As we celebrate King Charles' coronation this month we take inspiration from his love of horticulture and his home at Highgrove when it comes to outdoor wellness and spa gardens.
Great Fosters is a beautiful hotel with a beautiful history (there's an original royal crest of Queen Elizabeth I above the main porch). A quiet retreat just outside Windsor, it has the kind of majestic qualities you might expect of a near neighbour to the royals. The gardens are a pivotal part of the experience, not merely because they play host to an oversized renga set, outdoor chess and a pretty pool, but because of their heritage.
Said to be amongst the finest Arts and Crafts gardens in Europe, they are complete with exquisite details such as a Saxon moat and a knot garden designed to reflect the intricate beauty of a Persian rug. Fragrant beds of flowers and herbs and manicured topiary are a pleasure to walk by, while at the heart you will find the Drake sundial, which historians suggest may have been donated by Sir Francis Drake and is believed to date back to 1585.
Set within 40 acres of grounds and gardens leading on to the historic Windsor Great Park and within the orbit of Windsor Castle, Fairmont Windsor Park is an all-singing, all-dancing luxury spa hotel that definitely requires more than one stay to really experience the whole thing. While inside it's a feast of experiences from dining to spa therapies and facilities, the grounds are an intrinsic part of your stay, whether it's supplying fresh ingredients to the restaurants or as part of your wellbeing.
The grounds feature many of the hotel's own herb and vegetable gardens which find their way into beautiful dishes at all times of the day. In addition, the gardens serve as a place to explore and unwind. There's a dedicated outdoor training area complete with a functional training rig, Assault Bikes and Rowing machines, a 20-metre sled track, three tennis courts and two padel courts. In addition, it's a rich landscape of pathways, mature trees and natural beauty to explore.
Chewton Glen is celebrated as a luxury hotel and spa, with unique features ranging from their treehouse suites to stay in to their impressive hydrotherapy pool with 13 jet stations. Everything at this hotel is carefully considered and done to perfection, so it's no surprise that the grounds and gardens are the same.
An intrinsic part of your stay, whether you're observing the lush parkland from your bedroom balcony or heading out for a stroll, the New Forest location very much adds to the sense of serenity. The lawns are perfectly manicured, and around the estate you will find unique features including impressive sculptures. Amongst them are the prowling Born Free Foundation bronze lions by world-renowned creative artists Gillie and Marc. See if you can spot them on your stay.
Few places hold the beauty and gravitas of Grantley Hall in Yorkshire. The magnificent 17th century property has welcomed Dame Vera Lynn to sing, and has been painted by many an artist, including LS Lowry. It's got a state-of-the-art spa, its own chic den for late night partying, and Gatsby-style glamour through and through.
The gardens frame the whole experience, whether you're arriving by helicopter or enjoying the ornamental Japanese gardens (dating to 1910) while you tuck into pan-Asian fare at Bar and Restaurant Eighty Eight. The grounds extend to landscaped parkland has been honed across the centuries, complete with features such as a cascading river, the romantic remains of an Italianate terrace and a pond with its own island
South Lodge is known for its dedication to sustainability, especially when it comes to the spa. The luxury hotel enjoys spectacular South Downs views, and offers a sumptuous experience at every turn. The spa is iconic for its sedum roof, its organic design and its natural wild pool, amongst other features.
Set in 93 acres of grounds, you're invited to bring your wellies and explore in all weathers. The gardens have been developed from the 1880s, boasting a mature collection of over 360 plant species, native and exotic trees, shrubs, a fine rock garden, extensive lawns and a water garden. While it has evolved over time, it remains an Eden to this day.
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