Independent Hotel of the Year

Set in 300 acres of verdant Hertfordshire countryside, The Grove offers the ultimate five-star retreat. Lovingly restored, it is the former home of the Earls of Clarendon, with a rich history dating back to the 1500s. In addition to 214 luxurious guest rooms, The Grove features the award-winning Sequoia spa, a championship golf course, unique restaurants and dining pop-ups, an original Walled Garden which is home to a Kitchen Garden, a heated outdoor pool and ‘beach’ area, plus a wide selection of meeting and event spaces. 2023 saw the hotel celebrate its 20th anniversary and the completion of an extensive three-year refurbishment and the relaunch of their mansion suites.

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Nestled in 20 acres of serene Somerset countryside, Homewood Bath is the ultimate staycation destination. This eclectic, luxurious, and slightly eccentric retreat features a grand Georgian country house filled with creative artworks and ultra-modern amenities, including a spa, heated outdoor swimming pool, and alfresco thermal experiences. Quirky touches abound, from a horse model with Kurt Cobain's image to a thoughtful monkey statue and pink roses on spa room ceilings. Homewood breaks away from stuffy old posh hotels, embracing a relaxed, friendly 21st-century vibe while maintaining high luxury standards.

Locally sourced produce is at the heart of their restaurant, Olio, with many vegetables grown on-site in their 'No-Dig Kitchen Garden'. Olio offers the best of British food with a Mediterranean twist, featuring sustainable, often hedgerow-fresh ingredients with local provenance. Enjoy feasts in dining domes, famous afternoon teas, or sumptuous Sunday roasts.

Homewood's 21 unique rooms range from cosy to hot tub suites, featuring statement artwork, Dyson hairdryers, and Smeg coffee machines. Ten additional rooms in Mallingford Mews offer vivacious spaces blending luxury with fun. Homewood also boasts a larder stocked with complimentary drinks, ice cream, pick-and-mix, and crisps to satisfy sweet cravings.

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Nestled on the picturesque Durham Heritage Coast is Seaham Hall. A leading, independent, luxury 5 star boutique hotel that seamlessly blends heritage and modernity. Dating back to the 17th century, this charming Georgian country house boasts a rich history, which has been transformed into a luxurious Coastal Wellness Resort renowned for its scenic seaside location and award-winning 44,000 sq ft spa Serenity Spa. With luxurious suites (3 of which are brand new), coastal lodges for purchase or rent, dog-friendly options, and a brand new, fully compliant accessible suite launching this year, this five-star coastal hotel is the ideal location for a relaxing weekend or a mid-week bolthole escape. 

The hotel also has two phenomenal restaurants on site including the Dining Room, which offers a seasonal menu showcasing the finest local ingredients along with the hotel’s pan-Asian restaurant, Ozone, where guests can immerse themselves in a vibrant array of Thai inspired dishes, set within a theatrical ambiance. Ultimately, Seaham Hall promises a tranquil getaway consisting of fresh sea air, luxurious comfort, indulgent food and a five-star guest service, ensuring guests leave feeling completely restored and renewed. 

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South Place is an 80-bedroom, luxury hotel in the City of London, just minutes away from Moorgate and Liverpool Street stations. The first hotel from restaurateurs D&D London, South Place Hotel features Conran-designed interiors, 2 restaurants, one of which is a Michelin Star on the roof with stunning views, 3 terraces including a roof top bar, Secret Garden and restaurant terrace, cocktail bar and 5 private dining & event spaces . The hotel is situated between Spitalfields, Shoreditch and Hoxton, as well as the chic and sharp energy of the Square Mile. 

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Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is a five-star, family-owned hotel in the picturesque Lake District. Owned by the Cunliffe family since 1988, over the past 35 years the hotel has gone from strength-to-strength and is now across two estates, Gilpin Hotel and Gilpin Lake House. Gilpin Hotel has 30 bedrooms, two restaurants (the Michelin Starred SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel and the relaxed pan-Asian Gilpin Spice), a Champagne Bar, lounge, terraces, spa treatment area – and resident llamas and alpacas! 22 rooms have their own hot tubs, with Spa Lodges boasting a sauna and steam room in addition, and Spa Suites having all these facilities as well as their own dedicated spa room. Whereas Gilpin Lake House is a hotel-come-country-house nestled on a picturesque private 100-acre estate with its very own lake. There’s six beautifully appointed bedrooms, lounge, dining room, swimming pool, sauna, outdoor hot tubs and a treatment room with breathtaking views.

At the heart of Gilpin is a very passionate family and team, dedicated to creating lasting memories for guests, who return time and again for romance, celebrations and escapes. Here, hospitality starts with a very warm welcome and ends with a friendly goodbye, with extraordinary service, exquisite décor and stunning culinary experiences in between.

