Ascot, Berkshire, England
Coworth Park
A Dorchester Collection Hotel
What it is
A lush estate with polo grounds worthy of Ralph Lauren himself.
What it isn't
Buzzing like London’s Soho clubs. If you came to party like a certain junior royal, book elsewhere.
What we think
Of all the plusher-than-plush Dorchester Collection locales—including Paris, London, and Beverly Hills, among others—this rural option is unquestionably the most relaxing: a verdant Georgian manor house on 240 manicured acres, not a leaf of grass out of place. It also happens to be the only hotel in the United Kingdom that will teach you the centuries-old art of polo, with a Guards Polo Academy (including professional players turned instructors) on site, plus all manner of horses—down to a Shetland Fleur pony. Rooms themselves are just as calming, airy and swathed in neutrals, and often fitted with four-poster beds and copper roll-top baths.
You're here because
The hotel’s service is superlative—the valet staff won't just park your car, they'll clean your supple leather seats (and even your tyres).
The Moment
As a harpist's strings send audible champagne bubbles wafting through the drawing room, you sit back against a tufted settee for another sip of afternoon Earl Grey—and Laurent Perrier. You have the tiniest bit of elderflower compote left for your last remaining scone....but won't they bring you another dollop of clotted cream?
Restaurants & Bars
John Campbell at Coworth Park - Fine dining, British, 1 michelin Star, relaxed and beautiful decor
The Barn - Seasonal Rustic British cuisine, open plan kitchen, rustic decor
The Drawing Room - All day menu with everything from soups, club sandwiches to burgers, afternoon tea
The Spatisserie - a restaurant within the spa - healthy foods as well as afternoon teas
Location
Ascot, England, where the world’s horse-racing obsessives come in well-heeled droves to attend Royal Ascot every June at the local racecourse, three miles up the road. Heathrow is just 20 minutes away.