Nothing stands still at this New Forest beacon of hospitality, which sets the standard for country-house hotels with a seamless blend of luxury and informality, family-friendliness and romance. Moving, as ever, with the times, in summer 2025 it unveiled refurbished interiors and a ‘reset’ of its dining options. From plush, air-conditioned classic, garden and estate rooms, to coach-house mezzanine, hot-tub, junior, and master suites, accommodation choices are endlessly appealing. Treehouses have forest views, a balcony with hot tub and a kitchenette (awake to birdsong and a breakfast hamper). With a spa, tennis, golf, outdoor pool, a path to the beach, foraging and coastal walks, picnics, art classes, cookery classes and much more, there is never a dull moment at this five-star cocoon. In the Kitchen by James Martin and alfresco, you can dine informally on pizzas, sharing plates, burgers, salads and steak. In the Dining Room, locally sourced ingredients and produce from the walled kitchen garden appear in sophisticated dishes such as halibut T-bone, sea vegetables, lobster and tarragon sauce; miso-glazed roast aubergine, pilpelchuma hummus, wild rocket; rib of beef on the bone. Beware the afternoon tea – it’s just so tempting.