The discerning gent is constantly working to improve himself but there comes a time when he needs to unwind and relax. In search of a gentlemen’s tune up, Elysium Magazine visited Careys Manor and indulged in a SenSpa Spa Break which provided the perfect environment to relax and recharge. Winner of a number of awards, we pick out the best on offer from Careys Manor and SenSpa.

 

THE LOCATION

Careys Manor and SenSpa is located by the beautiful New Forest national park – the country house hotel is in an ideal place to get away from the city and truly switch off.

 

 

New Forest is only a couple of hours away from the city and Careys Manor and SenSpa provide ample parking space. Alternatively, it’s not far from Brockenhurst rail station.

 

There are also a number of events and activities should you wish to venture out of the luxury of SenSpa. New Forest Polo club has been sponsored by Careys Manor Hotel and residents get free access to the club’s tournaments. There is also the opportunity to go on walking tours, biking trails or even try some Kayaking!

 

In addition to the beauty of New Forest, there is plenty to do for those that wish to do so. The hotel’s concierge is well equipped to provide recommendations come rain or shine.

 

THE ROOM

Careys Manor has 77 luxurious bedrooms and suites, which combine utmost comfort with stylish elegance. Each room is carefully designed offering the finest combination of both modern and original features.

 

 

Whether it’s the beautifully appointed and stylishly furnished modern Oakwood, Rosewood or Knightwood garden bedrooms or the wonderfully traditional Manor House rooms which include the option of sumptuous four poster beds, your bedroom at Careys Manor offers space, style and modern amenities.

 

One of the hidden gems is the beautiful Pittefaux Cottage, set in the grounds of Careys Manor Hotel and SenSpa. The perfect retreat, the newly refurbished country cottage is set away from the hotel, offering luxury, privacy and comfort for up to 8 guests and its own delightful gardens with barbequing area. The secluded cottage is a luxurious home away from home and the perfect haven for a break away in the beautiful New Forest National Park, whether it’s a special occasion or a family escape. The luxury of the SenSpa facilities and the privacy is available on the grounds – perfect for those wishing to keep out of the public eye and relax.

 

SenSpa

Careys Manor Hotel provides fantastic facilities to residents, the 14m ozone swimming pool overlooking the tranquil Zen Garden is great for working up an appetite before lunch. However, the SenSpa luxury facilities is what makes this the venue of choice in New Forest.

 

 

It would be a sin not to experience the magic of water and its therapeutic benefits with the SenSpa’s world class hydrotherapy facilities. Ancient traditions and state of the art technologies combine to deeply relax and ease tired muscles. There is a huge variety of facilities available within SenSpa – these include a large Hydrotherapy Pool, Herbal Sauna, Crystal Steam Room, Laconicum, Tepidarium and Experience Showers to name a few.

 

The range of treatments is also vast – the Thai inspired luxury massages and facials are nothing but perfect. Relaxing in the chilled, clean, noise free environment certainly brings an element of peace which SenSpa is keen to ensure guest obtain. The staff are all experts in the various therapies on offer and do their absolute best to ensure your stay is a unique and memorable one.

 

The awards SenSpa has obtained are certainly deserving, despite it being very popular with residents a sense of relaxation is promoted by staff, no big groups, no noise; calm and plenty of it.

 

 

THE FOOD

You will not be surprised to learn that Careys Manor Hotel and SenSpa have a number of dining options. We opted to dine at the Manor Restaurant which sources fresh seasonal produce to create traditional British dishes with a French influence. Each dish is designed and expertly cooked by their executive chef, Chris Wheeldon. The elegant interior of the restaurant continued the theme of luxury and the service was perfect – no surprise it was as popular with residents of the hotel as it was with locals. We were advised to book in advance for a good reason, there was ample space for a number of diners but this didn’t stop a queue of couples and groups keen to get a table.

 

The two AA rosette restaurant is the perfect place to sample fine dining in New Forest and enjoy a formal dinner with family and friends, the menu provides a fantastic variety which would bring a smile to the discerning gent. For starters we opted for the Wild Mushroom Risotto (£7.50) and Pan-seared Beetroot Cured Organic Salmon (£7.95) which were absolutely perfect. The locally sourced ingredients were flavoursome and we certainly wanted more!

 

The main course Slow Cooked Haunch of Venison (£20.95) which was served with Spiced Beetroot Purée, Wilted Cavolo Nero, Confit Garlic Potatoes and Juniper Jus. Certainly one of our recommendations from the menu – a perfect and fantastic quality piece of meat, presented perfectly for the discerning gent. We also opted for the Line-Caught Sea Bass (£18.50) which was served with Beetroot and Potato Mille-Feuille, Caramelised Artichoke, Roasted Garlic Purée and Chorizo and Red Wine Reduction. This was equally as impressive and a number of diners opted for the same mains having seen the beauty of the dishes and our reactions!

 

For vegetarians, there is also a separate, extensive menu available at the restaurant. The dishes looked just as appetising and the menu seemed to be popular with locals.

 

The waitress was keen for us to try accompanying wines, her knowledge and recommendations were spot on. This was one more thing you didn’t have to think about – the Manor Restaurant had everything planned to perfection.

 

 

 

VERDICT

Careys Manor Hotel and SenSpa provides the perfect setting for a weekend break away from the e-mails, phone calls and constant demands of a stressful life. The hotel caters for those in search of a luxury setting and a premium service and the Thai Spa is a fantastic investment, an absolute must if you are looking for a relaxing break. The award of Hotel Spa of the year is well deserved, and the customer reviews are certainly representing our experience over a busy weekend. For anyone looking for a break in the UK, look no further than Careys Manor Hotel and SenSpa.

 

Rooms: 4/5

Spa: 5/5

Dining: 4.5/5

 

THE DETAILS

 

Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa

Lyndhurst Road
Brockenhurst
Hampshire
SO42 7RH

 

Website: www.careysmanor.com

Email: stay@careysmanor.com

Reservations: 01590 624467