The Malvern Hills rise along the border of Worcestershire and Herefordshire in western England. Perched high on the wooded slopes is the evocatively-named ‘Cottage in the Wood’, in reality, a historic, hidden-away, luxury hotel on a hill and the ideal base from which to hike and explore the area, designated one of outstanding, natural beauty. This Georgian-built property was comprehensively refurbished after new owners took over in 2015. The multi-million pound renovation introduced a more contemporary, design-led, luxury aesthetic while still maintaining an elegant, country-house feel.

Thirty-two unique and stylish bedrooms are set across the hotel’s three properties – the Main House, Beech Cottage and the Coach House. Select rooms in The Coach House are dog-friendly. For larger groups and families, two luxurious, self-catering guest houses available, The Studio and The Chapel, which are tucked into the hillside just below the main hotel. Many rooms have sweeping and dramatic views of the Severn Valley, Vale of Evesham and the rolling hills of the Cotswolds.

Dining is a defining feature of ‘The Cottage’. The award-winning 1919 Restaurant has earned a reputation for refined modern British cooking, with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients shaping elegant tasting menus. The more relaxed Brasserie offers all-day dining with the same attention to quality. An intimately-lit cosy yet stylish bar and lounge with adjacent outside terrace complete with tables and seating overlooking the incomparable view, and a welcoming book-lined reception area make-up the public areas.