Champneys Forest Mere, Liphook, Hampshire

This former manor house has a stunning lakeside setting on the Hampshire/Sussex border, just a six-minute drive from Liphook with its train service to London (an hour on the fast train). London is an hour and a half by car and the city of Winchester is a 45-minute drive. You can get to Jane Austen's house at Chawton in about half an hour and the home of naturalist Gilbert White is 20 minutes away.

By car: around 1 hour 30 minutes from London, 3 hours from Birmingham and 4 hours 30 minutes from York. There is free parking on site.

By train: There is a direct line to Liphook from London Waterloo and the journey takes 1 hour 20 minutes. The hotel is a six-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Liphook.

The original old manor house is full of character with a wooden staircase, roaring log fire and comfortable oversized sofas. Elsewhere is more modern with natural wood and metal featuring heavily in the stylish interiors of the various extensions. There are plenty of places to lounge, each with its own ambience.

Facilities abound in this hotel dedicated to leisure and wellness, from boot camps and hula hoop classes to lectures on astrology and life coaching, you'll find something to motivate or relax you. Chess sets are laid out in the lounges for a more traditional way to unwind, and service is attentive.

• Restaurant
• Spa
• Swimming pools
• Gym
• Tennis court
• Sun terrace
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms vary dramatically, from chic Scandi-styled shepherds huts at the lakeside, to magnificent period-styled suites in the old manor house and more ubiquitous standard doubles in the newer parts of the hotel, which are nonetheless freshly decorated in forest green shades. Many guests have rooms they return to again and again.

Room types: Standard Room, Luxe Room, Superior Room, Suite, Deluxe Suite, Shepherds Huts

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with cotton towels, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV

The main restaurant serves healthy breakfasts and lunches catering to any diet. At night you can upgrade to the à la carte Mere restaurant, where you will find (and be charged a premium for) more indulgent items such as steak and wine. There is no bar so all other drinking is done secretly in the bedrooms.

Two spa restaurants: Healthy, nutritious modern British cuisine. Open for daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast included with room, while dinner can be added for £29.95 per person, per night.