Our recent stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in Hampshire was nothing short of magical. Nestled in the heart of the English countryside, this luxurious escape truly lives up to its reputation for both elegance and family-friendly hospitality. We stayed in a beautiful Garden Deluxe Room, where every moment—from our arrival through to check-out—was marked by warmth, care, and delightful surprises.
A Warm (and Rainy) Welcome
On arrival, the heavens had opened, and the rain was coming down hard. But as soon as we pulled up, the door staff sprang into action. We were immediately greeted, with our bags taken from the car while a porter arrived with an umbrella to escort us inside. They even handled parking, so we didn’t have to think about a thing. It was an effortless start to what would be a perfect stay, setting the tone for a weekend full of thoughtful touches. We grabbed a hot chocolate and coffee before we set off exploring and Elsie got her Four Seasons Passport when we checked in, a little booklet to collect stamps in throughout our stay!
Room Comforts and Little Surprises
Our Garden Deluxe Room was spacious, with large windows offering a glimpse of the hotel’s gardens. Our luggage was delivered promptly, and the thoughtful touches awaiting us brought a smile to our faces. A personalised message for my daughter Elsie was written on the mirror—a small detail that made her feel so welcome! To top it off, apple juice and cakes were waiting for us, which was an immediate hit with Elsie. And the child-sized robes and slippers? Absolutely adorable, and a lovely addition that made our little one feel like a true VIP.
Activities for All Ages
The Four Seasons Hampshire goes above and beyond in catering to families, with a full schedule of activities to entertain children during the half term. We headed out to the petting zoo and met Jack the giant goat, some very chatty chickens and many more animals. There was also a Halloween party on offer that day however, we opted instead for a splash at Sharkie’s Reef, there fantastic kids’ pool. Elsie was thrilled by the slide and spent ages zipping down it we had so much fun.
A Memorable Dinner at Wild Carrot
Dinner at Wild Carrot, the hotel’s restaurant, was incredible. I began the evening with a Hampshire Sunset cocktail, as elsie got tucked into the kids’ buffet, which was no only generous but complimentary for little ones (a great touch!) they had burgers, fries, humous, veggie sticks, pasta – all a big hit for Elsie (she may have gone up 3 times).
I had a gorgeous creamy burrata served with fresh tomatoes and pesto to start, followed by a perfectly cooked sea bass, and ended with an indulgent hazelnut profiterole for dessert which I haven’t stopping thinking about since. After dinner Elsie got her stamp for her passport and was thrilled when a member of staff took a Polaroid photo of us to keep as a memento. This thoughtful detail really captured the spirit of the Four Seasons: memories are made, not just accommodated.
Sweet Dreams and a Delectable Breakfast
We has the best nights sleep in the plush, oversized bed, waking up refreshed for breakfast! The options were endless, from a full cooked breakfast to fresh pastries, fruits, and more. Elsie was immediately drawn to the waffles with Nutella, while we opted for a hearty English breakfast. It was the perfect start to our day and fuel for our planned activities.
Relaxation, Adventure, and Thoughtful Touches
One of the highlights of our stay was the chance to unwind at the Four Seasons’ tranquil spa. While Elsie enjoyed herself at the complimentary kids’ club, we took full advantage of the spa facilities, which included an outdoor jet pool with views of the lush countryside. It was the ideal spot to relax and recharge.
Later in the day, we couldn’t resist another visit to Sharkie’s Reef, where Elsie eagerly returned to the slide. From there, we made our way to the hotel’s equestrian center to meet the horses, we bumped into a balloon artist along the way, he made Elsie the cutest flower balloon with a teddy bead she was delighted. Before we departed, as we’d collected all stamps in Elsie’s special “passport” around the property she received a special Peppa Pig toy prize she felt truly spoilt throughout the stay.
Our weekend at the Four Seasons Hampshire was exceptional from start to finish. The staff went out of their way to make every moment memorable, particularly for Elsie, whose face lit up with every thoughtful surprise and special experience. Whether you’re looking for luxury, family activities, or simply a peaceful countryside retreat, the Four Seasons Hampshire has it all. We left with beautiful memories and smiles, already dreaming of our next visit.
