Spa Spy: Lime Wood, The New Forest

Over 3,000 pigs, ponies and cattle roam freely across 140 acres of the breathtaking woodlands and heaths of the New Forest. They all look so happy and content. I'm sure one of the cows smiled at me as I made my approach in to their Narnia of nature. The great British countryside really doesn't get much better than this.

Perched on the edge of the forest, just outside the pretty village of Lyndhurst is Lime Wood, a charming Regency house, scattered lodges and spa set against an enchanting forest backdrop.

Lime Wood prides itself on being "a different type of luxury boutique country hotel". Intrigued by this, I start my investigation.

www.limewoodhotel.co.uk

www.the-spa-spy.com

Lime Wood Hotel & Spa

Lime Wood(01 of05)

I'm given a tour of the main house and the evidence begins to emerge. First, the décor; an eclectic fusion of statement art, bespoke, contemporary and antique furnishings set against the original period features of the house. It's stunningly beautiful, and it's definitely different, but is that it?It's fair to say that Lime Wood does indeed differentiate from many of its' luxe-spa contemporaries. The trendy mix of alternative pop and rock music piping through the posh, elegant bar. The Sherbet Fountain dips, Moleskine diary and yoga DVD in the mini bar. The quirky boot room with its array of brightly coloured Hunters. The insanely moorish Truffle Ravioli, russled up by an insanely handsome chef. All these things make Lime Wood unique. But there's something else, something special that sets this place apart.As night draws in and my investigation comes to a close, it dawns on me. It's the staff. The genuine warmth, passion and friendliness of the people that work here. It's the unpretentious ambience they create, and the impeccable service they provide that really does make Lime Wood refreshingly cool and different.

The Room(02 of05)

The Room: Crescent Room 3 is a stunning 2 bedroom cottage-style suite set over two floors. Downstairs is a contemporary style living room with a real woodburner fire, and a dining area leading to a single bedroom with ensuite shower. A winding stone staircase leads to the first floor master bedroom with a huge four poster bed and a woodburner. A roll top bath is the centrepiece of the master bathroom with a multi-jet monsoon shower. The suite has a terrace and balcony both with forest views.Facilities include: Flat-screen televisions, mini bar, Nespresso machine and a wonderful range of Bamford aromatherapy toiletries.

The Spa(03 of05)

The Spa: The Herb House Spa is set in a walled garden opposite the main house. An impressive state-of-the-art contemporary spa, facilities include: Indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools. An aroma-steam room and mud treatment room, a large sauna with panoramic woodland views. Plus a swimming pool, state-of-the art gym and a serene relaxation room serving tea, fruit and juices.

The Treatment(04 of05)

The Treatment: Forest Escape is an Ayruvedic treatment that combines bespoke herbal remedies and massage for a complete treatment of body and mind. The treatment starts with an intense 30 minute consultation and lifestyle questionnaire to determine your 'dosha' (mind-body type). A custom blend of Indian herbs, spices and oils are then used in a 'dosha-specific' full body massage, using a combination of rhythm, pressure point and kneading movements to work away stress and achieve mind and body balance. It literally leaves your mind and body floating on air.

To Eat(05 of05)

To Eat: Hartnett Holder & Co for delicious Italian-inspired and classic British locally sourced dishes, from internationally acclaimed chefs Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder. Raw and Cured café for homemade soups, salads and home-smoked meats and fish.Don't Miss: One of the four woodland walks starting directly outside the hotel (maps are provided in all rooms) and the Truffle Ravioli.

Luxury Travel woodland-walks New Forest Angela Hartnett weekend break

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