As London Fashion Week wrapped and the city’s buzz slowly faded behind us, we left behind the sleek modernity of Nobu Hotel Portman Square and slipped into something altogether more serene — the Rolls-Royce Spectre, a car that turned every mile into a meditation on elegance.

Our destination? A place where countryside tranquility meets elevated luxury: the Lime Wood Hotel, nestled deep within the New Forest National Park, just outside the charming Hampshire village of Lyndhurst — and only about 90 minutes from London.

Lime Wood is not your typical country retreat. This five-star haven redefines the concept of countryside chic with a modern, understated glamour that feels both curated and comfortably unpretentious. Surrounded by ancient woodland and roaming ponies (yes, the ones that wander freely in the New Forest), the property feels like a well-kept secret — a hidden gem for those who appreciate privacy, peace, and polished experiences.

Upon arrival, you’re welcomed by stately Georgian architecture, sweeping lawns, and interiors that seamlessly blend vintage charm with contemporary design. The aesthetic is quintessentially English — muted tones, deep velvets, antique finds — but elevated with a playful, modern twist. Think hunting lodge meets Vogue editorial.

Whether you’re here to disconnect or recharge after a frenetic week in London, completely, Lime Wood offers a restorative rhythm that’s hard to resist. We checked into a Forest Suite — complete with a wood-burning stove, freestanding tub, and French doors that opened to the forest itself. Waking up to the sound of birdsong and stepping out into the misty morning air felt cinematic.

The Herb House Spa is a sanctuary unto itself. Spanning three levels and offering everything from forest-facing hydrotherapy pools to holistic treatments using Bamford products, it’s a space that honors both wellness and whimsy. Our deep tissue massage was followed by a few indulgent hours moving between the sauna, mud house, and rooftop herb garden.

Evenings at Lime Wood are something special. Candlelit dining in the hotel’s celebrated restaurant, Hartnett Holder & Co, is a highlight. Headed by Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder, the menu celebrates locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients with an Italian-British flair. Every dish felt like comfort food — if comfort food were reimagined for royalty.

For something more casual but no less delicious, the Raw & Cured food bar offers beautifully plated, clean eating with a creative edge — ideal for a post-spa lunch or light afternoon fare with a view of the gardens.

What sets Lime Wood apart isn’t just its commitment to luxury, but its effortless ability to create space — for rest, for romance, for reconnection. There’s a sense of slowness here, not in the sense of boredom, but in the rich, intentional kind. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time wandering forest trails, sipping wine by the fire, or reading a book under a wool throw as the rain taps softly against the window.

It’s a rare thing these days to find a place that delivers on both experience and elegance. Lime Wood Hotel does just that, and then some.

This was not just a weekend away — it was a reset.

Lime Wood Hotel