Spa Hotel Review: New Park Manor, Hampshire

Spa Hotel Review: New Park Manor,
Hampshire

Image: Luxury Family Hotels

Review: Jane Pople

Arriving at the New Manor Hotel and Spa you can’t help but instantly be impressed, driving past a Polo ground and entering into the expansive surroundings of the stunning New Forest. The large country house sits amongst rolling lush greenery, giving a sense of tranquillity before you even set foot through the reception. Parking is ample and spacious, and helpfully located right next to the entrance so there is no need to trawl your luggage far.

We arrived very early at around 12.15 and were aware that check-in wasn’t until 3pm. Walking into the reception we were greeted by an adorable dog, a reminder that this is a dog friendly, family hotel. The reception staff were very friendly and showed us around the hotel and adjoining Bath House Spa, they took our bags and explained that unfortunately an early check in wouldn’t be possible. We decided to go for a walk until our spa treatments which were booked for 2pm, the reception staff gave us a local walking map and some directions and off we went.

Having been advised to arrive at the spa 15 minutes before our treatment time my partner and I arrived dutifully at 1.45pm. The spa staff were very welcoming and friendly and after filling in a health form we sat and waited in the comfortable sofa area. With a large terrace looking out upon the New Forest and roaming deer the spa is the perfect place to come and relax. There is a Canadian hot tub on the outside terrace and lots of comfortable seating areas to sit back and enjoy the views. Our treatment was a little late in starting but the Hydramemory facials we booked were more than worth the wait.

Image: Luxury Family Hotels

Offered a double or single treatment rooms we opted for the double and were shown upstairs. Opting for the Hydramemory facials to get moisture back into our face and necks we were both looking forward to the 60 minutes of pampering. The ladies who performed our facials were very professional and calming and gave wonderful back, neck and shoulder massages as part of the treatment. Alongside these we were also treated to arm and hand massages, which were a great complement to the facials. And whilst our face masks were on a rigorous scalp massage was also performed. The hour went very quickly but we were left feeling truly relaxed. After our treatments we were given a glass of water and shown to the relaxation room and the relaxation terrace, as it was a glorious day we chose the terrace which was strewn with bean bags and comfy seating options and looked out across the countryside, the perfect place to relax after a spa treatment.

Image: Luxury Family Hotels

At 3pm it was time to check in to our rooms so we headed back to reception and were shown to the King Charles II suite where our bags were waiting for us. The room featured a four-poster bed and great views of the forest and outdoor swimming pool. The bathroom featured all modern fittings and luxurious toiletries from the spa, which really juxtaposed the very antique feeling bedroom. Spacious, the room was ideal for a couple’s getaway but the décor left a little to be desired. Tired artworks and very mismatched lighting left the room looking a little distressed and in need of some modernisation.

Image: Luxury Family Hotels

The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring the spa, the facilities include an indoor swimming pool, Hydrapool, Steam Room, Sauna, Sanarium and Kniepps foot spa. Relaxing in the Hydrapool my partner and I were actually surprised that despite the families and small children also present there was still a very relaxed and calm environment, the family friendly vibe of the hotel and spa still really suits ‘child-free’ couples too. If you are seeking extra serenity the spa does have allocated times that are adult only, so there is time when children won’t be present. After enjoy all that the spa had to offer we spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the outdoor swimming pool.

Image: Luxury Family Hotels

We sat down for dinner at 8pm, again there are family dining times and adult only dining times, to cater for all guests. The dining room is beautifully decorated and has a great view, a really wonderful setting to enjoy a meal. The staff were again very welcoming and friendly, yet extremely professional at all times. There was a great menu and when asking for drinks not on the wine list our sever knew every craft beer available and their brewery and history which impressed my partner greatly. The food was delicious, I had Scallops to start and Sirloin Steak for main followed by an Amazing Salted Caramel Baked Alaska, my partner had Smoked Salmon to start followed by Duck Confit and Espresso Crème Brulee. The great food was more than matched by wonderful service, leaving us pleasantly full and contented with a truly great day.

Image: Luxury Family Hotels

After a very comfortable sleep in our grand four poster bed we sat down for breakfast at 9pm, actually still very full from our meal the night before. The dining room was much busier than the night before but again despite the families present the relaxed atmosphere remained. The staff were again very attentive and alongside a cooked breakfast meuu there was a fully stocked continental buffet bar that was available to all. I opted for the Home Made Pancakes and my partner went for Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs. The food was very good, and with a great selection there is something for everyone. A great way to get energy for a day exploring the New Forest, or in our case to fuel the long journey home.

Check out is at 11am, and was very quick and easy with the staff asking us how our stay was and wishing us a safe journey home. This is indeed a family hotel & spa, but I would strongly recommend the New Park Manor to all, including couples. The relaxed yet professional atmosphere is felt thought-out from the spa to the dining room making it a great place to escape for a romantic night away or a family break.

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