theme here, too, with its multicoloured Portuguese wall tiles and treatments that use ingredients such as lemon and bergamot. Opt for an hour and a quarter of pure bliss with a deluxe facial and shoulder massage, complete with a flute of champagne and chocolate truffles, as a precursor to a relaxed drink back at the restaurant. In true Med style, wine is available in carafes as well as bottles; pick from an extensive menu of whites, reds and roses spanning southern Europe as well as the New World.

While this former hunting lodge in the New Forest was constructed in the 19th century, its long front lawn is mentioned as far back as the Domesday Book. With a quintessential, country-inspired interior design, it has stayed true to its rural roots ever since. From the grand staircase in the lobby to the wood-panelled ceiling in the indoor pool area, Balmer Lawn has a heritage feel.

Rooms, on the other hand, tend to combine classic interior design with modern features. Spread out on vintage-inspired sleigh beds, while making the most of contemporary amenities such as a personal Nespresso machine for coffee on tap.

If you like keeping active when you’re away, there’s plenty to do. When you’re not out walking, cycling or playing golf at the nearby course, you can enjoy the wide range of leisure facilities. There are squash and tennis courts, an outdoor pool and a gym, complete with a personal trainer. You’ll also have access to the wellness facilities, including a Jacuzzi and Finnish sauna to unwind in. Opt for tailored treatments at the Saltus Spa, whether that’s calming aromatherapy massages or radiance-boosting facials, administered using much-lauded ESPA products.

Staying on a Sunday? Settle in at the award-winning Beresfords Restaurant for a traditional carvery that includes options such as 28-day aged beef with fragrant pan jus. In the summer months, make the most of warm weather by gathering around the barbecue on the leafy terrace instead. The chargrilled meats are mouthwatering, especially when accompanied by a Smokin Deer bitter, brewed on-site. There’s entertainment, too, with regular live piano, saxophone and guitar performances. Dogs are welcome in certain rooms, so you can explore the countryside together.