The stately cream-colored Georgian estate appears on the property’s grounds. Guests lounge under shaded umbrellas while others stroll through the sublime gardens. Lilac wisteria climbs along the front of the hotel’s exterior, adding a contrast against the vibrant green trees. This forest escape is known as the Lime Wood Hotel, a luxury five star hotel offering guests a break from London’s hectic atmosphere to enjoy the serenity of a national park.

Located within New Forest National Park, is the five-star luxury hotel: the Lime Wood Hotel. Key features of the property include views of the national park. These views encompass exotic trees, and wildlife such as ponies, and azaleas. As for the hotel’s offerings, guests can enjoy curated spa experiences, bespoke rooms, and Italian-inspired dining. The main emphasis of the estate is the surrounding forest landscape so that guests can reconnect with nature and experience a wholly immersive stay. Guests also have the opportunity to embark on a retreat offered by Lime Wood Hotel such as the Wild Wanderings retreat or the Mindfulness and Beyond retreat.

The Lime Wood hotel property originally contained a 13th-century hunting lodge. In 2009, new ownership began renovations to transform the property to bring the luxury hotel to life. Architects Charles Morris and Ben Pentreath completed the exterior architectural designs. Moreover, designers David Collins, Martin Brudnizki, Rob Angell and Susie Atkinson designed the interior of the hotel. The layout of the rooms reflects both the historical significance of the estate’s property with a contemporary twist. Additionally, the property  is only an hour and twenty minutes away from London. This relatively short distance allows guests to enjoy the views of New Forest National Park along their ride to the property.

Chic Lodging

The  accommodations range from rooms and suites located in the Main House or, guests can book a forest lodge, cottage, or cabin. The main building features 33 accommodations designed by Charles Morris and Ben Pentreath. The forest loft features a lounge, walk-in shower, and roll-top bath downstairs while the upstairs includes a super king-sized bed and a large window with views of the surrounding forest. For those who require more privacy, the Crescent Lodge offers guests two floors with a super king-sized bed, a monsoon shower, and a balcony that overlooks the forest as well as a dining area on the main level with a delightful fireplace, another small bedroom, and a private forest terrace. Designer Susie Atkinson has created a stunning interior space that balances both a soft  color palette and varying textures in the fabrics and décor.

Culinary Exploration

The dining selections from Hartnett Holder & Co at the hotel include Raw & Curated, Afternoon Tea, Hosted with HH & CO, and the Kitchen Table. The Harnett Holder & Co on-site restaurant serves Italian-inspired dishes with a focus on seasonal availability. Chef Luke Holder has worked in London’s exclusive restaurants such as the Orrery and the Enoteca Pinchiorri, a 3 Michelin star restaurant in Tuscany. Chef Angela Hartnett has an equally impressive resume working under Gordon Ramsey at Aubergine where in 2004, she was awarded her first Michelin star. Besides the Hartnett Holder & Co restaurant allows a private supper with Chef Luke and Angela allowing for an intimate dining experience with friends.. A four-course menu of sustainably sourced Italian dishes combined with the intimate environment within the kitchen creates an experience similar to a dinner party with your group.

The Raw & Curated Bar

As for the Raw & Curated bar, this food bar focuses on healthy eating and is a recommended choice to accompany one’s spa experience at the Herb House Spa. Each dish is carefully created with the intention of providing nutritious nourishment to the guest. For example, within the Hearty & Healthy selection of the menu, the roasted cauliflower with chickpeas, tahini, paprika, and lemon provides a bright dish from the lemon but a sense of heartiness from the roasted cauliflower.

The Herb House Spa

The Herb House spa offers curated experiences with a focus on holistic treatment. There are multiple packages such as the Bespoke Spa Day that  encompasses a choice of spa  treatments, a detox in the forest sauna and steam room, a light workout on the rooftop gym, two grazing dishes, and fresh juices. After the soothing spa package, guests relax  in the Herbaceous roof garden or indoor hydrotherapy pool. This spa package also mentions a walk through the surrounding forest as a way to completely immerse oneself in nature. The combination of focusing on the exterior issues as well as the well-being of one’s mind showcases the holistic approach that the Herb House Spa intended to be a well-rounded revitalization and relaxation experience. Another option that guests can select from is the Mud House which is a private treatment offered for couples or friends to enjoy. The Mud House is a 60-minute detox treatment that allows guests to relax within 100% natural mud which contains natural detoxifying properties.

The Lime Wood Hotel is a nature-focused luxury property that allows guests to experience carefully curated dishes and experiences. There are multiple dining options on-site ranging from intimate settings to enjoy Italian dishes to health-conscious selections which can be found at the Raw & Curated Bar. As for the room options, guests can experience a thoughtfully designed interior space with views of the stunning landscape. To round out one’s experience, guests can book a spa package that offers a holistic treatment approach so that they can enjoy complete relaxation.