Best Luxury Hotels In Dorset

Dorset is a diverse county. It’s the glitzy playground of the rich and famous, home to some of the nation’s best blue-flag beaches, as well as picturesque villages littered with historic thatched cottages. If you plan on staying in the UK this summer, this region will rival many overseas holiday options and is easily accessed from across the country by road, rail or air.



Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms72 Accommodations Including 14 Elevated Treehouses with Private Hot Tubs
AmenitiesFine-Dining Conservatory Restaurant, Casual Bistro & a Spa Cafe, Spa with Indoor & Outdoor Pools, Gym, Pickleball Courts, Football Pitch, Nine-Hole Golf Course, Tennis Courts, Kids' Club & Pet-Friendly Services
MoreLocated on the Edge of the New Forest National Park in New Milton, Hampshire, near the Beaches of Highcliffe & Barton On Sea

It’s one of the best-known spa hotels in the country, attracting celebrities and well-heeled guests seeking serenity. But there’s much more to this country house hotel. Hands-on foodies can build on existing culinary skills with a course at the kitchen school, nature lovers can explore the New Forest or take a trip to the sea, while family-friendly treehouse apartments complete with hot tubs make for an unusual and memorable school holiday getaway. And of course, you mustn’t miss some of the most exquisite body and facial treatments in the UK. If you’re short on time or passing through the area, spa day packages are also available.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa

The Priory Hotel

Hotel
(4 stars)
At a glance
Rooms24 Individually Styled Rooms & Suites
AmenitiesOn-Site Restaurant Serving Seasonal Dishes & Bar
MoreLocated in historic Wareham Providing easy access to the Jurassic Coast & Purbeck Hills

Found on the banks of the River Frome, The Priory is an independently owned boutique hotel, with a renowned fine dining restaurant on Dorset’s south coast. Bedrooms are all unique, cosy, decorated in soft hues and furnished with unique antique pieces. Some are in the Main House, while others are right beside the water in the Boat House. The dining room – serving meals all day from breakfast through to dinner – has a classic country house feel, with green oak beams, fine china and luxury Mulberry Home interiors. Very much a grown-up residence, The Priory is reserved for guests aged 14 and over.

BOOK YOUR STAY
The Priory Hotel

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant

Hotel
(5 stars)

This elegant Relais and Chateaux property and spa is found among the rolling green fields of Evershot. Listed as one of the Best Country House Hotels in Britain by The Daily Telegraph in 2019, awarded Hotel Restaurant of the Year at the Dorset Food & Drinks Awards in 2017 and voted No. 2 Top Hotel in the UK at the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in 2017, the Lodge has an array of accolades to its name. Rooms and cottages are peaceful, and comfortable, yet regal in style. Fine dining is de rigueur, while the bar is home to over 300 whiskies.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant

Plumber Manor Country House Hotel

Hotel
(4 stars)
At a glance
Rooms16 Rooms Across the Historic Main House & Converted Stone Barn
AmenitiesRenowned Restaurant, Bar, Lounge, Tennis Court with Equipment, Croquet Lawn, & Arranged Activities Such as Golf, Fishing, & Clay Pigeon Shooting
MoreLocated in the Heart Of Dorset's Countryside near Sturminster Newton, a Tranquil Setting Amidst 20 Acres of Gardens & is Close to Thomas Hardy's 'Vale Of Little Dairies'

Dating back to the early 17th century and found in Thomas Hardy’s homeland, Plumber Manor remains the Prideaux-Brunes family residence. As a result, the feel is homely and familial, with a warm welcome from the handpicked team of food and hospitality experts. The Jacobean manor has also been a hotel for four decades, flanked by pretty gardens and a stream. Options for activities include organised shoots, a trip to nearby Longleat and leisurely dog walks (there are a number of pooch-friendly rooms). Or spend some ‘me time’ reclining in a deckchair close to nature as you’re served some of Dorset’s finest cocktails.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Plumber Manor Country House Hotel

* All the properties and products we feature are independently selected by our editors and contributors. If you buy something we may earn a commission.

Sign up for our newsletter for inspiration, exclusive previews & luxury tips