The Best Hotel in Lyndhurst, The South

If you're looking for a discreet, luxurious hideaway in a woodland setting with uninterrupted views and an excellent spa, this hugely relaxing country-house hotel is hard to beat. The Regency main building has welcoming public rooms with open fires. Comfortable guest rooms, both here and in the forest cottages, lake cabins, and lodges, combine impeccably appointed bathrooms with bespoke furniture and occasional quirky touches like freestanding bathtubs overlooking the forest. The Italian-influenced restaurant is under the direction of leading chefs Angela Hartnett (who also supervises the on-site cooking school) and Luke Holder; there's a more casual, health-oriented restaurant for breakfast and lunch. The sumptuous spa is one of the country's best, and Wellington boots are available to borrow for walks along New Forest trails (maps provided in rooms).