The Grove – Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire

Set in 300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, just 18 miles from London, The Grove is the ultimate five-star retreat. Over the last few years, the hotel has undergone extensive refurbishment, and has 214 luxurious suites and bedrooms, elegant lounges and four unique restaurants (it also runs a series of dining pop-ups throughout the year). This spring, the historic mansion was given a fresh look by award-winning interiors studio Martin Hulbert Design, and now houses nine suites and 16 bedrooms. At the revamped Sequoia spa, a new treatment menu showcases rituals, massages and facials using heavenly skincare brand Bamford and beyond that, there’s the championship golf course which hosted the 2016 British Masters. The grounds offer all manner of activities, including Asher’s Woodland Trails featuring axe throwing, bikes for hire, archery and laser clay shooting. The Grove’s hidden gem is its Walled Garden, complete with Ralph’s Beach (think sand, deckchairs, buckets and spades), a heated outdoor pool, Jemima’s Kitchen Garden, which provides produce for the chefs, and the Potting Shed, a plant-filled haven which houses the Italian-inspired Verde Kitchen restaurant.

Doubles from £420 

+44 (0)1923 807807; thegrove.co.uk