2 Best Hotels in The South, England

This grand early-19th-century country-house hotel and spa on 130 acres of manicured grounds ranks among Britain's most acclaimed—and most expensive—lodgings. All rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated using rich fabrics; many have a balcony or terrace, and all ooze luxury. Romantics might want to try one of the 12 secluded "treehouse" suites in the woods. The lavish spa is particularly strong on facials and has a large and elegant pool. The restaurant, the Dining Room at Chewton Glen, concentrates on grilled meats and more plant-based or Asian-influenced dishes, with a choice of more than 700 wines (there's also a less formal gastropub and pool bar). Besides golf and tennis (on indoor or outdoor courts), family-friendly leisure activities such as archery, falconry, pony grooming, and walking with miniature sheep are available, along with guided bike rides in the forest or kayaking. There's also a self-contained cooking school and a tree house kids' club. A 20-minute walk through the grounds takes you down to the coast. Chewton Glen is 12 miles southwest of Lyndhurst on the A35.

Although deep in the British countryside on a 500-acre estate, this country-house hotel, part of the luxury chain, is only a half hour from Heathrow; the manor house's original wing (the others are more contemporary) dates back to 1728, although luxuries like marble bathrooms and Frette linens are thoroughly modern. Relax in the heated indoor pool and spacious spa offering Dr. Barbara Sturm treatments and hypnotherapy, or enjoy country pursuits like horseback riding (there's an equestrian center), fishing in the stocked pond, falconry, and clay-pigeon shooting. For the more adventurous, there's zip-lining. There are also family-friendly elements, such as a special kids' pool with a waterslide and a supervised kids' club on weekends. Dining options range from a Vietnamese-influenced spa café and a pizzeria to a restaurant serving seasonal Modern British food.