Coworth Park, A Dorchester Collection Hotel
Berkshire

Part of the luxurious Dorchester Collection, Coworth Park opened in 2010 and is already an beautifully established country retreat. Located just outside Ascot, Berkshire, and set within 240 acres of private parkland, Coworth Park feels completely removed from the city, while only being 45 minutes drive from central London.

A picturesque flower meadow, extensive personalised running trails and polo facilities all highlight the fact that you really have left the big city smoke behind you. A grand Palladian mansion dating from the 18th century, the property was completely refurbished in 2008, and despite being sleek, contemporary and glamorous, it has managed to retain a strong English heritage feel. Interiors were taken care of by the talented Martin Hulbert, a superstar of the country-hotel world, and fun touches like a cast-iron tree and small horse brass sculptures are wonderfully fitting of the hotel's location.

The spacious rooms are light and airy, with high ceilings and beautiful Georgian sash windows, you'll find four-poster beds, stand-alone baths and equestrian-inspired art work on the walls. The spa is jaw-droppingly cool too; a glass structure that blends in to a grassy bank with fresh cream and white interiors, numerous spa treatments to choose from and an indoor swimming poo, make this a divine pampering heaven.

I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson