Chewton Glen
The Hotel, Spa and Country Club
New Milton
Hampshire BH25 6QS
Tel: 01425 275341
www.chewtonglen.com
reservations@chewtonglen.com
I have never been one to compile a list of things to do before I travel onwards to the point beyond the setting of the sun, others writers call it things to do before I die. My visit with Sue to Chewton Glen completely changed that thought, this is, without doubt, a place you must take the opportunity of visiting, even if it is for a one night stay. Never before in my experience as a writer on food and travel have I encountered such an organised, enthusiastic and thoroughly professional hotel as Chewton Glen, it is, quite simply, stunning in looks, luxurious in feel, and friendly in welcome, a trio of trusty pillars upon which to build an unrivalled worldwide reputation.
As we drove the last few miles of our hour long journey from Wokingham along the tree lined roads the south of Hampshire, through the village of New Milton, Sue and I had to remove our sunglasses and switch on the windscreen wipers of the car. This was surely not a good sign for the future as we eagerly anticipated the delights of our short break at this five star retreat at the end of a week spent relaxing and travelling around the English countryside.
Thankfully the rain, angular driving rain as we gazed out from the balcony of our room overlooking the manicured croquet lawn, merely added to the colour of the view, intensifying the rich green of the well cut lawns, contrasting with the clear blue skies after the downpour. Such is the variety of our weather that there were few signs left as we enjoyed an early evening stroll before dinner two hours later, only the stillness and fresh clean air after such a brief storm, with the anticipation of dinner to come.
By the time of our sunny stroll we had seen the first signs of the quality of our home for the evening, from the smooth transition when stopping the car at reception where our luggage was transported to our room and our car parked for us. Coffee and biscuits in one of the three spacious lounges allowed us to gently savour the initial delights, taking in the careful touches and admiring the sheer style of the operation that has attracted so many accolades and awards to this five star establishment, as well as large volumes of guests from so many different countries in Europe and beyond. A personal tour of the facilities within our room, including television, DVD and Bang and Olufson CD player, together with the extensive bathroom facilities followed a general introduction to the facilities within the hotel and spa, with any questions or queries at the end of a phone or from any of the attentive staff.
The room, a Gold category room within the Chewton guidelines, (the rooms are classified as Bronze, Silver, Gold, Junior Suites, Suites and a small but select group of Luxury Suites, situated at the very peak of requirements) and it had all the modern facilities and a great deal more, adding luxury to comfort beyond normal boundaries. Spacious could be viewed as an understatement, with comfort and style the twin pillars supporting the Chewton Glen philosophy, together with a highly advanced customer care approach, from the reception as we arrived to Andrew Stembridge, the Managing Director with whom we shared drinks before dinner.
Our first journey took us to the much acclaimed Spa, for a swim and a closer look at the facilities. We swam in the 17m indoor swimming pool and sampled the delights of the large and enjoyable hydrotherapy pool with plenty of opportunity to read a small selection of the veritable library of magazines available, many of which featured Chewton Glen in all its glory. Whilst the rain was still falling I ventured outside to try the outdoor whirlpool, Sue thought I was mad, but I returned ten minutes later much the better for my experience. Strange no one else followed my example!
We did avail ourselves of a treatment, little point in visiting a place like Chewton Glen and denying the pleasures of life is there? From the extensive menu of Spa Treatments we enjoyed Shiatsu Massage, an increasingly popular and relaxing treatment which, among many benefits, delivers deep muscle and tissue relaxation, releases toxins from the body, provides improved blood circulation reducing blood pressure and, above all, it feels good, what more reason can there be?
A relaxing hour listening to music in the comfort of our room after our massage was all the preparation we needed to prepare for the evening ahead.
Dinner began with a glass of champagne for Sue and a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc for Managing Director Andrew Stembridge and me whilst we took a journey around the culinary industry, discussing hotels, service and the changes in the industry, a wonderful and enlightening experience alongside a master of his trade.
Seated in the simply stunning Conservatory Restaurant, Sue travelled to Scotland for her starter, choosing the Scallops, in fact Roast Scottish Scallops with cauliflower puree, and a saffron and vanilla sauce.
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Alan McColm is QFOL's Restaurant Critic and Travel reviewer. Alan is working all over the country ... more
