Some of the best things about holidays are not cooking and a swimming pool - and fantastic breakfast and lunch buffets really give vacation vibes. Hidden away in a tiny Hampshire village very near Surrey there is a five star family hotel which has these and more.
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is a luxury resort hidden on a 500-acre estate and the news which will have you reaching for your suitcase and sun lotion, is that it is only eight minutes from Farnham, in leafy west Surrey.
It's an 18th-century manor house in the charming Dogmersfield near Fleet and it is perfect for a summer break, without having to face the all-too-common delays and disappointments at airports.
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The most recent review on Tripadvisor said the hotel was more for families than couples wanting a quiet retreat but this is not echoed by the many other reviews SurreyLive read.
The review before that, said: "Our first time staying with you and what a wonderful short stay it’s been. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, we were utterly spoilt and truly looked after."
"This trip was booked a surprise birthday present for my husband, and what a memorable stay it’s been not just for him but us all as a family. I cannot tell you how wonderfully refreshing it was to stay somewhere that not only felt truly special for the adults but ensures children are equally well looked after."
"We’ve stayed in many luxury hotels where we’ve not felt particularly comfortable bringing our child with us - but the ethos at the Four Seasons is totally incomparable. They go above and beyond to not only make sure as parents we feel comfortable but make a fuss of the children too."
The hotel is dog-friendly and has those get-away, feel-good holiday features with its sumptuous buffet spread, children's activities, a kids splash zone too, a huge swimming pool plus outdoor vitality pool with sun loungers and pool bar.
Breakfast has everything from waffles, pancakes and pastries, to freshly-baked bread, cereals, fruit and yoghurt, along with trays of piping hot cooked breakfast items such as sausages, bacon, eggs, hash browns, baked beans, tomatoes and mushrooms.
The Continental breakfast has a spread of cold ham, cheese, smoked salmon and honey, the latter being made on the grounds. Vegetarian options include falafel, vegetarian sausages and shakshuka, the latter being a popular dish in North Africa and Middle East and includes poached eggs, tomato sauce and lots of spices.
Menu options include made-to-order porridge, avocado and poached eggs on toast, eggy bread and omelette with a choice of ham, cheese, tomato or mushroom. The omelettes can come with homemade hash brown, grilled tomato and salad garnish. The super soft banana bead next to the cereal selection is also a mouth-watering must-try.
Each dish on the new breakfast menu includes either produce grown on the estate or locally sourced, staying true to the property’s eco-friendly sustainable plan for reducing waste. Guests can then explore the wonderful grounds including the spa. There is a family adventure pool called Sharkie’s Reef with a 4m slide, rotating umbrella fountain and bubble jets.
There is also the main pool housed in a fabulous glass building lined with tropical plants to make you really feel like you're abroad. Connected to the main pool is a vitality pool which goes outdoors where guests can soak up the sunshine.
There are lots of sun loungers, beside the water's edge and on the upper deck on the lawn, plus a pool bar selling cold refreshments and toasties. There is icy water on tap from a dispenser, plus extra towels and sun cream next to the sun beds.
As well as the pool area, there are tennis courts, a high wire adventure course, a play trail, clay pigeon shooting, croquet, cycling and pony trekking available. On Sundays, guests can return to the Wild Carrot restaurant for a traditional Sunday roast.
The buffet features appetising starters such as salads, prawn cocktail, soft boiled eggs and smoked salmon, hearty roast trimmings and dainty desserts including strawberries and cream, creme brulee, banoffee pie, vegan chocolate cake, pistachio choux buns, chocolate chip cookies, raspberry mouse, passionfruit slices, blueberry loaf and fresh fruit.
And the cheese and cracker selection is out of this world. As for the main event, families have a choice of roast meats and can go up as many times as they desire.
There's corn-fed roast chicken, salt marsh leg of lamb, dry-aged beef fore rib as well as a vegetarian option such as warm quiche or pasta bake and whole grilled sea bream. Plates can then be filled with honey glazed roasted root vegetables, tender-stem broccoli, triple-cooked potatoes, creamy cauliflower cheese, fluffy Yorkshire pudding and silky smooth house gravy.
Open 12.30pm until 3pm, guests can dine at their leisure while taking in the stunning countryside views from the floor to ceiling restaurant windows.
How to book a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire
- Address: Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, Dogmersfield Park, Chalky Lane, Dogmersfield, Hook, RG27 8TD.
- Book: Telephone 01252 853000 or visit fourseasons.com/hampshire.
- Parking: Large, free car park on site.
- Check in/ check out: 3pm and 11am.
