By Alaina Vieru
In a nutshell
A glamorous country pile oozing luxury and fantastic design.
Where is it?
On 300 acres just outside the capital, earning the nickname "London's country estate."
Best for
Whether for lovers, sporty types or families, this place pretty much ticks all the boxes. Très chic rooms? Check. Swish spa? Check. Award-winning restaurant? Check. Golf and outdoor pursuits? Check. Man-made beach with outdoor heated pool and beach huts? Check, check, check. No wonder it's recently been voted the UK's Best Leisure Hotel at the Condé Nast Travellers Reader Awards.
Who goes there?
Expect to be treated like royalty when you stay here, we spotted the Abu Dhabi royal family in the lobby.
Best bit
The design by Martin Hulbert (The Dorchester amongst others) is a mix of sleek modern and classic opulence. His touch is everywhere, including The Beach and its massive 25-person tipi.
Eating and drinking
While service was a little over-attentive, we couldn't fault the food at restaurant Colette's or the chic atmosphere. Have a pre-dinner cocktail followed by the tasting menu and be wowed. Cod with parsley creamed potato and Noilly Prat velouté was some of the best fish we ever had. Arrive hungry and book early.
Spa
Like The Grove's restaurant, the Sequoia Spa is a destination in its own right. Try their signature ESPA Super Active facial, £140. For an hour-and-a-half tired, stressed skin will be soothed and redness calmed until it positively glows. Compliments such as "fresh-faced" were uttered to us up to a week afterwards. The facilities and post-treatment chill-out room are so blissful that you'll never want to leave.
Anything else?
Until 30 September you can receive a free manicure if you book any day spa programme.
Getting there
Rooms at The Grove, Hertfordshire, begin at £295 per room per night based on two people sharing a twin or double bedroom including breakfast. For further information or to make a reservation, please call 01923 294 204 or email reservations@thegrove.co.uk. And to celebrate its fifth birthday, bookings made during the month of September 2008, can enjoy 2003 accommodation rates from £190 per room per night including breakfast, when one or more ‘Tastes of The Grove' are purchased at time of booking. Ranging from spa, to golf and fine dining to romance, the ‘Tastes of The Grove' begin at £15.
