W

ho says getting close to nature has to involve roughing it?

At Hotel TerraVina in the New Forest, most of the 11 luxurious bedrooms have outside space and sun-loungers, so you can sit back in style and soak up the gorgeous countryside.

This is the latest project from Gerard Basset (he of Hotel du Vin) and wife, Nina, and each of the rooms have been inspired by the style and materials of local Hampshire craftsmen.

Of course, the key to any decent hotel are the bathrooms, and here you’ll find deluge rain showers (which are probably more Amazonian than New Forest), hand-made lavender toiletries and… a rubber duck – which you’re encouraged to swim with.

As you’d expect from a man who’s got wine awards coming out of his ears, good quality vino is at the heart of Hotel TerraVina. Ask Gerard to give you a tour of the vaulted basement cellars, along with some wine-tasting tips, which are like gold dust.

Nearby, there are some great days out – like Exbury Gardens with its rare trees and famous azaleas; or the south coast, where you can windsurf and horse-ride. This is providing you do manage to tear yourself away from the hotel, though.