Rest, Restore, Renew: Plan Your January New Forest Escape
When you step outside into the crisp winter air, the forest before you, the day ahead of you, to do whatever you wish; wander, rest, reset – renew your energy and restore balance.
January in the New Forest National Park is one for fresh starts and renewal; hopefulness hangs in the air with the mist across the heathland, of good times to come. Let’s forget the blues, and instead see January as it is, the beautiful month of cosy unhurried mornings, time for restoration, self-care and a chance to look ahead with expectance of what’s to come over the coming year.
What would your rest, restore and renew break in the New Forest look like if you visited our Hampshire spa hotel this January?
Day 1 – Arrive and unwind
Afternoon
After your scenic drive in, it’s time to slow the pace and settle into your New Forest break. If you’re early, find a cosy spot in the lounge and enjoy a hot drink or grab a bite to eat.
Check-in and head to your room where you can drop your bags, make yourself at home and put the kettle on; relax, enjoy a cup of tea before exploring the hotel or a wander into our village of Brockenhurst.
Find the spa and make some bookings… Use of the spa facilities for a couple of hours this evening before dinner will be just the thing to relax the mind and body and ease you into your relaxing January escape.
While you’re there, book an Afternoon Delight Spa Day for tomorrow; you can get out in the morning for some fresh forest air and then retreat to the sanctuary of SenSpa for the whole afternoon!
Dine tonight at Cambium; fresh British dishes, inspired by the countryside, thoughtfully prepared with the season.
Day 2 – Explore and surrender to self-care
Morning
Wake to birdsong after a glorious night’s rest. Enjoy a coffee in bed and when you’re ready, breakfast awaits. Served in Cambium, it’s time to nourish the mind and body for the restorative day ahead. Choose a cooked or continental breakfast, with a pot of tea or freshly brewed coffee.
So often during the winter we find ourselves inside looking out, here on your weekend away, embrace the closeness to the wonderful wild space that is the New Forest and renew your love of winter walks and time outside, no matter the weather.
Wrap up and head out for a walk to discover our tranquil National Park. Our New Forest hotel sits in the heart of this beautiful ancient woodland; bursting with wildlife, you will feel restored and renewed simply winding your way along forest paths. Practice mindfulness as you listen to the birds sing, inhale the sharp, crisp winter air, smell the earthy aroma of damp soil and moss, feel the leaves crunch as you take each step and look for New Forest ponies as you meander; forest bathing, or simply being present as you walk is grounding – restoring balance and reconnecting you with nature.
Afternoon
Allow the SenSpa Signature Scent Essential Oil to welcome you into the spa, reading you to completely release all tension and lean into a feeling of softness and ease.
The Afternoon Delight Spa Day experience begins at 12.30pm, and promises to pamper and indulge, with use of the SenSpa Hydrotherapy & Health Club Facilities and then a traditional afternoon tea served from 3pm – by 5pm you’re ready to put on a robe and float back up to your room where you can rest, recalibrate and rejoice in that gloriously satisfying feeling that only comes from putting wellness and self-care first. (Continue the relaxation and book yourself a treatment for tomorrow!)
This evening you head to Le Blaireau, our very own little corner of France where you can try delicious French specialities like soupe a l’oignon and escargots, keep it relaxed with charcuterie or enjoy the boeuf – grilled sirloin, grilled tomato, French fries and a mixed leaf salad.
Then it’s fireside relaxation with a glass of wine or retreat to your room for a great night’s sleep.
Day 3 – Scenic drives and time for you
Morning
After yesterday’s activities and the afternoon of warmth and self-care, sleep came easily and you awake feeling refreshed. It’s a leisurely breakfast then, more winter exploration.
Head out for a scenic drive, visiting the village of Lyndhurst, stopping for a coffee and a browse of the shops and boutiques. Then, it’s a walk at Blackwater Arboretum where you can stroll beneath the canopies of our giants on the Tall Trees Trail. Walk among the biggest trees in the New Forest; at the feet of Douglas firs and redwoods, planted in the late 1850s.
Afternoon
Back to our hotel for a light lunch at Cambium and more relaxation. Don your robe and make your way to the poolside with a book where you can also enjoy the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, spending a unique afternoon simply doing nothing, then it’s time for your Essential Relaxation Massage. Restorative and rejuvenating, this spa treatment works to release tense muscles from head to toe using soothing traditional Swedish massage techniques.
Tonight, the last night of your break, our Thai chefs invite you to experience true Thai cooking at the Zen Garden where you can look forward to vibrant, flavoursome dishes; warming soups, aromatic curries, and authentic Thai cuisine in the heart of the New Forest.
Satiated and content, it’s time for bed.
Day 4 – Ready to head home
Make it a slow morning and an unhurried breakfast, taking the last few days in, appreciating the time you gave yourself for rest and renewal and considering perhaps, the idea of making it a new annual tradition.
Check-out is at 11am, but you needn’t rush off. Sit by the fire in the lounge for another coffee. Take a walk around the village or plan a stop on your journey to another New Forest town on your way.
The most important thing is that you take your relaxation home with you and recognise that self-care is an essential, not an indulgence when it comes to nurturing the mind and body.
A January escape can give you just that, the time and space you need to ready yourself for the new year; buffering you against January Blues and preparing you for what life will bring over the coming months.
Make your rest, restoration and renewal your new resolution.
