Luxury 5-star destinations
As we make our way along the Governments’ roadmap to recovery, there’s one milestone that will strike joy into the heart of anyone who is desperate for a holiday.
Since 12 April, self-contained accommodation has been allowed to open. Here's our round-up of luxurious places to stay in the grounds of AA 5-star hotel destinations.
Lime Wood, Hampshire
Deep in the leafy New Forest, this 32-bedroom laid-back luxury hotel is taking bookings for its 14 self-contained garden suites, forest cottages, cabin and lake cabin. Breakfast and dinner will be delivered, but for lunch, its Hartnett Holder & Co restaurant will be popping up outside with heaters, blankets, fire-pits – and umbrellas. Guests also get to decompress from lockdown stresses in the Herb House spa.
Rockliffe Hall, County Durham
This beautiful resort, set in 365 acres and in striking distance of the Yorkshire Dales and Durham Cathedral, is offering self-catering packages with two-hour use of its spa and Technogym. Guests can choose between the six one- or two-bedroom apartments in Armstrong House or one of three four-bedroom holiday homes – and golf-lovers can add on a round on the championship golf course.
Cliveden, Berkshire
As the 47-bedroom grande dame of country house hotels gradually reopens, it is taking bookings for its three-bedroom Spring Cottage. Set in the stately home’s 376 acres of grounds on the banks of the Thames, the cottage’s guests will be able to dine alfresco at the Astor Grill then get in shape at the Cliveden Spa.
Gilpin Hotel, Cumbria
Happily, some of the 28 rooms at this family-run hotel have private entrances, hot tubs and even spa facilities. Creative thinking means dining won’t be an issue either as its Michelin-starred HRiSHi restaurant will serve dinner in a funky, open-air marquee with “lots of heating”, while its Gilpin Spice restaurant will provide an evening take-away service.
Headland Hotel, Cornwall
Slap-bang next to one of Cornwall’s finest beaches, the 88-bedroom clifftop hotel is blessed with a mini village of 39 self-catering cottages. Guests who check into one for three-nights will get a complimentary spa treatment and stand-up paddleboard lesson. Plus, the new Aqua Club is open for swimming and the Deck will be serving take-away pizza.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa's Townhouse, Bath
The bijou three-bedroom Georgian Townhouse next door to its 98-bedroom big sister will offer self-catering accommodation for up to five people. With a kitchen, dining area, lounge and outdoor patio, the classically furnished property promises to offer privacy and contemporary comfort in striking distance of Bath’s famous spas.
Swinton Park Hotel, North Yorkshire
Walkers will be enjoying 200 acres of gardens and parkland on this historic estate by 29 March. And by 12 April, the first guests will be settling into the 32-bedroom hotel’s self-catered cottages and Bivouac tree lodges. The spa will be open to soothe tired bones and the Terrace restaurant and Bivouac café will be offering alfresco dining.
Bovey Castle, Devon
The grand 60-bedroom hotel will still be off-limits, but in April families will be able to enjoy one of the 22 stylish lodges hidden in its 275 acres of forested grounds, each with three en-suite bedrooms. The spa will be open and sporty types can head to the 18-hole golf course, or try archery or falconry.
Lucknam Park, Wiltshire
The three chic cottages set in the 500-acre estate of this 43-bedroom stately pile sleep six to eight people. For those who prefer not to cook, the Brasserie will be offering alfresco dining from Wednesday to Sunday and for those who like to keep busy, there’s everything from duck-herding to a sculpture tour in the grounds.
Coworth Park, Berkshire
Two hidden and very beautiful treasures in the grounds of Coworth Park are the North Lodge, a three-bedroom former gatehouse with a modern kitchen and pleasant country garden. Or try The Dower House – built in 1775, it offers 3 en suite bedrooms, private parking and its own gated entrance.
