Hotels with pools in the New Forest: luxurious spa hotels and romantic escapes

If you’re looking for luxury and glamour, look no further than the New Forest. From Chewton Glen to Lime Wood, this part of the world has been home to some of the finest hotels, both old and new.

It pretty much goes without saying that the New Forest National Park is very much a dominant feature of this glorious part of Hampshire. The natural landscape, the famous ponies, the romance, wildlife, woodlands, open moors and coastline all coming together in an idyllic destination that bends and reshapes itself with the seasons.

Local attractions range from Exbury Gardens to the towns and villages that each have their place in history. Lyndhurst was the natural ‘capital’ of the New Forest when William the Conqueror established hunting grounds there. Here you will also find shops, restaurants and the grave of the original Alice in Wonderland, Alice Liddell, heralding the region’s literary links. Meanwhile, in Brockenhurst you will find ponies grazing on the green, and legends of witches and dragons as well as superb fudge and cider in Burley. Lymington on the other hand is a haven for sailors with its bustling marina and as the home of Sir Ben Ainslie.

Amidst all this character and appeal however, are the hotels themselves, which as part of their luxurious credentials, include superb leisure facilities. There are few destinations that are finer than either Chewton Glen or Lyme Wood. Chewton Glen is an exceptional spa hotel. The gardens are perfect for a game of croquet in the summer, while a range of accommodation includes unique treehouse suites. Meanwhile, the spa itself has hydrotherapy pools and thermal facilities that are the stuff of legends.

Alternatively, Lyme Wood has managed to shape itself into both a luxurious family friendly hotel as well as the height of romantic or wellbeing escapes. Its Herb House Spa is inspired and informed by the herbs grown on site, giving it a luxurious but rustic vibe complete with facilities including mud house, hydro pool, outdoor pool, and a 16 metre ozone treated indoor lap pool with glass doors overlooking the garden.