Beaverbrook is unquestionably one of the most beautiful country house hotels in England, with deeply comfortable interiors by Susie Atkinson (and some recent additions by Nicola Harding) making it almost impossible to tear yourself away. It’s a short hop from London by car or train and once you sweep into the grounds and up the ambling driveway, you feel very far removed from the noise of daily life indeed. The hotel was once the house of publishing magnate Lord Beaverbrook, who was instrumental in the Spitfire effort during WWII and as a result, there are little spitfire motifs throughout. Rooms are also named after the many illustrious guests who stayed when it was a private residence (think Churchill, Kennedy and Taylor) and there’s even a piano in the impressive main hall which was played by Charlie Chaplin.

The hotel is formed of the main house, which has lovely suites, views across the Surrey Hills, an elegant cocktail bar bedecked with botanical paintings, the main Japanese restaurant and a wonderful terrace that leads onto the glorious grounds. Elsewhere you’ll find ‘The Village’, a new Nicola Harding-decorated addition that is perfect for families, The Coach House with a selection of cottages and The Garden House, with another restaurant and more delightful rooms. A stay here is a glimpse into the luxurious country life you’ve always wished you could attain.

The Coach House Spa is absolutely up to the exceptional standards set by the rest of the hotel and is definitely one of the best in the country. It looks unlike any other spa, with rich, jewel-coloured tiles and a stained glass ceiling by the artist Brian Clarke leading the way to the treatment rooms. There is a long, elegant indoor pool, and a heated outdoor pool, plus a hot tub, steam room and sauna. Lead by Lino, who directs all treatments, any you book will be utterly transformative. The pregnancy massage is the best you’ll find anywhere and a roster of Visiting Wellness Masters bring their expertise to the setting for extra oomph. It’s utterly magical in every way. With both spectacular interiors and treatments of this standard, The Coach House Spa is one to make a beeline for – and it’s only an hour or so outside London.

Address: Reigate Rd, Leatherhead KT22 8QX
Site: beaverbrook.co.uk