Inside the luxury New Forest treehouses that should be on every hotel-lover's bucket list
There are a few hotels that excel at providing a luxury experience in the country. You've got Cliveden in sprawling National Trust grounds; Thyme, bringing you the best of the Cotswold lifestyle; and Gleneagles serving up Michelin-starred dining, falconry and golf in rural Scotland. However, if it's a whimsical stay where you can live out your childhood dreams you're after, Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, in the New Forest, is the place to consider.
Situated in Hampshire and so close to Dorset that its tennis court and brasserie-style restaurant are officially in the county, the luxury hotel offers a New Forest retreat straight out of a fairy tale when you check in to one of Chewton Glen's treehouses.
Set away from the main building and its country-chic rooms, Chewton Glen's 14 Treehouse Suites provide a modern alternative, where you can feel at one with nature - we listened to owls at night and gazed at the stars above - while experiencing a five-star treehouse holiday.
These superb suites hover above the 130-acre estate and offer more than your average treehouse, with their wraparound terraces complete with hot tubs, concierge and heated floors.
We stayed in a Treehouse Loft Suite named Elm (from £1,290 per night) and made our way there by buggy, driven by our concierge Billy. Parking our car was a breeze, too, thanks to the private space reserved for Treehouse Suite guests.
Suspended 35 feet above ground, each of the elevated suites are reached via a small bridge, creating an enchanting entrance for your stay among the treetops.
Upon entering, Billy went through all the amazing features of the suite, showing us how to work the log burner, the hot tub and underfloor heating, and reminding us that we could call him if there was anything we needed during our stay.
Large enough for four adults or two adults and four children, while perfect for two adults on a romantic break, too, the Loft Suites offer everything you could need for a few nights: a roomy living space with a kitchenette and dining area, a large bedroom with floor-to-ceiling views over the treetops, as well as a spa-like bathroom with double basins, a shower and freestanding bath with a view, and Noble Isle toiletries.
The enormous terrace is a highlight of the suite and allows you to make the most of the treetop setting, with its hot tub, day beds, dining table and extra seating for simply relaxing as the birds chirp away in the forest.
Naturally, the decor of the treehouse is inspired by its New Forest setting. You'll find branches over the king-sized bed, owl night lamps and brown and green hues for a warm finish to the suite.
There's no compromising on tech in the space either, and you can expect Ruark radios, three televisions - including one in the bathroom - a DVD player and Sky, providing entertainment during your stay. There's also mood lighting to set the scene after dark and a tablet for you to book spa treatments and browse the dining options at the hotel.
For guests who like their freedom during a mini-break, the kitchenette allows you to have breakfast at your own pace. There's a De'Longhi coffee machine, NutriBullet blender, kettle, microwave and fridge, and the concierge will deliver a breakfast hamper filled with bread, meats, cheeses and pastries in the morning, at your request.
Upstairs, the marvellous loft space is a treat for kids. The almost-vertical stairs are filled with books and, once you reach the top, there are twin beds, a bean bag and a PlayStation 5 to keep them occupied and give them their own little nook for a treehouse adventure.
With families making up 35 per cent of Chewton Glen's guests, you can rest assured that smaller guests visiting the hotel are well catered for. The Beehive is the kids' club for children aged three to 13, with a host of activities ranging from art classes to croquet. And they won't want to miss the walks with Chewton Glen's teddy bear sheep for an adorable farm experience.
While the children are making new friends and trying new activities, the parents can make the most of Chewton Glen's serene spa, home to an impressive hydrotherapy pool and a pool bar serving nutritious lunches.
This year, the hotel started working with London-based pioneer of healthy hair, Monpure. For their first UK spa partnership, Monpure has created two incredible treatments: the Signature Follicle Boost Treatment and the Bespoke Scalp Detox or Nourish. The former is like a stimulating facial for the scalp and ideal if you're experiencing thinning hair or simply wish for fuller locks.
The Signature Follicle Boost Treatment starts with a scalp analysis, before the follicle serum is applied to the scalp and your head, neck and shoulders are massaged. A jade comb is used to boost circulation and Monpure's Ultralight Healthy Hair Oil is massaged into the scalp. A hand and arm massage completes the relaxing experience, and at the end of the treatment, your hair is tied with a silk scrunchie you can take home.
A stay in a Treehouse Loft starts from £1,290 per night.
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