The Grove Hotel

The place

An 18th-century Georgian mansion on 300 acres of rolling Hertfordshire countryside, an hour's drive from London. The 214 rooms and suites let the historic charm stand, adding elegant furnishings, curated artwork and Bamford bath products.

Sequoia Spa is the quiet centre — an indoor pool lined in black mosaic tile, a Jacuzzi, a sauna, a steam room, a fitness studio. Beyond it, an award-winning golf course unrolls across the grounds.

Of the three dining concepts, The Glasshouse offers a world-class buffet, while Madhu's cooks creative New Delhi cuisine.