By Joanne McGuigan
Set in the heart of the New Forest, only 1.5 miles from the small town of Lyndhurst, Lime Wood is a charming, sophisticated and slickly-run boutique bolthole, radiating laid-back luxury to all of its guests. Lime Wood offers the highest standard of luxury -yet, it’s luxury with a difference. Hidden within the shelter of the vast surrounding trees and stunning nature, Lime Wood, having lovingly renovated its traditional structure, mixes the spirit of its past whilst adding the odd contemporary twist. You must be sold already!
The hotel comprises 16 bedrooms, either cosy or spacious, all equipped with free standing baths and beautiful views of the lush forest. Charles Morris designed the additional buildings, which include a further 11 suites and two guest rooms, all bringing with them a pervading sense of tranquillity. The Courtyard bar and the Hartnett Holder & Co restaurant were designed by Martin Brudnizki, blending opulent chandeliers with old leather sofas. The impressive oak and green marble bar adds to the timeless elegance of the hotel. Like the bar and restaurant, the interior style in the whole hotel is both luxurious and relaxed – an elusive and enticing balance. In an attempt to not lose Lime Wood’s original charm, the furniture is an eclectic mix of antique and bespoke pieces with hand-picked artwork and objects d’art. The odd eccentric (and amusing) touch here and there has been incorporated to remind the hotel’s guests that they are in an English country house. Now all you have to do is kick back, relax and soak up the atmosphere to your heart’s delight. The hotel really is the ultimate countryside getaway; perfect for weekend breaks, to escape the city, or to immerse yourself in the enchanted surroundings and fresh countryside air.
Renowned for its exceptional food, Lime Wood’s Hartnett Holder & Co restaurant offers a menu of locally sourced Italian dishes, served in an elegantly decorated dining room.
For a fully relaxing stay in the countryside, don’t miss visiting the hotel’s own luxurious spa called the Herb House - a three-storey destination spa dedicated to natural wellbeing that has, without question, significantly raised the bar for destination spas. Inspired by its forest surroundings, the Herb House naturally invites a sense of calm and serenity, bringing clients the ultimate rejuvenating retreat. The spa has ten spacious treatment rooms including two double signature rooms – the Bath House with an indoor double bath and private steam room, and the Bath Garden, with an outdoor double bath and private steam room. The treat in store continues with hot pools, thermal rooms, including the Forest Sauna, the Hands and Feet Room for manicures and pedicures, and private soak baths in changing rooms that feel like decadent bedroom suites fit for royalty. The Herb House doesn’t stop here - there’s also a state-of-the-art roof top gym with forest views and Technogym equipment.
Beyond the gym is the Herbary - a beautiful roof garden that truly consolidates the forest experience. Filled with fragrant herbs, including a mintarium, these herbs and their fragrances are incorporated into the majority of the spa treatments that the Herb House offers. With such a peaceful and at-one backdrop, the Herbary provides the dream setting for meditation and reflection. Attached to the Herb House Spa and set within a walled garden with magical woodland views is Lime Wood’s hidden gem - Raw & Cured café. Run by health food guru Sheila Hulme, Raw & Cured offers delicious, natural and healthy food. Pure goodness for the body and mind, the menu includes Nori Rolls - delicately filled seaweed sheets with a parsnip and pine nut ‘’rice’’, avocado, carrot and mixed leaf, served with a soy dipping sauce. There is also the option of fresh juices and smoothies, or a glass of wine or fizz to remind you that it’s perfectly fine to indulge!
Website: https://www.limewoodhotel.co.uk/