Just a short hop from London — though it somehow feels like an entirely different planet — Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa sits tucked between the breezy southern coast and the storybook woods of the New Forest. A proper English countryside estate, sure, but the magic really happens above ground. That’s right: treehouses. And not the DIY kind your uncle once half-built — these are seriously sleek.
Hidden among 130 acres of forest, these elevated sanctuaries sit about 35 feet in the air, completely enveloped in trees and practically invisible from the main hotel. It’s wild — literally — how private they feel. You might even forget there’s a world below, especially when you’re soaking in your outdoor hot tub, robe on the hook, steam curling into the branches above.
Inside? Oh, it’s cozy. But not “cottagecore” cozy — more like forest-chic. Floor-to-ceiling windows, underfloor heating (which, let’s be honest, is pure joy on cold feet), and gourmet breakfast delivered right to your door in a basket. Yes, a basket. There’s something deeply satisfying about opening a hamper of pastries and eggs while wrapped in a blanket, birds chirping like you’re in a Disney film.
And then there’s the best part: doing nothing. Or rather, the kind of nothing that fills you up. A walk through the apple orchard. Sitting on the terrace with a cup of something warm while the sun dips behind ancient trees. Watching bees fuss about in the herb garden. Maybe a game of croquet if you’re feeling competitive… or whimsical.
Now, there’s no sugarcoating it: this isn’t a budget break. The ultra-luxe Yews Treehouse, with space for two families, starts around €3700 a night. For the rest of us, the smaller — still very posh — treehouses begin at €1200. Pricey, yes. But honestly? You’re paying for a slice of sky. For a few days where the outside world sort of... pauses.
Of course, it’s not all perfect. If you're expecting squirrels to make you coffee or deer to wave good morning, well, temper those dreams. And on stormy nights, you might hear a few extra creaks and rustles — but that’s part of the charm. You’re in the trees, remember? It’s supposed to feel a little alive.
So, whether you're planning a romantic retreat, celebrating something big, or just need to disappear into a forest for a bit (don’t we all?), Chewton Glen’s treehouses offer that rare, rare thing: true, elevated escape — both literally and emotionally.
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