Could this be the Ultimate Escape to the New Forest

About a 30 minute drive from Southampton and, in fact, for us about the same from Lymington, this beautiful hotel nestles in the heart of the New Forest.

For me, this is a place I visit quite often for coffee with friends, but today was a special treat.  We were here for lunch.

Even more of a treat in store for Malcolm has he has never been here.

A drive through the New Forest is always a pleasure but when you live somewhere you rarely do any sightseeing, which is a pity really.

The drive, of course, can be slow sometimes ....

so if you have a deadline give yourself time to drive slowly!

We did, of course, set off early and arrived with time to start the lunch with a welcoming glass of fizz!

and there was more .....

This cute little pan of delicious scrummy nibbles were delightful.

Please forgive me.  I have forgotten what they were called, just trust me when I say they were a gastronomic delight.

We were looked after incredibly well and were shown to a very stylish restaurant, with views of the gardens.

We opted for the Seasonal Set Lunch menu.  There was the option of two or three courses and very reasonably priced.

A quick peek down to the bottom where the deserts caught my eye so the three courses would probably be the order of the day!

I always think it's rather rude to get the professional camera out in a restaurant (unless of course you're working on a commercial shoot) so I tend not to do it.  Please take our word for it .... the food was delicious.

Of course, if you don't believe us, you can always go and try for yourself.

After lunch Paulo very kindly took us through to the lounge for coffee, after which we thought we ought to try and walk a little before getting back in the car.

A wander is a must.  These gardens are full of surprises.

And the view of the building is stunning from many angles.

 It is truly beautiful, so I'll let you wander with us for a while .....

 I sat on this bench in a secluded area of the garden and watched the butterflies and bees.

But if you want to be a little more energetic, there's a forest ramble.  Not for us on this occasion..... I do wonder where it goes though?

You could always extend your lunch to an overnight stay?

  

There are many options here.  All seem to be quiet, private, and unique.

 No Malcolm, not today ...... maybe another time though :)

 Lodges, cottages, forest suites, hideaways ........

with a little more wandering and we came upon the Lake Cabin.  

Looks like the sort of place you could peacefully curl up with a book or stay a little longer and even write a book!

If it's peace, tranquillity and luxury you are after, then this is your ultimate escape to the New Forest ......it is, of course,

 Lime Wood Hotel

Find Calm in The New Forest

Head south to the New Forest and find calm in the ultimate spa experience and then relax even more in one of the cosy hotel rooms.

Read on to find out how and where ......

Is it peace you're looking for ...

Here you'll find a moment of peace, a chance to slow down and unwind.

A warm welcome awaits you

Met and greeted by the concierge who smiles and warmly welcomes you.  He will happily take your luggage and park your car. 

Malcolm being a little independent refused this kind offer.  

As we were only on an overnight stay, we had very little luggage except for our photography equipment, of course, which we are a little protective of and always carried by us!

Check in 

Whilst Malcolm was parking the car I had been nominated to do the 'check in' bit.

I had to wait a while as the receptionist was already checking in another couple.

It was obviously the couple's first visit.  The young lady behind the desk was extremely informative and diligent. giving the couple all the necessary info to ensure they made the most of their stay. 

The couple walked away saying 'wow, she knew her stuff'.  She sure did!  A huge round of applause for this young lady and, in fact, if I hadn't stayed before I would have now been fully informed too.

But we had visited before and, in fact, this was where we got married, so we received a 'welcome back' check in, which kinda makes you feel a little special.

So where are we?

Corridor of leaves

We were told our room was ready and Colin offered to carry our bags.  Again we declined the offer and made our way along the corridor of leaves :) 
Ah explanation:  The carpet design has huge leaves and it actually works really well.  It is in The New Forest after all.

Have you guessed yet?

We weren't expecting this

So to our room.  

We got a surprise.  

Our stay on our wedding night was in the bridal suite which, of course, had a very grand four poster bed.

Pretty garden room  

Today as we opened the door to our garden room, the sun streamed in on to another very pretty four poster bed.  We were not expecting that at all. :)

Ooh goodies!

This Hotel not only wants you to feel at home but feel special too. 

The little extras like the magazines and books and delicious chocolate taster from Chocolate by Miss Witt, robes and slippers, not to mention the lovely bathroom goodies from The White Company are extra special finishing touches.

I digress for a moment

A word for The White Company .... the lids on your little bottles are on sooooo tight, it's a real challenge to open them!😖

Did I mention spa?

Once we had taken a few images for the blog, we were off to find some well deserved and long awaited TLC in Senspa.  

If you haven't booked a room with this experience you can upgrade.  You'll be sorry if you don't! 

This is a hydrotherapy haven, including pools, tropical showers, ice room (not for me but Malcolm used it), sauna and crystal steam room.  And I particularly liked the warm stone beds which feel as if they shape to your body.  Just relax, blend in and the warmth goes right through you.  Bliss.

All this relaxes the mind and the body and leaves you with a pleasantly tired feeling.

A sneaky peek of the Spa on our Travel Instagram!

No time to doze 

Well if you don't know by now here's a little clue for you....

We go back to the room and find it hard not to doze off, so a cuppa and magazine to the rescue.

  Yep!  You've guessed Careys Manor Hotel & Senspa

Now off to Le Blaireaus

Not time to lounge in our room for too long as we are off to Le Blaireau Beaujolais Nouveau night.  Luckily it's right next door to the Hotel so no worries about travel and not far to stagger back either 😉

Quite obvious from the name, Le Blaireau is everything French.  

Tonight waiters and waitresses, all looked very French in Breton stripes and little French berets.  The atmosphere was brilliant.  The food was good and the Beaujolais Nouveau was'nt bad either!  

Oops, apologies ... no images.  We were there with friends and a night off.  Nothing to stop you going along though.  Take a look at their website, they do have quite a few events on.

And so back to our room for a nightcap and sleep.

Of course, I can't possibly leave you without mentioning the most amazing breakfast in Cambium Restaurant. 

We never take our cameras into restaurants as we feel it's a little intrusive to other guests. 

Our food shots are always set up at a time when the restaurant isn't being used so no professional pics of the lovely breakfast. 

However, couldn't resist using my tried and tested phone for a shot of the most delicious poached egg I had ever had...........perfection.

Oh and I do hope we didn't leave our room ........

in a pigsty 😉😐but I do love the alternative signs - great fun.

So will you find calm in The New Forest?  

If not now, when?   

Here's 5 reasons why you should book now

Why not find out how to feature on our blog?