Cottage In The Wood in Great Malvern, England

The 1919 Restaurant holds three AA Rosettes and is listed in the Michelin Guide, serving a menu rooted in local produce Thursday to Saturday evenings. The same kitchen brigade also runs the brasserie on other days, offering a more relaxed meal with the same valley view from every table. A serious wine list and a lounge bar provide options for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap.

New this year, The Forest Spa sits among the trees and offers a hot tub, sauna, and cold plunge pool. Treatment rooms staffed by in-house therapists provide a range of spa services, and a relaxation room is available for unwinding after treatments. The spa can be booked for a day visit or added to an overnight stay.

The 32 bedrooms are spread across the estate, each individually designed and all en suite, with a pair of binoculars on the sill to take in the view. Two self-contained guest houses sit within the estate: a two-bedroom lodge and a three-bedroom converted chapel, offering more space and privacy. Select rooms include private terraces, and all rooms emphasize comfort and character over uniformity.

Guests walk straight from the door onto the Malvern Hills for hiking, cycling, and golf at nearby courses. The hotel sits high on the hills with a view over thirty miles of the Severn Valley, a view that shifts with the light. Local attractions include vineyards for wine tasting and historic sites like Eastnor Castle.

The hotel offers dedicated facilities for pets, including pet baskets and bowls, and certain rooms are designated pet-friendly. Families have access to board games, puzzles, and kids' meals at the restaurant. The estate has nine acres of woodland and a picnic area for outdoor play.

Location: High on the Malvern Hills with 30-mile views over the Severn Valley

Dining: 3 AA Rosette dining at 1919 Restaurant and brasserie

Wellness: The Forest Spa with hot tub, sauna, cold plunge, and therapists

Rooms: 32 individually designed rooms, plus a lodge and a converted chapel

Pet-Friendly: Pet baskets, bowls, and designated rooms