Why go?
For London couples desperate for a blast of fresh country air and to fall off-grid (in luxurious fashion) in a state-of-the-art treehouse, seemingly floating in the leafy canopy. The spa, restaurants and elevated buzz of Chewton Glen all lie a quick golf buggy ride away.
Honeymoon style
The ultimate staycation, just without any of the stuffiness often associated with country hotels. Chewton Glen’s treehouses feel more upmarket safari than something you’d imagine from a child’s storybook, with cavernous, contemporary interiors, wraparound balconies suspended above the forest floor, and hot tubs that gurgle into the still night, and where couples can breath in that salty air (the coast is a scenic trudge away).
Set the scene
Woven into the woodland, Chewton Glen’s superluxe treehouses offer a more modern take on a New Forest getaway than the main (unashamedly traditional) house. Subdued, sympathetically modern interiors all seem to reflect and frame the woodland views – ever-present through floor-to-ceiling windows. A short stroll or buggy ride takes you to the hotel’s Romanesque spa and The Kitchen, a lively onsite restaurant with a menu crafted by chef James Martin. Explorers can follow trodden paths through gardens and dense stretches of woodland, reaching the glorious Highcliffe Beach in just 20 minutes.
Standing discreetly on stilts in a tree-lined valley within the expansive 130-acre grounds, each suite offers a secluded retreat with the allure of off-grid living. These ‘Tree House Suites’ are constructed from pine cladding and feature adventure-like bunk beds, ‘pod’ bedrooms, sun trap terraces, wood-fired stoves, and onsen-style hot tubs – ensuring their year-round appeal. Privacy is paramount, with quietly delivered breakfast hampers and private decks tucked away in their own part of the forest. A separate tree-house concierge effortlessly organises meals, spa treatments, and even transportation in GEM electric cars.
As the morning mist coating the forest floor lifts, you hear a cacophony of birdsong and the occasional light thud of deer hooves as they race through a clearing. This very notion of plush treehouses a stone’s throw from a grande dame country hotel will appeal to couples craving adventure and an escape, just without sacrificing any of those luxuries one would hope for in a five star stay. The juxtaposition of a morning traipsing along hedgerows and spotting hares darting across the fields, with glasses of Champagne in a hot tub and a full silver service supper is hardly novel, but it hits a sweet spot that Chewton Glen were arguably first to experiment with. From the log-burning fires and freestanding baths to the post-lunch archery sessions, this is a spoiling rural stay, with the added childlike thrill of sleeping high above the forest floor.
Rooms
Cocooned by of swaying branches, the treehouse suites are fully immersed in a patch of woodland that slopes down a valley. The private terrace offers a privileged perch over the woodland below, with a hot tub to sink into below a starry sky at night. Inside, the wood burner casts a warm amber glow across the contemporary space, where long, comfortable sofas are draped in rugs and homemade treats beckon through glass bell jars. Interiors boast a chic fusion of neutral tones and tweedy fabrics, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Modern yet homely, the spacious sitting room and bedroom feature floor-to-ceiling windows, offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding trees, yet with a sense of immense privacy and solitude.
Sympathetically built into each suite is a fully-equipped kitchen, with all the extra nibbles and hot chocolate accoutrements you could ever hope for, and an inviting sitting room. Some even include separate ‘pod’ bedrooms accessible via glass-sided walkways, ensuring a sense of privacy amidst the treetops. Guest privacy is always front of mind- with discreetly delivered breakfast hampers through a secret hatch and private decks with hot tubs designed so that they are fully out of sight.
Spa
Chewton Glen’s Spa is the ultimate balancing experience post nuptials, without leaving any luxurious hot stone unturned. A standout experience for honeymooners has to be the ‘Couples Retreat,’ where bespoke massages can be enjoyed side-by-side, with skilled therapists kneading out any of that pre-wedding stress. The experience begins with a thorough questionnaire, ensuring therapists can work their magic, and using the oil of your choice.
Then there’s the enormous hydrotherapy pool, a 17-metre pillar-framed swimming pool with views over the gardens and a classically English outdoor pool surrounded by flashes of green and flowers. If you want to get some exercise in, there’s a superb gym, a golf course and bikes that you can borrow, and the coast is a scenic 20-minute walk from the grounds.
