How often will we get actual tranquility? Uninterrupted, pure, serenity. Working in london, it rarely happens – even in my own home, I'm able to hear sirens screeching, babies crying, my mother listening to Jeremy Kyle – there’s never a real moment of peace. And, sometimes, even, my London-ness stays beside me, far outside London. I’ve found myself in the countryside, encompassed by sheep and grass and blue skies, and actively stressing out what about relaxing it had been and whether, in fact, I had been relaxed enough.
It’s the same problem you face when getting a massage – somehow, as humans, when we’re told to relax out, we do the precise opposite. I think the Four Seasons in Hampshire is the only place I’ve found real, true serenity – a feeling of calmness that allowed me to sleep all night at a time, not fretting about work, or the future, or my curly hair, and just be. Exactly what a place. What a weekend. If you’re looking for an exceptional mini break beyond London, here’s what you need to know:
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire: What to Expect
The first thing you’ll notice whenever you drive in, may be the sheer beauty of the place. The Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is a reasonably marvel to behind – a restored historic Georgian manor house, a striking, attractive building, full of charm and character. You’ll be surprised this type of place exists so near to London – the Four Seasons is a mere hour-drive from manchester, and 35 minutes from Heathrow. It’s also in one of the prettiest parts of England – Hampshire is without a doubt certainly one of England’s most lovely counties, ideal for a weekend break.
There’s lots to do in the surrounding area. You can go to Winchester Cathedral, the capital of Anglo-Saxon England, and admire this beautiful Gothic cathedral. For foodies, there’s the Hampshire Farmer’s Market, where one can enjoy locally produced fruit, vegetables, meat and fish – and taste some of the best local jams and honey around. For literary lovers, you can visit Jane Austen’s home, within the village of Chawton, and discover the home where she wrote Sense and Sensibility! It’s a lovely little spot for afternoon tea and cake, too. And when that’s not enough excitement, you can pop right down to the Bombay Sapphire distillery at Laverstoke Mill – a 35-minute drive in the hotel, you can have a tour to uncover the 300-year-old mill, and, obviously, taste some good gin.
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire: The Accommodation
The hotel feels incredibly personal, due to the caring staff and fantastic service, but actually it’s rather large. There’s three adjoining wings towards the Georgian manor house making in the Four Seasons – along with a range of room categories. There’s 133 rooms in total in the hotel, including 22 luxury suites, which have the ability to an identical look and feel – reflecting the elegance and splendor from the Georgian era. You won’t be disappointed; all the rooms have the most breathtaking view of the English countryside, and you’ll be greeted by spacious bathrooms and tip-top quality amenities. Think: the comfiest beds you’ve ever slept in, with down duvets and pillows, thick bathrobes, super quick WiFi (not too you’ll need it), complimentary newspapers, HD TV and movies when needed. The rooms are the height of luxury and luxury, I’ve never experienced anything enjoy it before.
There’s something for everybody – the rooms range from Grand Manor Room, which sleeps two, to Royal Suite, which can sleep six adults. In the most basic room (and I use that term lightly), you’ll find beautiful views from the Estate, in addition to stunning bathrooms with the most beautiful free-standing marble baths. Within the Grand Manor Room, the full marble bathroom is really the star – somewhere you want to spend all day long in. The Royal Suite is definitely an elegant, two-bedroom suite on the ground level of the Hotel’s West Wing. It offers a living room, fully furnished dining room for up to six people, along with a balcony for sunset views. The suite comes with two full marble bathrooms, that you simply won’t have the ability to resist Instagramming. Heavenly.
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire: The Facilities
The spa is really where it’s at here. I mean, you don’t arrived at the Four Seasons and never try to totally chill out, right? Your accommodation is actually begging you to do so. The hotel’s spa is stunning; located in an 1700s stable block, the spa has created a variety of quirky, fantastic spa experiences, using world-famous brands ESPA and Sodashi. Their indoor pool is amazing – perfect for serious workout – and they’ve got lovely indoor sunbeds with the weekend papers and chilling out, before nipping in to the sauna and steam room.
The remedies are the spa are sublime. For a facial, try the Swiss Perfection facials – they're tailored to achieve a younger, smoother not to mention radiant complexion. To have an amazing massage, the ESPA-based massages are sensational, using ESPA techniques and the body oils for any personalised treatment. For something really special, you have to go on a Spa Journey – imagine sipping a vitamin-filled smoothie, whilst enjoying an herbal foot massage, then select from three rejuvenating spa journeys – Luxury, Cherish, and Seclusion, including lunch and optimum use of the facilities. There’s also great Spa Days – you are able to customize your personal spa day with a selection of therapies, a two-course lunch and employ from the Spa facilities.
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire: The Food
The food. Oh boy. The meals. There’s a range of dining options at the hotel, from Seasons Restaurant, their fine dining establishment, to close 1086, that is a more casual affair with bistro food. In the summer, you may also order a gourmet picnic lunch to enjoy in the surrounding beauty of Dogmersfield Park, where the hotel is situated.
Seasons is actually rather special – a restaurant that focuses on the bounty and sweetness of nature’s produce, the restaurant plays very close attention to using only the finest produce, and you may really taste it in the food. Think daylight cascading through French windows, framing the wonderful views of Dogmersfield Park, whist you can feast of fresh fish and great wine using their French-European menu. For supper, begin with your garden Salad – it may sound simple, with textures of Autumn vegetables – however the additional of Goat’s cheese mousse, beetroot foam and rye crumbs is delicious. For main course, you must try their fish – the halibut with crab, cauliflower purée, smoked dumplings and fennel oil is a taste sensation. With no meal is complete without pudding, obviously. The dessert to try here is the Bramley apple crumble. It’s been deconstructed, but actually works very well, with green apple foam, cider jelly and vanilla ice cream, the flavours are utterly divine. Let the sommelier pick you out a nice bottle of wine and consider your night made.
Breakfast the next morning will amaze you – make sure you find time for it, following a nice long swim. The breakfast features Hampshire delights, for example free-range, roasted tomatoes, chestnut mushrooms and sausage, in addition to lemon and ricotta pancakes, which are light and fluffy like clouds, with maple syrup. Wash it all down with a great freshly-squeezed juice and fantastic cappuccino, an ideal begin to each day exploring Hampshire.
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire: Our Verdict
The Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire couldn’t be more wonderful. Everything, from the staff who invite you in when you leave the vehicle, towards the wonderful facilities, fantastic food and beautiful area, is the perfect blend to make your weekend away. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a wedding anniversary or birthday, this really is one hotel you have got to visit.
