HAMPTON MANOR, WEST MIDLANDS
Work, sleep (if I’m lucky), eat (badly), work (again)… life easily becomes a relentless routine and my wellbeing is always the first thing I neglect, so a chance to switch off is well timed. Turning on to the sweeping driveway of the secluded Hampton Manor, stresses and strains are immediately put to one side. This Arts and Crafts manor house has individually decorated (and very spacious) bedrooms, with sleek, modern bathrooms (natural products are by Cotswolds company 100 Acres). Textile designer William Morris once said, ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful,’ so I think he would have approved of the interiors, especially as so many of his recognisable prints are used. Book a luxurious suite and you get your own lounge area (there are even fresh coffee beans to grind), so no need to leave the room except to visit the super-stylish reception rooms downstairs – complete with plush velvet sofas and sophisticated colour schemes – or dine in the Michelin-starred restaurant, where the focus is on a laid-back yet decadent tasting menu with paired wines. Everything served is grown, where possible, in the vegetable garden on site or sourced locally and seasonally – including Nyetimber sparkling wine. For more relaxation, head to the pamper rooms, where you can choose from a medley of beauty treatments (I had a slumber-inducing aromatherapy facial), then wander in the 45 acres of woodland, topped off with an indulgent afternoon tea. Next time I visit (and there will be a next time), I plan to book The Cottage in the walled garden – a stylish space sleeping eight, which is ideal for hen parties, a group of friends or a big family. Recharging my batteries never felt so good. MICHELE JAMESON
ROOMS AT HAMPTON MANOR START FROM £180 A NIGHT (TWO-NIGHT MINIMUM). HAMPTONMANOR.COM