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Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue’s global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you’re planning to travel—from a subway ride to a trans-Atlantic flight—we want to make sure it’s worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide.
Why go here?
A stone’s throw from London, the rather grandiose Lime Wood sits amongst lush ancient woodland in the New Forest—and its tranquil Herb House spa makes great use of its surroundings. Tapping into our innate human love of connecting with nature, the spa invites the outside into its spacious three-story surrounds—this is, perhaps, the art of “forest bathing” in its truest form. Whether it’s feeling cocooned by the trees (while in the hydrotherapy pool) thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, or sweating it out in the Forest Sauna, nature views are guaranteed at Lime Wood—which makes it perfect for anyone needing time to recharge away from digital modern life.
What’s the vibe?
Earthy, holistic heaven. The spa is dedicated to a “rounded and natural approach to well-being,” spa director Tammy Kenyon explains. “We see nature as very healing, so this is reflected not just in the way the spa is designed, but the brands we work with too.” The treatment menu subsequently focuses on harnessing herbal and plant-based ingredients—in luxurious formulas—to instill a sense of well-being and help us reconnect to ourselves. You’ll find Bamford massages (the brand’s botanical-based oils don’t just smell glorious, but work on the olfactive system to alleviate fried nerves), alongside Voya seaweed treatments (great for hydrating and firming) and GROUND Well-Being rituals to book including the recently launched Biome Facial well-being rituals. Delightfully unpretentious but with great attention to detail, it’s the kind of place where you can spend hours unwinding in the morning and be enjoying the other health benefits of a professionally made cocktail by evening. Laid-back British luxury done right.
The history?
The architecture is impressive for a reason: The hotel has a rich history, dating back to the 13th century, when it began life as a medieval hunting lodge. In the 1740s, the Duke of Clarence occupied the manor house, which explains the grandeur that’s practically woven into the 33-bedroom abode’s bones. In 2019, it was given yet another lease of life (after reopening as a hotel in 2009), with plush interiors by the interior designer Susie Atkinson, whose slightly eccentric mix of patterns and color, antiques, and classical styling wholly tap into the British spirit.
What should you try?
There are head-to-toe treatments on offer at Lime Wood, and something for everyone. If you’re someone who holds the weight of the world on your shoulders, then there is nothing quite like Bamford’s De-Stress Massage, which works on persistent knots and energy flow within the body. Utilizing a combination of shiatsu pressure points with Swedish back massage and reflexology, no stressed stone will be left unturned after. You also can’t leave without booking in for one of Sarah Chapman’s incredible facials. Toeing the (fine) line between results-driven and relaxing, the Luxury Bespoke Facial combines her signature rigorous facial massage technique with peels, LED therapy, and other modalities adapted to your skin’s needs.
How environmentally friendly is it?
You won’t find single-use plastic bottles on-site. The hotel installed sustainable water brand Belu filtration systems, so its glass bottles can be filled up on-site, and now, Lime Wood is taking its commitment to sourcing local produce a step further, with the purchase of an allotment at Four Acre Farm which will supply ingredients for HH&Co. and Raw Cured.
What else do we need to know?
The perfect place to reacquaint yourself with the great outdoors, make sure you grab some wellies from the hotel’s (chic) boot room and go for a walk in the nearby woods—there is plenty to see. For those in need of a seasonal rebalance, the hotel offers periodic Wild Wanderings retreats with guided forest immersion walks, movement and breath work and sound healing sessions. Oh, and get the steak at Angela Hartnett’s Hartnett, Holder Co.—you will not regret it.
Who can go?
Guests who booked in for a spa day have full access to the facilities. Guests of the hotel are also able to access the spa.
Booking details for Herb House Spa at Lime Wood
Address: Beaulieu Rd, Lyndhurst SO43 7FZ, United Kingdom
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.