If you’re looking for a UK resort that has luxury wow-factor, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything that outdoes Chewton Glen in Hampshire, England. I recently enjoyed a press visit there as I occasionally write reviews for The Hotel Guru and it exceeded my expectations.
Nestled on the edge of the New Forest and only a mile from unspoilt Naish Beach where you can see The Needles on The Isle of Wight on a clear day, the absolute highlight of Chewton Glen has to be its treehouse accommodation.
The word ‘breathtaking’ is used far too much to describe travel experiences but on arrival at its newest private treehouse, The Yews (or at any of its 14 treehouse suites), guests can expect to feel speechless or as if they might burst with excitement.
There are only a few other hotels that have had that extreme of an effect on me. One example is Bay of Many Coves in New Zealand which was what I planned to visualize as my 'calm space' during my planned hypnobirth of my first son (this didn't happen in reality...) or Al Bustan Palace in Oman, which used to be an actual palace for a Sultan and has the most incredible lobby.
Suspended 35 feet above the ground among the trees, The Yews boasts an enormous terrace where you can relax in the hot tub and indulge in some forest bathing, or tuck into the delicious breakfast hamper that’s delivered to the door every morning. Inside it is incredibly spacious and the décor is very modern; with floor-to-ceiling windows, a huge, curved sofa in the living space, plush bedding, underfloor heating and a large free-standing bath. You can see an Instagram reel that I took of the treehouse above.
I visited Chewton Glen during the festive season and it was a lovely time of year to go with its beautiful decorations, including a staggering 200 twinkling Christmas trees dotted around the resort (I was told that this number of trees are planted in their place). There's also something special about getting into a hot tub when it's extra chilly outside.
There are countless other ways for guests to unwind at Chewton Glen, including sipping on an expertly-crafted cocktail in the burgundy-walled, cosy bar - the perfect spot on a winter’s day if you can get one of the comfortable armchairs by the log fire - or head to the spa for a dip in its recently renovated 17-metre swimming pool (there’s also a large outdoor pool available during the warmer months) and to soothe tired muscles in Europe’s largest hydrotherapy pool or during a relaxing massage.
Chewton Glen has two restaurants. There’s fine dining at The Dining Room, where dishes use fresh ingredients from the hotel’s kitchen garden, or The Kitchen offers a more informal dining experience and serves up a menu that’s heavily influenced by the chef, James Martin (make sure you order the ridiculously delicious Arancini for a starter).
The resort isn’t just about relaxation as there are many opportunities to indulge in activities, including taking part in a cookery class at The Kitchen, hitting the golf course, tennis courts or gym, or doing some archery, buggy riding or a paddle boarding lesson at the nearby beach.
Chewton Glen is incredibly welcoming to children too; offering kids’ menus at both restaurants, The Beehive Children’s Club that’s housed in a fantasy-like den, child-friendly swimming pool sessions and spacious accommodation that allows for comfortable sleeping arrangements.
Finally, another big highlight of the resort has to be the staff who are warm, friendly and take care to pay attention to even the small details.