REVIEW: A Weekend Away in the New Forest at Careys Manor Hotel

Last week, along with my boyfriend Theo, I drove to the heart of the New Forest to spend the night at Careys Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst, a beautiful manor house surrounded by a mature garden and extensive grounds. I had been invited on an overnight spa break and I couldn’t wait for some time out as this was our first night away from the new house since we moved in.

From the moment we arrived I was instantly impressed with the location, and the drive up to the valet parking at the front of the hotel. As we arrived, we were welcomed in to the hotel, where our bags were taken to our room. We checked in and headed up to our room, after a super useful talk from the receptionist who gave us a run through of the hotel grounds, spa and timings for our booking.

We then explored the hotel, before heading to a fun wine tasting in the main restaurant with a selection of other guests. It was a lovely way to begin a stay at the hotel, getting to meet the staff, and try a few of their wonderful wines.

LOCATION

Careys Manor Hotel is located in the New Forest, in the south of England. Conveniently located within an hour and a half from London, 20 minutes from the centre of Southampton and with the rest of Hampshire and the M3 easily accessible – Careys Manor Hotel is the perfect place to enjoy truly relaxing short breaks, luxurious spa weekends and delicious dining.

The location was also great for during your stay as it meant there was lots to do in the surrounding area including Brockenhurst, which is a short walk away, Lymington, which is only a 10-minute drive and the whole of the New Forest at your fingertips with walking, cycling and animal encounters at every corner.

THE BEDROOM

Our room was brilliant for our stay; it was a good-sized bedroom with a double bed, ensuite bathroom, and lounge area. The room also had a dressing table, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities and plenty of storage space. The bathroom was also a good size, with power shower, and complimentary toiletries from The White Company.

When we arrived at our room, they had also kindly left us a bottle of prosecco, chocolates and locally cultivated tealeaves. Obviously, we drank this straight away, before heading downstairs to enjoy the wine at the wine tasting!

The room had large French doors that slid open to let a lot of light in, and with views of the gardens around the front of the hotel. The rooms on the ground floor also had a patio, with seating area.

THE SPA

SenSpa at Careys Manor Hotel is without a doubt one of the nicest and most well equipped spas I have been to, and I have visited many spas around the country over the past few years. The spa is separated in to two sections, a pool area with Jacuzzi, which is open to all hotel guests and spa guests, and then there is a section through a door, which is for spa guests only, with hydrotherapy pool, and various steam and sauna rooms. The hydrotherapy pool was lovely with lots of different buttons for different water effects and showers. There were health showers, a herbal sauna, crystal steam room, experience showers, ice room, the tepidarium and laconicum.

Whilst spending time in the spa you are able to make use of a relaxation room, which had a wide variety of complimentary drinks like fruit juices, water and tea as well as a menu of light meals, which can be purchased separately.

We then had both booked in for a massage each for 60 minutes of bliss. The treatment was an Essential Relaxing Massage and is one of their most relaxing massages. The massage is a full body therapeutic treatment using Swedish massage techniques with cold pressed organic oils blended with essential oils. The lady was wonderful, and asked me about pressure, and released tension in my legs and back using long, soothing strokes, circling and kneading movements, thumb pressures and chopping movements, working from feet through to neck and shoulders. I left feeling extremely relaxed, and headed to the Relaxation Room to enjoy the after effects.

THE FOOD

In the morning, we took breakfast in the hotel’s Zen Garden Thai Restaurant attached to the spa and overlooking their zen-themed courtyard of bonsai trees and bamboo. There was lots of choice including a cooked breakfast, fruit, cereals, yoghurt, eggs (how you like) and even delicious green Detox Smoothies. What I wish I had known before I ordered was that they also had a healthy option menu, with vegan options, but we did not realise there was this menu until after I had ordered off the main menu.

We then ate at the Zen Garden Thai Restaurant for dinner too. It certainly did not disappoint either. The options on offer were incredible, and our lovely waiter talked us through the various dishes, recommending his favourites to us. The restaurant cook with fresh ingredients and the flavours, and aromas were spot on. We opted for two starter dishes to begin, before ordering a Thai Green Curry, and a Penang Curry. My Thai Green Curry was possibly the best I have ever had, and I eat a lot of Thai curry, as it is my favourite cuisine. In addition, the attention-to-detail from the chefs was insane. Top marks!

After dinner, we had some drinks in the bar and we loved the homely feel of Careys Manor Hotel. It has to be one of the most welcoming hotels I have ever stayed in.

OVERALL

Before we knew it the time had come to head home, after a relaxing 48 hours in the New Forest. We had had a fun-filled time though, with wine tasting, swimming, spa day, visit to Lymington, and dinner at the Zen Garden. I absolutely loved my visit to Careys and it was one of the best stays I have had in a while. The spa was stunning, and the staff were attentive and friendly, making our stay the best it could be. Happy staff make for happy guests! It was just what I needed, and I cannot wait to return very soon.

To book visit: www.careysmanor.com or call: 01590 623 551.

*I was invited to Careys Manor Hotel however as always all opinions are my own.