New Milton
England


The Experience

A standard-setter since it opened in 1966, this country-house hotel is set in the New Forest, the red brick manse and its sun-streaked public rooms stuffed with deep downy chintz furnishings and English antiques, along with just enough contemporary touches to please the antitraditionalist. This exquisite property is more of a retreat than a full-service resort: Its spa, nine-hole par-3 golf course, rolling expanse of lawn and English country pursuits make it popular with weekending Londoners and wealthy Europeans on holiday, but some über-active Americans might grow restless.

The Rooms

No two rooms are alike at Chewton Glen, but all offer the latest in technology and amenities in a cozy, traditionally English setting of Cowtan & Tout floral prints, Chippendale-style bureaus and chairs and thickly lined window treatments (that when drawn make for heavenly sleeping). Think home, not hotel. In 2005, some suites were given more of a contemporary look, ditching the chintz for streamlined settings done in sophisticated palettes of taupes and grays. But the real benefit of some suites is a private walled garden terrace, lined with container plants, where residents can enjoy Pimm's and canapés.

The Service

From the time that you pull up your car to the valet to when he places your last bag in the car for departure, no detail is overlooked by the attentive staff, who are happy to keep the ice bucket full, sketch out the perfect drive through the New Forest and, in a motherly fashion, ring a local pharmacy for cold medicine.

The Highlights

You'll know you're in England when you see the croquet lawn and grass tennis courts, but you don't have to stay on property: Spend a day out exploring the wild ponies and ancient flora of the New Forest (the resort will be happy to arrange a private guided tour), then return home to relax in the Molton Brown spa with a hydrotherapy circuit and an Olympic-size swimming pool. The Marryat restaurant, with its impressive wine list and modern British dishes built around local meat, fish and produce, is intensely popular, so book early. Or you can always stay in your fluffy bathrobe, order Dover sole and a Valrhona chocolate pot with a split of Champagne -- or anything else -- from the excellent menu, and spend the night watching British comedies in your room.

-- Sallie Brady

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