If you prefer shopping and sand and harbours to waves and sand, then the cutesy, British bunting harbour town of Lymington could be for you.
Quite frankly, once booking into the newly refurbished Stanwell House you will struggle to leave anyway! I gasped with delight upon entering my suite complete with double doors exiting onto the most beautiful sun terrace. It was stunning, one of the nicest rooms I think I have ever stayed in.
The boutique hotel has undergone a massive refurbishment. Jojo Macnamara led the interior design that the staff are clearly proud of and rightly so. The maximalist riot of colour downstairs gives way to the most luxe muted country coastal chic in the bedrooms complete with their signature pops of colour.
All of the bedrooms are unique, some with views of the Isle of White, some with baths and what they all share is quality touches with no corner overlooked.
The details here are what makes the stay a truly luxurious experience. The Roberts Radio will be playing quietly as you enter, there will be buttery shortbreads waiting for you to nibble on, New Forest mineral water to sip, fresh milk and newspapers delivered before you wake, a complimentary Mermaid Gin and Tonic, you get the gist.
We dined in the glorious and busy Samphire restaurant. The hotel is clearly loved by patrons and locals alike. They deliver a menu that leans heavily into seafood as you might expect. I had the most tender, delicious seafood platter and half a lobster that was cooked perfectly.
The restaurant opens up onto the suntrap of a garden where you can sip on a Spritz Hugo in the sun or take tea under the cute parasols. Equally there is a beautifully lit orangery serving afternoon teas.
The Salt Bar manager Mike, has taken great care to stock locally produced liquor and I loved the cocktail list. Of course, we need Hugo’s on a sunny day although the Spring Martini featuring strawberries, vodka, prosecco, lime and Chambord was expertly balanced and the perfect tipple for spring and summer alike.
If you were planning a surprise weekend away, I think Stanwell House would give you the reaction you would be hoping for. The wild horses of the new forest make for a lovely back drop and you could hop on the ferry to the Isle of Wight for the day. Equally, you could open the doors to that sun terrace and just stay right where you are.
For more information and to book your stay visit www.stanwellhouse.com
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
Feature image courtesy of Stanwell House
