...nights away...somewhere different
- Careys Manor and SenSpa, New Forest
- Amberley Castle, Sussex
- Manor Farm Oast, East Sussex
Careys Manor & SenSpa, New Forest
what they say:
“At Careys Manor, we aim to provide you with a home from home, somewhere you can feel comfortable and relaxed, with everything you need to enjoy a stress-free and relaxing break.
We pride ourselves on our friendly staff and attentive service making your stay a memorable experience.
At Careys Manor, you can enjoy something truly unique, with SenSpa, our luxurious Thai spa. The state-of-the-art hydrotherapy facilities, combined with world-class treatments performed by Thai-trained therapists, offer an experience not to be missed during your stay with us.”
what we say:
Our first impressions of Careys Manor as we approached from the rear carpark weren’t fantastic, but once we stepped inside the luxury spa located deep in the New Forest National Park we knew we were somewhere special. Heavy Thai influence is abundant throughout the hotel; from the culinary delights on offer in the Zen Garden restaurant to the array of Thai treatments available across the 14 treatment rooms in the SenSpa. Careys Manor does not disappoint and we thoroughly enjoyed this spa break with an oriental twist.
mr bloggs likes:
mrs bloggs likes:
How beautifully organised everything is and how they make you well- informed about everything. Spa’s can be confusing places, ironically I have often found myself stressed and confused at what to wear, where to go and what facilities I can use on spa breaks, but at Carey’s Manor you receive a detailed, personalised schedule of your spa break and everything is carefully explained to you on arrival.
The Hydrotherapy Hall – was out of this world. With endless different types of showers, sauna’s and steam rooms, there are suggested programmes to follow to experience the hydrotherapy benefits. I particularly enjoyed the tropical, sea and ice storm showers complete with thunder and lightning and crystal steam room.
Eating a truly scrumptious dinner in the Manor Restaurant. This two rosette restaurant offers delicious and exciting dishes, I ate the Portabello Mushroom with Welsh Rarebit Glaze followed by a Beetroot Tart with Orange Beurre Sauce and tantilising Apple Crumble Parfait – very appetizing. The combination of eating lovely food and listening to the smooth tones of the live grand piano playing made this a very romantic experience.
vital details:
Number of rooms: 80
Price: for latest prices and offers, please refer to the website below
Website: http://www.careysmanor.com/
Phone: 01590 623551
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Amberley Castle, Sussex
what they say:
“Hidden away for 900 years near the picturesque village of Amberley in the chalk South Downs, Amberley Castle is a magnificent historical treasure that offers a truly unique experience. Through the Portcullis and 60ft curtain walls you will find beautiful landscaped gardens, fine examples of medieval architecture and an unrivalled atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
Since 1988, the Cummings family have made Amberley Castle their home, and with flair and imagination have transformed this splendid hideaway into a luxurious, multi-award winning Country Castle Hotel and Restaurant with an international reputation. Amberley Castle offers 19 luxurious bedrooms and suites, many with four-poster beds and all featuring Jacuzzi bathrooms. Facilities include two restaurants, lounge areas, tennis court, croquet lawn, gardens and lakes, 18-hole professional putting course and a stunning thatched roof tree house complete with rope bridge.”
what we say:
Set deep in the heart of the Sussex countryside, you are treated like royalty throughout your stay at this former regal residence. Steeped in history and charm with unique features by the bucket load with interior design well befitting of the stunning exterior you cannot help but enjoy your stay. Be sure to take a walk around the walls and check out the romantic tree house retreat– Amberley castle surpasses all expectations.
mr bloggs likes:Not only are you staying in an actual castle, but there are all weather surface tennis courts, croquet lawn and a fantastically designed 18 hole professional putting green which is a scaled down version of a full golf course.
Its stating the obvious to say that the place is steeped in history, but it is and it’s great fun exploring the parts of the castle which are all well annotated.
If you stay up late – you can watch the two tonne oak portcullis being lowered every night at midnight Despite being built c1103 the rooms are definitely kitted out for the 21st century; with flat screen TVs, DVD players and clock-radio alarms.
mrs bloggs likes:
The astonishing, beautiful tree house located at the foot of the drive with mesmerising views of the castle. Book it for supper for the ultimate romantic treat. Start the evening watching koi-carp in the pond whilst sipping champagne and then climb up to the tree house for a 3-course meal – a very special moment to share with your other-half.
The gigantic four-poster beds – fit for a queen, with luxury velvet quilts in deep purples and golden ochre’s, accompanied with tapestry throws.
The jacuzzi baths in every bathroom, but don’t add the bubble bath to you’re heavenly bathing experience, otherwise you’ll transform the entire bathroom into a massive bubble making machine.
vital details:
Number of rooms: 13, including 6 suites
Price: Rooms from £155
Website: http://www.amberleycastle.co.uk/
Phone: 01798 831992
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Manor Farm Oast, East Sussex
what they say:
"Kate and Syd would like to welcome you to their home. The Oast was built in 1860, Manor Farm Oast is set in the middle of a working orchard and is ideally situated for quiet breaks and walking. It has been thoughtfully and tastefully converted keeping the original features internally and externally.
Tradition has it that the vanes on the cowl should reflect the occupation of the heritage of the owners, as Syd is Manx, we thought a Legs of Man would be appropriate, but on reflection, we thought it could have been offensive to our German visitors, so we looked through the book of ready made suggestions. There was a witch on a broomstick with a cat! it was like kismet, as if it was meant to be, and the village gossip came back to us. We elected to use the witches as an aide memoir for all those who stay with us. Over the years we have collected a variety of witches and broomsticks and have been presented with ones from family and guests."
what we say:
Tucked away down quiet country lanes in the heart of Sussex equidistant between the lively towns of Rye and Hastings the delightful Manor Oast Farm B&B awaits weary travellers. This hidden treasure is quite a find as anyone who has stayed would strongly agree. Formerly a 3 roundel Oast House but now a charming bed and breakfast, owners Kate and Syd have made sure that the all the original character and charm has been retained.
With a light and airy feel and beautiful bedroom views over the gardens, paddocks and orchards. We couldn’t help but be amazed at how much consideration and love had gone into running this B&B demonstrated by the abundance of meticulous touches.
mr bloggs likes:
Free WiFi is available which some may expect as standard issue in this day and age- what isn't standard issue however is the availability to borrow a laptop if you've left yours at home.
The take home breakfast box containing locally sourced produce- 6 fresh, free range eggs, bacon and 6 sausages. This must be ordered in advance, but is well worth it.
On arrival we were issued with a ticket with a 'lucky number'- this needs to be checked at the visitor cantre in Rye to see if you're the lucky winner of £1000 in cash.
mrs bloggs likes:
The selection of glossy magazines in each of the rooms- great to curl up and get stuck into after a day out exploring.
There is a real committment to the community and the environment shown here- water is heated by solar panels and the guest soap is locally made in kilo blocks and then cut down to size
If you get caught up in the rain whilst out walking in the delightful East Sussex countryside you can dry off your things in the toasty warm boiler room overnight.
vital details:
Number of rooms: 4 ensuite bedrooms
Price: B&B from £94 per room per night
Website: http://www.manorfarmoast.co.uk
Phone: 01424 813787
