Situated in the heart of Dorset’s beautiful countryside, The Careys Manor Hotel & Spa is a luxury retreat with a gorgeous, unique manor house, dripping with original period features and commanding panoramic views of the unparalleled New Forest.

The three restaurants afford a wide variety of choice, but we were particularly excited to have the chance to visit the award winning Senspa, which completely lives up to its high expectation.

We arrived at The Careys Manor on a warm, sunny Sunday afternoon for a little 24-hour getaway, giving us a chance to unwind and relax and it certainly worked its magic.

Having received a very friendly welcome from reception, we checked in a little early and took full advantage of a leisurely walk around the tranquil and simply stunning surroundings of the nearby New Forest.

We were shown to our room with its traditional, but very contemporary, elevations and décor, where we had a well-earned rest after our long walk and took in the comfy surroundings before our dinner in the newly renovated Cambium Restaurant. This outstanding restaurant offers fine dining with local sourced flavours and produce.

Whilst enjoying our pre- dinner cocktails in the relaxing lounge area, we chose a game of chess from the collection of games attentively on offer and with the addition of the open fire as a back-drop, it made for an idyllic experience.

The restaurant décor was impressive and very inviting and I thoroughly enjoyed my choice of local pheasant served with parmesan crisps, while my partner chose the veal, which we agreed were both cooked to perfection.

Other choices on the extensive menu were pork belly served with tangy tamarind or cod together with pancetta and clams. For pudding, we decided to share the apple tarte tatin, which was complimented with vanilla ice cream The restaurant is extremely proud that all of the fresh ingredients are locally sourced.

After a snug and restful sleep, we made our way back down to the Cambium restaurant ready for our breakfast. Along with the more traditional Full English fare, there was also a refreshing display on offer consisting of a delightful selection of buffet style continental cuisine.

The restaurant also caters for the more health conscious with fresh smoothies and juices as well as such dishes as eggs Benedict or avocado on toast. However, the best was yet to follow....

We then made our way down to the much anticipated award winning SenSpa. SenSpa has been voted the ‘best spa’ in the South of England for four years in a row and it is easy to see why.

This Thai inspired spa provides a consummate relaxation for the mind,body and soul and I had every intention of taking full advantage of the spa’s very extensive facilities.

I submerged myself into the acclaimed hydrotherapy pool which proposes to cleanse, revitalise and detoxify the skin and it certainly did just that.

After unwinding in the relaxation room where we could help ourselves to refreshments, which included a very tasty white tea consisting of a blend of aromatic spices, It was then time for my treatment. There are many to choose from, but I opted for a Willow Age Regeneration facial which also includes a face, neck and shoulder massage and which I can only describe as 60 minutes of unadulterated bliss.

After checking if I had any particular areas of concern, my experienced therapist advised me as to the appropriate products which would compliment my skin type.

Careys Manor Hotel & Spa is a truly wonderful recreational occasion not to be missed. Everything from the warm and welcoming staff to the elegant and serene surroundings make this an indulgence everyone should experience.

We left Careys Manor feeling revitalised and content with both promising each other another visit - very soon.

Careys Manor Hotel & Spa, Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst

T: 01590 624467

W: careysmanor.com