WHO says you have to travel far to get away from it all?
Nestled in the New Forest, on the outskirts of Brockenhurst, is New Park Manor hotel which makes for the perfect place to escape the everyday routine.
The hotel reopened its doors earlier this year following a significant renovation with all 25 rooms and public areas refurbished.
The Vinery and Stag restaurants, the spa and children’s facilities have also undergone a face lift.
Part of the Luxury Family Hotels collection, New Park Manor is where modern meets traditional.
The location is very much the beating heart of the hotel, and there are many nods to this throughout the décor with stag artwork, including in the lounge area, along with autumnal and earthy hues.
The inspiration for the design came from the property’s roots as King Charles II’s hunting lodge, along with the ancient New Forest folklore.
Eagled eyed guests may also spot references to Alice in Wonderland, with mushrooms painted on the walls and distorted checks scattered around.
We stayed in the deluxe King Charles II room which offered stunning views of the countryside.
The room, which has enough space for two adults, two children and your four-legged friend, was large and luxurious.
It featured a four-poster bed, high ceilings, parquet flooring and mod cons including a Nespresso machine and kettle, a flat screen TV (to which you can also cast your favourite shows from your device) and Dyson hairdryer, plus multiple charging points.
The window seats were one my favourite features, with the chance to sit and watch the ponies roaming outside.
The hotel is aiming to become one of the UK’s leading family-friendly spas and guests in need of pampering can choose from an array of treatments at the ishga spa.
The back, neck, shoulder and scalp massage offered 45-minutes of blissful relaxation with therapist Kirsty metaphorically taking the weight off my shoulders.
There are facials, body scrubs, wraps, pedicures, manicures and a multitude of treatments to make you feel in tip top condition.
Little ones can even get involved, too, with a host of junior treatments from facials to massages, specially crafted for younger guests aged three and over.
The spa also features a swimming pool, two outdoor hot tubs and a terrace.
However, for those looking for ultimate relaxation, the state-of-the-art mediation pod, Somadome, will provide it.
It is just one of four throughout the UK, and the only Somadome available south of London.
During a wander of the grounds, I’m met by two other guests who tell me they’ve just seen a stag.
Rushing to the fence, I can make out the majestic figure making its way off in the distance.
For dinner, The Stag Restaurant and Bar has a plethora of tempting food and cocktails to pore over.
Salmon and miso tartare, a roasted sweet potato and heritage beetroot salad, grey mullet, and steak and kidney pie were all delicious, followed by a brandy Alexander recommended by our barman.
After a good night’s sleep, there’s plenty to choose from at breakfast in The Vinery restaurant to fuel you up for a day of exploring the New Forest.
Guests can help themselves from the buffet offering fruit, cereals, cold cuts and breads, as well as hot food including bacon, scrambled eggs and beans.
Plus, a number of items can be cooked to order including a vegetarian breakfast, poached eggs on toast with smashed avocado, eggs Florentine, pancakes and porridge.
As we left the hotel grounds to head home back to everyday life, more stags could be seen in the distance amongst the ponies.
Rates at New Park Manor start from £165 per night on a bed and breakfast basis.
New Park Manor is located in Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7QH. Visit https://luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk/locations/new-park-manor/ or call 01590 623467.
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