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LEVEN is a brand new lifestyle hotel concept, and is a joint venture between industry innovators Wellbrook Hospitality, and entrepreneurs Joshua and Ben Senior’s investment vehicle Branco Capital. 

The brand’s first hotel, LEVEN Manchester, is housed within a landmark early 20th century red brick warehouse on the corner of Chorlton Street and Canal Street, in the heart of the Village neighbourhood. LEVEN Manchester is a hotel designed to be enjoyed on a guest’s own terms. 

Following an extensive interior and exterior reimagining, the 33,000 sq ft property is home to a design-led, 42-key hotel. Accommodation includes a selection of rooms, suites and duplex Penthouses, all individually designed with sleek interiors and industrial elements. On the ground floor is the Lobby and Lounge, serving coffee, cocktails and an all-day snacking menu, designed to be day-to-night sociable spaces for guests and locals alike. 

MAYA, the new three-storey bar and restaurant from the team behind Isabel Mayfair, opened across LEVEN’s remaining floors in April 2024. The culinary experience throughout MAYA is crafted by Mancunian head chef Gabe Lea, who cut his teeth at Michelin-starred establishments Le Manoir and The French at The Midland Hotel. 

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“Set in the heart of the South Downs National Park, midway between Brighton, Horsham and Burgess Hill, Tottington Manor is an independent Boutique Hotel with conference, meeting and event spaces as well as its award winning Terra Restaurant.  

Since 2021, when the current owners took on the business they invested their heart and soul into renovating the building, bedrooms and public spaces as well as creating the vibrant Terra Restaurant with its locally sourced menu.  

The strong sustainability ethos extends beyond carbon reduction and into local sourcing of ingredients, drinks and service suppliers. This well connected but rural location is becoming a hot spot for business meetings, family celebrations, weddings and relaxing nights out. 

The team provide a warmth of hospitality that make guests feel at home and wanting to return. The mix of public spaces from the covered decking outside with its fire pits and gorgeous views of the South Downs Hills, to the refined exclusiveness of the Inglenook private dining room with its open fire place and 17th Century beams makes Tottington appealing for a variety of occasions and tastes, a true modern classic.  

At Tottington Manor a visit happens once, the memories last a lifetime.” 

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Experience luxury redefined 
In the heart of historic Bath, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa epitomises luxury and sophistication. Set within John Wood the Younger’s iconic Georgian terrace, this five-star establishment offers impeccable service and meticulous attention to detail. The hotel's 45 rooms and suites boast breathtaking views of either the hotel’s herbaceous borders or the Royal Crescent’s majestic lawn, ensuring an unforgettable stay – it’s one of the few landmark buildings in the world where you can actually spend the night! 

Indulge at Montagu’s Mews, a stylishly snug and relaxed restaurant offering a selection of menus, carefully curated by head check Martin Blake; from classic afternoon tea to à la carte options and a tempting gastronomic tasting menu, there's something to suit every palate and occasion. The glamorous cocktail bar also serves a selection of expertly crafted cocktails, and our heated outdoor terrace, overlooking the one acre of glorious gardens, is an enchanting experience. 

Finally, unwind at The Spa & Bath House; complete with relaxation pool, sauna and steam room, and a luxury TempleSpa treatment menu – that also offers suitable treatments for guests suffering from Cancer – you are sure to leave feeling rejuvenated.  

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Hidden in the rolling Narberth hills, surrounded by meadows, woodland and mature gardens, if you weren’t looking for the Grove you might just miss it. The warmest of Welsh welcomes awaits you here, the kind reserved for the oldest and best of friends, as you wander through the thoughtfully restored house and grounds, your new home from home deep in the Pembrokeshire countryside. Breathe in the magic, soak in the fresh air, and escape to thoughtful luxury. 

Enjoy our unbuttoned approach to exceptional hospitality, and experience a beautiful, intimate and elegant small luxury hotel, crafted carefully for you. 

Each bedroom has been individually designed, with a modern twist on a traditional  Welsh country house, while our fine-dining 4 AA Rosette Fernery  restaurant, and more relaxed Artisan Brasserie, are widely renowned for their outstanding food. 

Embrace the Grove spirit, good cheer and laughter, or as we like to say in Wales, enjoy the ‘hwyl’! 

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Indulge in unparalleled luxury at Galgorm, County Antrim, where every moment unfolds to create the perfect escape. Nestled within 450 acres of lush parkland along the spectacular River Maine, this prestigious resort is renowned for its world-class hospitality.  Featuring global award-winning spa experiences, and a range of accommodations, alongside exceptional food and golf facilities, Galgorm stands as the epitome of opulence.  Truly the crown jewel of Northern Ireland's hospitality landscape. 

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