Best Spa

During our Mazda MX-5 convertible tour through Surrey’s charming country lanes, we spent a magical night at the splendid Foxhills.

Foxhills is an award-winning haven—a luxurious spa, golf hotel, and exclusive country club nestled in the serene Surrey countryside, just a stone’s throw from London. With three exceptional restaurants, a stylish hotel, three beautifully manicured golf courses, an indulgent spa featuring five swimming pools, and an impressive range of family-friendly activities, it’s a place where surprises await at every turn.

Our adventure continued with a move to the Boutique Hotel Alhambra, a superb Belle Époque building fusing modern architectural folly with flamboyant colours and sculptural luxury. I was greeted each morning by the breathtaking view of the bay and the stately Villa Sea Princess Nika across the water. The hotel radiated a cosy ambience and unparalleled hospitality. The spaciousness of my room rivalled that of a country house, complete with an expansive bathroom featuring a grand bathtub and an immense shower area.

Čikat Bay, a jewel of the Adriatic Sea, is a stunning natural cove on the island of Lošinj in Croatia. Famous for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque beaches, it is a haven for swimmers, snorkelers, and sunbathers. Encircled by lush greenery and the fragrant pine forests unique to the region, Čikat Bay is exceptionally beautiful, reminiscent of Lake Garda or Como for its architecture and unique beauty. It is also home to the finest luxury villas in all of Croatia, all managed by Lošinj Hotels & Villas.

We drove the Mustang California sedately through 123 acres of parkland along the tree-lined access road past the tennis courts to the hotel entrance and parked outside.

The hotel buildings are set higgledy-piggledy around the main country house, built in 1849 by James Hodges, an accomplished civil engineer who would later manage the construction of Montreal's Victoria Bridge. The historical roots of Pennyhill Park's land trace back to its pivotal role as a beacon site during the national defence against the Spanish Armada in 1588.