Food and Drink
As well as wellness, Chewton Glen excels in the foodie department. At The Kitchen guests can witness the James Martin show in full swing. Hailing from Yorkshire, the esteemed chef curates a seafood-heavy menu that showcases the day’s freshest catches from along the Hampshire coast. Memorable dishes include Cornish sardines, the Porthilly oysters, and the delectable Padstow pot, filled with scallops and samphire. If your lucky you might even spot Chef James Martin inspecting the plates behind the pass, ensuring every dish meets his lofty standards. Compared to the rest of the hotel, this restaurant has a more relaxed, brasserie character.
Then there’s The Dining Room where all notions of fancy dining come to the fore, with inventive, delicate, and utterly indulgent plates. The chefs here are all about the art of culinary craftsmanship, showcasing their skill with dishes that feel more like little works or art than merely good food. For long lunches, opt for their iconic crab sandwich, a South Coast favourite and an elevated spin on the classic, without the crusts (of course). For dinner, prepare for a culinary journey with hero dishes such as the succulent slow-cooked lamb shank with rosemary jus, the indulgent lobster thermidor, or the pan-roasted quail with wild mushrooms and truffle.
Family-Friendly
Think of the Treehouses as your luxury Swiss Family Robinson-inspired weekend escape.
Chewton Glen has the most utterly warm and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for families seeking a memorable getaway. Upon check-in, young adventurers are greeted with personalised welcome packs, brimming with surprises, including nature guides, mini-exploration kits, and a map of the estate’s child-friendly trails. The treehouse suites themselves are thoughtfully designed to accommodate families of all sizes, with some featuring separate ‘pod’ bedrooms accessed by glass-sided walkways, ensuring privacy and comfort for both parents and children.
The adventure continues at the Chewton Glen estate, where families can enjoy nature-inspired treasure hunts which lead children through the sprawling grounds, discovering hidden gems and learning about the diverse flora and fauna. For budding chefs, the hotel organises family-friendly cooking classes, where kids can don their aprons and whip up delightful creations with guidance from the hotel’s talented chefs. The family-friendly ethos extends to supper time, with lovely little children’s menus that cater to young, fussy palates.
An incredibly thoughtful concierge service ensures that families have everything they need, from cribs and high chairs to arranging exciting little adventures suited for all ages.
The Story
Tucked away in the enchanting embrace of Hampshire’s New Forest, Chewton Glen has cleverly updated the estate, without detracting from its core traditional character. In the hands of the astute custodian, Managing Director Andrew Stembridge, this storied estate has evolved into a haven where luxury sits alongside nature, and new sits alongside old, creating an authentic experience for all tribes of traveller.
Under Stembridge’s discerning eye, Chewton Glen’s transformation has been nothing short of visionary. The Tree House Suites, discreetly nestled among twisted willows, were pioneering for the luxury hotel world – luxurious enough to sit alongside a five star hotel, yet still secluded enough to pass as a rural bolthole.
The acclaimed interior designer Martin Hulbert breathed new life into Chewton Glen’s interiors, capturing a vibe that is neutral, modern, and effortlessly chic. Beyond aesthetics, the estate champions eco-conscious practices, elevating the experience for those who appreciate sustainability with style. Chewton Glen invites discerning travellers to lose themselves in spa rituals, to dine in style with world-class culinary experiences, and allow any cortisol to drift away into the idyllic tree-lined valley.
Eco-Friendly
Alongside their luxurious touches, Chewton Glen’s Tree House Suites prioritise eco-conscious practices, incorporating rainwater harvesting, air-source heat pumps, and solar panels. The commitment to sustainability is evident in its coexistence with nature, reflecting a conscientious approach to hospitality.
Location
Chewton Glen’s location feels wonderfully English, with its main house enveloped in manicured gardens that roll on to meet fields and woodland. Explore nearby beaches, independent boutiques, and restaurants in the charming town of New Milton. Only a two-hour drive or a short train journey from London, Chewton Glen is an easy-to-reach, pampering country escape for city folk.
For more details go to: www.chewtonglen.com
Related Article: Honeymoon Review: Middleton Lodge Estate, North Yorkshire
