Spa Spotlight: Lime Wood Hotel, The New Forest

From the moment we arrived, staff went the extra mile, even devising our own special vegetarian menu in Angela Hartnett’s restaurant. We left feeling calm, refreshed and recharged…

Best for: Foodies wanting five-star pampering for a special occasion.

Things to do: Chill out in the Herb House spa, with its outdoor heated
garden bath and sun deck, indoor pool overlooking the garden, plus steam
room and gym offering classes from Spin to Pilates. We loved the
30-minute Head, Neck and Facial massage (£65). If you can tear yourself
away, there are beautiful walks in the surrounding woodland.

Accommodation: Our large, one-bed Forest Suite was fresh, bright and
spacious. Choose from a range of options, including rooms in the Main
House (from £330 per night), through to the most indulgent one or
two-bed Forest Lodges (from £1050 per night).

Food: In the main restaurant (Hartnett Holder & Co) chefs Angela
Hartnett and Lime Wood’s own Luke Holder have created an imaginative,
high-end Italian menu. We also loved the Raw & Cured spa café with fresh
juices, smoothies and healthy, raw dishes, such as Nori Rolls and ‘Spicy
Mexican Fiesta’ – tortillas with a twist made from sundried tomatoes.
The extensive breakfast buffet was to die for.

Highlights: Soaking up the sun in the outdoor spa bath.

Improvements: None. Impeccable service.

Cost: Forest Suites like ours start from £560 per night (room only).
Breakfast was £16.50 (continental buffet) and £25 (cooked breakfast and
buffet).

Value for money: Expect to splash out for this level of luxury.

Contact: Lime Wood Hotel, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst, New Forest,
Hampshire SO43 7FZ. www.limewood.co.uk
Tel: 023 8028 7177