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The Connaught

PERFECT FOR CITY SLICKERS

The lowdown: An oasis of luxury in a quiet corner of Mayfair, The

Connaught opened its doors in 1815 as the grandly named Prince of

Saxe-Coburg Hotel. Following renovations and a change of name during

World War I (when Germanic names fell out of favour) it became a homeaway-from-home

for visiting royalty, dignitaries and celebrities, seduced

by the elegant air of British grandeur that persists today. Designer Ralph

Lauren loved the striking square central staircase in the Edwardian lobby

so much that he had a replica installed in his flagship New York store.

Rooms and suites combine classic elegance and modern luxury, with

original art work and antique furniture beside the latest entertainment

systems; while no request is too much trouble for the charming staff.

Activities to indulge in: The Connaught is a short stroll from the

shopping meccas of Oxford Street and Bond Street, so indulge in a spot

of retail therapy at Selfridge's before heading to the hotel's tranquil

Aman Spa. Treatments include holistic organic facials and reflexology,

or simply relax in the ionised water swimming pool. If all that relaxation

has given you an appetite, seek out two Michelin-starred restaurant

Hélène Darroze at The Connaught for lavish dishes such as foie gras with

cacao powder and gingerbread crumble, or visit pretty Espelette for the

hotel's signature afternoon tea. The super-stylish Connaught Bar features

cutting-edge cocktails and a glamorous Martini trolley; or linger over a

vintage Cognac from the more traditional Coburg Bar's extensive list.

The damage: Superior King rooms from £510; one-bedroom suites £1,410.

the-connaught.co.uk

Julie Sheppard, managing editor

CHAMPAGNE SPECIAL

Lucknam Park

PERFECT FOR LUXURY

The lowdown: Like something out of a Jane Austen novel, the

charming 17th-century Lucknam Park country house appears at the

end of a long, beech tree-lined drive. The house and its outbuildings

form a beautiful cocoon around immaculate gardens, while genteel

guests take afternoon tea on the terrace. After a tour taking in the

distinguished library and drawing room, it's upstairs to a beautiful,

traditionally decorated suite. The fireplace is currently dormant but

worth noting for winter visits, while the four-poster bed will have

you dreaming of Mr Darcy, or indeed Elizabeth Bennett.

Activities to indulge in: Lucknam Park prides itself on its Spa and

Well-Being House, with sumptuous treatments and yoga classes

all on offer. The extensive 500 acres of surrounding parkland also

make for very pleasant ambling and you can borrow a map to

explore the arboretum and locate the tennis courts. Horse riding

at the Equestrian Centre or a course at the Cookery School is sure

to entertain even the most restless guests. As evening falls, enjoy

dressing in your best for the Michelin-starred restaurant The Park.

Start with a pre-dinner drink on the terrace and you might hear tales

of engagement, or stroll across to the Brasserie for a less formal affair.

The damage: Double rooms from £295 per night, excluding breakfast.

lucknampark.co.uk

Lucy Britner, staff writer and sub-editor