Elite Traveler HRS 2025

elite traveler HOTELS, RESORTS &SPAS2025 78

Lucknam Park

LUCKNAM PARK ENGLAND

Driving down Lucknam Park’s long, tree-lined road sets the scene for what’s to come — absolute countryside living at its most authentic (and its most luxurious). Set on 500 pretty acres in a striking Palladian mansion that dates back to the 1720s, the hotel is located in the Cotswolds and can be reached via train from London in less than an hour and a half — making for a quick and easy escape from the city. STAY In the main house, the Grand Master Suites are opulent with a regal color scheme; they have a four-poster bed, an open fi replace, a dining table and a spacious sitting area that overlooks part of the grounds. The Junior Suites, neutrally decorated with antique furniture and a four-poster bed, are found in the courtyard and have views of the pretty rose garden. Visiting with a big group or four-legged companions? The cottages are utterly charming stone-built abodes that can sleep up to six guests and are dog-friendly (there’s also a helicopter landing for the cottages). DINE Restaurant Hywel Jones is Lucknam Park’s Michelin starred restaurant and is open Wednesday through Saturday. The new Walled Garden Restaurant is a more relaxed (but no less fabulous) a ff air that focuses on seasonal dining — all produce is sourced locally or directly from the estate and its lovely kitchen garden. I visited during the opening in April 2024 and enjoyed wood roasted free range chicken with Wye Valley asparagus, garden peas and Lucknam Park wild garlic. If you’re visiting the hotel to mark a special occasion, there are four private rooms that can host cocktail parties or private dinners for up to 30 guests (executive chef Hywel Jones will curate the menu).

Grand Master Suite

RELAX If you do one thing here, you must visit the spa — most guests come for the fantastic treatments and facilities (and stay for the tranquil views). There’s an indoor/outdoor pool that overlooks some of the garden and parkland beyond, saunas, steam rooms, a Japanese salt room, and ice stations to cool o ff . The

treatment menu is plentiful, too, from hot stone massages to jade gua sha facials and even a menu for children. The spa has partnered with revered clinical skincare brand 111Skin — I had the Original Dramatic Healing Facial, which uses the Y Theorem Repair Serum, a clinically proven product that helps the skin to repair itself. The facial includes a strenuous massage that will leave you looking glowing and sculpted (particularly welcome after a night of enjoying a bit too much champagne). EXPLORE Within the grounds, there are tennis courts, stables, an arboretum and a walled garden growing such delights as strawberry and pineapple mint. There’s an equestrian center with around 25 horses (during my visit, there were foals sticking close to their moms) where guests can enjoy a ride, no matter their experience level (more advanced riders can go for longer rides through the countryside; children from age three can enjoy a pony ride). By Samantha Coles From $470 per night. Contact

The Walled Garden Restaurant

lp.reservations@lucknampark.co.uk, +44 122 574 2777, lucknampark.co.uk

Thespa

Photos David Christopher, Lee Searle