Chewton Glen

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Chewton Glen LoungeA beautiful, traditional country house hotel in the heart of Hampshire. 

Chewton Glen is a luxury country house hotel and spa set in 130 acres of  glorious Hampshire countryside. Situated on the edge of the New Forest National Park Chewton is also only a few minutes walk from the sea – the perfect spot for a wholesome family weekend away.

Chewton has a host of awards to its name and has been listed as one of ‘World’s Best Hotels’ by Conde Nast Traveller. A member of Relais & Châteaux, Chewton is an example of a traditional, English country reatreat at its best.

Whilst many traditional country retreats can lack personality Chewton has it in abundance. In the 1840s Captain Frederick Marryat stayed there  and it was where he wrote his famous novel, Children of the New Forest. Now the hotel pays homage to the novelist with each room baring a name of a character or place in the book – a lovely touch we thought.

It has been a hotel since 1947 when the Duval family set the standard for a modern country house hotel. There are now 58 rooms and suites and all but two have private gardens or terraces. The interiors are luxurious yet comfortable and we loved the range of REN products in the bathroom.

From the relaxed fire-placed adorned lounge to the stunning spa chewton is a tranquil haven of calm. However if you are after a slightly more adventorous and active weekend with the family, you find yourself equally at home. The location of the hotel, its proximity to the sea and its easy reach of popular destinations such as Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight make it an ideal family friendly choice.

In fact Chewton is so family friendly there isn’t much they havent thought of. All on offer for little ones are:

    • Welcome activity pack
    • Mini bath robes and slippers
    • Children’s range of DVDs
    • Play station
    • A cupboard full of games including Junior Scrabble
    • List of ‘what’s on’ in the area for younger guests
    • Baby Wellington Boots for the ever popular beach walks
    • Bottle warmers
    • Baby food and changing mats
    • Swimming nappies

So that’s the kids taken care of. If relaxing and being treated to some much needed “me time” is what you’re after you won’t be disappointed with the array of treatments Chewton has to offer. Whether you’re after the ultimate treatment from luxury natural brands REN and Ila, fancy working out in the dance studio or state of the art gym or simply want to relax in the pool it’s easy to while away a day at the spa.

We recommend making time for a pre or post-dinner drink in the bar. With it’s burgandy walls and dark leather decor you feel like you have entered an exclusive Gentleman’s club, the perfect setting for a nightcap. Elegant and sophisticated yet relaxed, we consider it one of the best hotel bars we have ever visited.

Throughout the hotel, from the reception to the restaurant, the staff are warm and welcoming to all and with a ratio of two-to-one you are made to feel thoroughly spoilt and cared for.
We loved their policy of no tipping also.Gratuity is automatically added on to all drinks and meals and split evenly between all the staff from the maids to front of house. A great way to ensure all are rewarded for their hard work.

Finally we have to mention Vetiver, Chewton’s newly refurbished and award winning restaurant. Spread across five rooms, including a wine room Vetiver has mastered the balance of refined dining with a relaxed atmosphere. Whilst children are warmly welcomed in the hotel we suggest booking the babysitter to really enjoy this dining experience.

Need To Know: 
      • Rooms 58, including 23 suites.
      • Rates Double rooms from £224.00, excluding tax at 20 per cent.
      • More details Continental breakfast costs £20 a person.
      • Facilities Nine-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, croquet lawn, mountain bike loan, jogging tracks, spa, gym, DVD/CD library. In-room amenities: flatscreen TV, B&O sound system, DVD/video player, iPod dock, minibar, free WiFi throughout.
      • Poolside With heated pools indoors and out, as well as Europe’s largest hydrotherapy pool in the spa, Chewton Glen is ideal for aquatic lounging. The large ozone-treated indoor pool, with its soft-blue sky-painted ceiling, offers great views of the gardens.
      • Check-out Midday. Later check-out can be arranged, subject to availability and a charge.
      • Children Chewton Glen welcomes all ages. Babysitting can be arranged and there’s a Playstation and a cupboard of games.
      • Also Pets are not allowed, but the hotel is happy to sort out board at reputable kennels nearby. Call in advance if you intend to arrive via helicopter – there’s only room for three on the helipad.

For more information please visit www.chewtonglen.com.

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