Fodor's Expert Review Farnham Estate Spa and Golf Resort

A blend of stone, wood, and glass, the Farnham Estate—one of the top spots in the Midlands to detox and purify—exudes the promise of contentment over its 1,300 acres, as well as offering a superb choice of dining options. Extended from the original big house (dating from 1664), the hotel includes a golf course and mature grounds. Guest rooms and corridors are in relaxing neutral themes of beige, silvery greens, and sky blue, echoing the tones in the gardens and grounds. The Cedar Rooms restaurant, named after the 300-year-old cedar of Lebanon, the largest and one of the oldest trees in the estate, showcases local artisanal producers' food with beef, vension, and hake among the dishes. What steals the show however, is the spa, and in particular the Laconium, which re-creates the atmosphere of a Roman sauna. The snail shower, salt grottoes, and reflexology footbath are also recommended.

Ask at reception for a booklet outlining five nature trails through woods and around lakes, and make sure you see the magnificent Monterey pine in the center of the parkland.