Look forward to scenic staycations in the countryside this spring with our selection of Sussex’s five best luxury hotels. Rolling hills and designer spas, what could be better for a weekend of dining and reclining?
1 Alexander House & Utopia Spa
It’s often the extra little touch that makes your weekend escape unforgettable. At Alexander House, those little magic extras can be found at every moment of your stay. An impressive range of room options, bespoke pillow menu and your choice of atmospheric mood lighting truly ensure that more is never enough at this delightful Jacobean manor.
Tantalise your tastebuds at the 3 AA Rosette restaurant or unwind in one the Utopia Spa’s 25 treatment rooms – just don’t forget to take a stroll around Alexander House’s 120 acres of stunning private gardens. The perfect spot to revel in lush greenery and truly discover West Sussex.
Insider’s Tip: Want to experience a truly relaxing break away from the city? Try one of the Cedar Lodge Suites situated on the Alexander House estate. These newly built chic rooms blend plush comfort with modern style for a totally unique countryside break.
Where: Alexander House & Utopia Spa, East St, Turners Hill, East Grinstead RH10 4QD, United Kingdom
How: Visit alexanderhotels.co.uk to find out more and make a booking.
2 Ockenden Manor
Surrounded by lush lawns and splendid walled gardens, this gorgeous manor house radiates charm from the second you meander down its endearing private lane. Close to the friendly Tudor village of Cuckfield and with an unmistakably cosy atmosphere, victors will feel at home the second they arrive.
The hotel offers visitors fabulous views overlooking peaceful gardens and the South Downs. But the true tranquillity of Ockenden is found at the Manor Spa. Surrounded by stunning 19th-century walls, the architecturally stunning building allows visitors to chillax in style.
Where: Ockenden Manor, Ockenden Lane, Cuckfield, West Sussex, RH17 5LD
How: Visit hshotels.co.uk/ockenden-manor to find out more and make a booking.
3 Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa
Medieval style meets contemporary flair at Bailiffscourt. With easily the coolest layout from our entire list, visitors can lose themselves amongst the beautiful myriad of converted buildings and charming houses.
If one gets tired of exploring the ancient grounds surrounding the hotel, a trip to Bailiffscourt’s award-winning spa is a fab way to spend a day (or two!). Designed in the style of a Sussex barn house, this architectural masterpiece is the grandest place to let your hair down.
Where: Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, Climping Street, Climping, West Sussex, BN17 5RW
How: Visit hshotels.co.uk/bailiffscourt to find out more and make a booking.
4 Gravetye Manor
Tucked in amongst the gorgeous forestland of West Sussex is Gravetye Manor – the historic hotel, where renowned gardener William Robinson perfected his work. This stunning Elizabethan manor house offers a decadent haven of tranquillity in its 17 unique rooms. A real slice of London luxury nestled into Sussex’s rich countryside.
The gardens at Gravetye are genuinely awe-inspiring. Restore your soul with a stroll amongst the expanse of wooded parkland and greenery, where you can spot some of Sussex’s renowned wildlife.
In this peaceful 16th century home, visitors can fulfil their food-nirvana at the hotel’s Michelin Star restaurant, serving up gastronomical delights to guests.
Where: Gravetye Manor, Vowels Lane, West Hoathly, Sussex, RH19 4LJ
How: Visit gravetyemanor.co.uk to find out more and make a booking.
5 South Lodge
Overlooking the awe of the rolling South Downs, this charming Victorian country house hotel transports you back to a romantic pastoral past. Each palatial room is adorned with lavish furnishings and bohemian individuality, oozing with the class you’d expect from a building so majestic. The South Lodge’s superb restaurant: Camellia, caps off the royal experience with decadent alfresco dining.
But don’t mistake the lush decor and elegant setting as antiquated – the South Lodge brings all the modern swank and style of the present.
Melt away in The Spa, a state-of-the-art relaxation centre or hit the sparkling new gym and get that morning cardio in. Afterwards, cleanse your palette with the exquisite menu of fresh Mediterranean-inspired delight at the brand-new Botanica spa restaurant.
Where: Brighton Rd, Lower Beeding, Crabtree, Horsham RH13 6PS
How: Visit exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge to find out more and make a booking.
Words by Jonathan Ritchie.
