T his small, wonderfully refurbished and extended hotel — parts of which date from the 17th century — is just north of Constable country in Dedham Vale and affords majestic views of the River Brett and the Suffolk landscapes beyond. The owner, local entrepreneur Steven O’Leary, has spent £15 million adding a luxurious boutique spa, more suites and revamped gardens to its offering. An Italian-inspired subterranean vaulted spa with an indoor and outdoor pool comes at an extra charge for guests (numbers are limited), but the serene surroundings and bliss-inducing treatments from high-end brands such as Natura Bissé and Oskia are worth forking out for.
Once you have de-stressed, a drink in the cosy bar or new lounge — plus a meal at the hotel’s restaurant that serves modern British dishes made with seasonal fare from Suffolk and Essex — are just an amble away..