Lime Wood
Lyndhurst, Hampshire
Country house hotel: pure luxury, exceptional spa, friendly service
Heading up the long drive, Lime Wood cuts an imposing sight. In the
heart of the New Forest, its Regency style oozes class without the
frayed edges. Grand renovations have made it a stunning place to
relax, amidst extensive grounds and a lake, yet it's all very easy.
Think formidable English country house sans a scintilla of
stuffiness.
The 29 bedrooms are spread between the Main House and
garden lodges, which brush against the forest. Interior design is
by David Collins, so perfectly balanced. Classical features meld
with contemporary traces: lots of portland stone and oils paintings
but you’ll also find colourful splashes, warm silks, inverted
chandeliers and gorgeous lilac and lime drawing rooms. Look up from
the central courtyard to a giant retractable roof - a bit of
technology and hey presto, you’re alfresco.
Their Herb House spa is one of the very best in the
country, with everything you need to feel wonderful. And you can
eat to suit your mood: finely in their 3-rosetted Dining
Room; casually in their bistro Scullery or healthily in
the Raw and Cured spa cafe. Best of all, service is
friendly, not formal. Staff wear smart jeans and smiles; porters
dressed like stable boys will stoke your fire in winter. Sublime.
Reviewed by Aidan Forestier-Walker
Last updated 15 May 2012
Highs
- Beautifully styled rooms and interior design, with lots of places to hide away and unwind
- Superlative forest spa with 10 treatment rooms, 2 pools, a proper gym, Caldarium, mud and steam house... the list goes on
- Fantastic eating options and an especially good cocktail bar
- You're in the New Forest so walks in the woods and horse riding are on your doorstep (there are Hunter Wellies to borrow), plus you're not far from the coast
- A great sense of homeliness but within a grand setting, and superb quality throughout
Lows
- Some might like a tennis court, but you can't have everything
- Luxury doesn't come cheap, though you get what you pay for and Lime Wood's at the top of its game
- Occasionally the snug library is blocked off for private hire but there are plenty of other spaces to find
- Service in the Dining Room was a bit slow
- Getting our head around the room's light-dimming system after a good dinner was a little challenging!
It’s the attention to detail that makes it special. It feels a treat to be here and relaxing...
The TelegraphLime Wood: Read more press reviews
