Burnham Beeches ★★★★

Is there any more indulgent way of spending the weekend than leaving the city behind and heading into the countryside for a spot of fine dining and rural relaxation? Situated within easy access of central London and surrounded by beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside, the Burnham Beeches Hotel provides a soothing haven of tranquillity and luxury. When we pulled up outside the elegant Georgian manor it was certainly looking its best, with its majestic pale facade gleaming in the sunlight (having grown up in Buckinghamshire I can confirm this is a rather rare luxury). The hotel is undoubtedly well suited to summer thanks to its ten acres of gorgeous gardens, including an enormous, sweeping front lawn with a few tables scattered around for al fresco dining.

You can never quite count on the British weather however, so rest assured that the Burnham Beeches is just as attractive on the inside as it is outside, blending fantastic modern facilities with some old school grandeur and refinement. The huge windows which dominate the façade bathe the rooms in light, while grand marble fireplaces, ornate chandeliers and flowing, silky curtains add a touch of class. After a friendly welcome at reception, we were directed towards our bedroom, where the décor involved a slightly more modern twist on stately Georgian splendour. Decked out with Laura Ashley furnishings and fabrics, the bedrooms are understated but extremely attractive and undeniably sophisticated. Meanwhile, facilities are designed to help you feel blissfully comfortable, every bit as good as you would hope from a high-class four-star hotel.

In this picturesque corner of Buckinghamshire the hotel is well placed if you want to get out and explore, with nearby attractions including the world-renowned Windsor Castle, official residence of the Queen. However, we contented ourselves with whiling away the afternoon without even leaving the hotel. After a spot of sunbathing on the beautifully maintained lawn, we headed to the Retreat spa, where there is an outstanding selection of luxurious treatments and massages available, as well as facilities including a Jacuzzi and indoor pool.

A few leisurely lengths of the pool hardly had me ravenous before dinner, but we were eagerly awaiting the chance to tuck into the hotel’s AA rosette-awarded cuisine nonetheless. The dining room provides an enchanting setting, with elegant wood panelling and garden views, while the food certainly lives up to expectations! A creative take on classic British cuisine, the dishes are made from high-quality British ingredients which burst with flavour. Even after five exquisite courses I could probably have greedily gobbled down a couple more, but at least we did not have long to wait for our next delectable meal – breakfast is an absolute feast, perfect to set you up for a long day of lounging in the spa, exploring the countryside or even venturing into the city. With lavish champagne afternoon teas also on the menu as well as a more relaxed bar and lounge, there is always something to tempt you!

Between the serene setting, magnificent facilities, luxurious spa and one of the very finest restaurants around, the Burnham Beeches Hotel had absolutely everything we needed to leave us utterly relaxed and refreshed after just one night. As I said, what better way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city?

* Below is a sample menu typically served at Burnham Beeches (menu is subject to change and varies with seasons)