Four Seasons Hotel and Spa, Hampshire

I spent less than 24 hours at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel in Hampshire, but my mini-break here felt like a week long holiday. This restored Georgian manor house an hour outside London is easily the most homely of the Four Seasons I have stayed at, blissfully blending English country living with 21st century modernity.

Driving up the bumpy driveway, the epic building looked like a palace ahead of us… impressive in size but utterly charming in character. Comprising of several different wings, it can be difficult to navigate your way around, although the obliging staff are more than happy to assist, escorting you back to your room, or elsewhere on site. There is an abundance of fun, exciting and indulgent things to do at Four Seasons Hampshire, suitable for all the family. There are a few activities I would particularly recommend:

1.Going for a bike ride round the countryside. Bikes, maps and water bottles are available free of charge from the hotel. The knowledgeable staff will advise you on a route and send you merrily on your way. Despite the freezing wind we loved our ride, spotting lots of amicable animals on our journey and travelling down past a very pretty river. It was idyllic and very invigorating to get some fresh air in my lungs! There are several little pubs to discover but sadly on a Tuesday the local was shut.

2. Returning back after your exercise fresh faced and ravenous, the special afternoon tea is the ideal sustenance. A delicious cake stand of classic English filled sandwiches, warm home baked scones and divine miniature cakes and pastries… a treat for all the senses.

3. If you’d like company the hotel dog is available for walks, just ask at reception. Welcoming one and all, dogs are even allowed to stay at Four Seasons Hampshire, a fact that astounded me. The staff deep clean the carpets after each furry guest ensuring the room is in tip top condition before the next visitors arrive.

We were staying in the amazingly spacious Park Suite. It was magnificent, fit for a queen, with luxurious fabrics, numerous amenities and heavenly views of the expansive grounds. Decorated in muted beige and cream, it had an instantly calming effect; we sat in our grand living room sipping the chilled champagne and munching on chocolate coated strawberries, both left kindly in our room for us.

Down duvets and pillows top the beds, a Nespresso machine for caffeine kicks and silky soft slippers and towelling robes for wrapping up in. You won’t want to leave the room – we delayed our departure to spend more time lazing around, watching the big flatscreen tv and flicking through magazines. The rooms at Four Seasons Hampshire are blessed with glorious light, making the private accommodation the ideal place to work, sit or just relax all day. If you feel like venturing out there are plenty of lovely communal areas like the splendid library to explore.

Our suite had one full marble bathroom and one guest powder room. The main bathroom was spectacular, glistening and shining with a huge bath and rain-shower, a separate toilet and two massive his and her sinks. Sparkling mirrors and super soft towels are also on offer.

The spa alone is reason to visit… a huge luxurious fitness and beauty centre with every facility imaginable. Lavish but lovely with thoughtful touches evident everywhere. I was lucky enough to experience the popular Pure Radiance Facial, the perfect pick-me-up to refresh and add a glow to tired winter worn skin. This hour long treatment is soothing and sensual for the face, using the gorgeous ESPA products, it revitalised me for the week ahead. After my treatment I went for a long swim in the indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pool before enjoying the sauna and steam rooms. The spa is kitted out with every essential and luxury you could ever need… and I understood quickly how so many can spend the whole day here.

There are various dining options available… the prestigious and smart ‘Seasons’ restaurant, the more relaxed Bistro and Cafe Sante the health conscious lunch choice at the Spa. We tried the Bistro for supper, which was good enough to deserve a separate review! Breakfast the next morning was also served in this large room. We enjoyed an exquisite array of continental treats, tiny pastries and fresh juices, warming roasted coffee, french toast and waffles. We felt completely spoilt by the staff who managed to provide us with everything despite the inconvenient power cut! Needless to say it was all delicious, particularly the homemade options.

After a full and fabulous day of relaxing and refreshing, eating and exercising, it was time to leave Hampshire and our favourite new hotel. Just a short distance from London, but feeling far far away from busy city life, Four Seasons Hampshire is the perfect place for a short getaway.

More information and book here.

www.fourseasons.com/hampshire

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