Chewton Glen Spa Day with Next

I was recently lucky enough to be asked to go to the launch of the new Next Hedge End store, and myself and Emma spent a fab morning nosing around the wonderful new store and eyeing up lots of clothes and homeware bits! No sooner had we spent our vouchers, we were whisked off to Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa for what was one of the most amazing and special days I’ve had in a long time.

Chewton Glen is a privately owned luxury country house hotel and spa located about five minutes from me in New Milton in the New Forest.  The stunning hotel has 130 acres of grounds, a renowned restaurant and a spa that offers over 60 treatments.  I have hankered after going for a spa day there for some time so it was a real treat to be invited to spend the day relaxing in the spa and then attend a champagne reception and three course dinner (I think I speak for both myself and Emma when I say we felt like to rather lucky little ladies!)

The house is simply stunning, and as you draw up the private drive you really feel as if you’re about to visit somewhere special.

Chewton Glen front

I loved all of the Hunter boots lined up for dashing out to the car on wet mornings!

Chewton Glen Hunters

When we arrived at the hotel we were taken through to one of the function rooms for tea and biscuits and to find out more about the day.  We were all given complimentary treatments at the spa, and those of us that had 1pm appointments were taken up to the spa area to fill out consultation forms. Emma had opted for a manicure and I picked a full body massage, so we excitedly made our way to the treatment rooms! My massage was absolutely incredible, so relaxing! I’ve never had a full body massage before and I had to try not to fall asleep, I felt totally blissed out.  I’ve mentioned I’ve been experiencing a lot of lower back problems and she definitely worked a lot of tension out of my shoulders, it was amazing.

After our treatments we went for a buffet lunch in the spa restaurant.  Both mine and Emma’s eyes were a little bigger than our bellies and we piled our plates high with the yummy options on offer, and then went back for two helpings of dessert! Feeling a little full we then ventured down to the pool (full of chocolate mousse and going to a swimming pool is not ideal – oops!). Sitting outside in the jacuzzi bath in the sunshine was pretty perfect.  We then tried out all of their different hydrotherapy pools, the steam room and foot spa.

After a couple of hours enjoying the spa and attaining extreme levels of relaxation, we decided to venture outside to take in the grounds.  It really is a beautiful house and the grounds are simply stunning – there’s also another outdoor pool tucked away to the side of the hotel.

Chewton Glen green
Chewton Glen

We had fun in the leaf swings!

img credit: the style box

As well as the main hotel rooms, you can also stay in one of Chewton Glen’s treehouses, situated in secluded spots in the forest.  You can just see in that photo one of the outdoor hot tubs.  Can you imagine lying in the hot tub in the sunshine, drinking a glass of champagne and enjoying the sights and sounds of the forest? There’s even binoculars hanging from hooks in the windows for birdspottin – I think they’ve really thought of everything.

Chewton Glen treehouse
Chewton Glen woods

During a further walk around the back of the hotel we happened upon their bug hotel – I think these rooms are probably more in my budget than the treehouses (teehee!)

Chewton Glen bug hotel

There’s even a beautiful walled kitchen garden, surrounded by wildflowers.

Chewton Glen kitchen garden

After nosing around the garden we then strolledback to the hotel terrace and stopped for a drink in the sunshine.  I opted for a local cider and Emma had a rather yummy looking non-alcoholic cocktail.

Chewton Glen outside
Emma at Chewton Glen

After all that exploring it was time to get changed for dinner.  The other press people attending were staying at the hotel as they’d travelled down from London, so we switched tops and put a bit of make-up on in the spa.  Doesn’t Emma look stunning?

We went down to the restaurant for champagne and to take our seats at the dinner table.  The dinner table looked lovely with all of the fresh flowers.

Chewton Glen dinner
Chewton Glen dinner table

For my starter I had smoked salmon with sour cream and chive mousse, and shards of toast coloured with squid ink!

Chewton Glen starter

For my main course I had anglaise chicken and herb gnocchi.

Chewton Glen main course

For dessert I had strawberry pavlova with basil sorbet.  The basil sorbet was incredible, really refreshing and tangy – I must try and find a recipe!

Chewton Glen dessert

After all of that delicious food it was time to wave goodbye to Chewton Glen and the lovely Next ladies and head home.  It was such a wonderful day and I’m hugely grateful to Next for inviting me along.  Make sure you check out my post about the new Next Hedge End store, and pay it a visit if you’re nearby!

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