L ike its semi-aquatic namesake, the Newt is a tricky thing to pin down. It is as much a working farm as it is two hotels, Hadspen (in a 17th-century stone manor) and the Farmyard (in a former grain barn). That’s all before you have taken in the Roman villa with a museum, plus acres of gardens.
However, most of all it is a place to relax while surrounded by nature — and the spa, housed in a converted cowshed, is one of myriad rejuvenating tricks up the Newt’s sleeve. Arrive here feeling burnt out on a Friday evening and after a weekend of outdoor dips, massages, yoga and long walks you will head back into the world on Sunday afternoon fully revived. Overall score 9/10.
