Chewton Glen was shortlisted in the independent hotelier of the year awards this year. Thankfully Spear’s visited a little earlier, as part of Spear’s hotels index
The prize for the most novel suite goes to the Hampshire spa. A far cry from its stuffy reputation, Chewton Glen has recently unveiled treehouses in the canopy of the New Forest which allow guests to enjoy nature without sacrificing creature comforts.
The interiors are striking. They have a modern Scandinavian vibe in which tartans meet neutrals and unfinished woods sit by crisp metalwork. What’s clever is the way they make you feel self-sufficient while being served: kitchens, books and games give you the sense that you live there rather than just stay there. The only drawback is that the treehouses overlook each other, which makes winter evenings a curtains-closed affair. They’re situated on the hotel’s old service road so they could do with a few more years of foliage, but they’re a useful two-minute walk from the main hotel.
Proximity has its bonuses. Chewton Glen operates a first-class spa, so staying in the treehouses gives you the best of both worlds, facilities and freedom. Yes, there’s a Seventies feel to the guests, but this seasoned classic is entering a new era of popularity.
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