f I told you one of the most romantic ways to get to one of Britain's most spectacular resorts is by cruise ship, you might think I'd gone - as the British might say - a little batty - or crazy. Then again what if I added that you'd find Chewton Glen's Pimms Number One the most refreshing drink this side of London, you'd undoubtedly think that yes, I'd spent too long in the sun. Suppose on top of all this I told you the best local sightseeing is a forest with over 3,000 cuddly, charming and loveable ponies? Of all the luxurious places in which I've stayed, I can honestly tell you that none come close to Chewton Glen. While the name Chewton does sound a bit strange, it is uniquely British. But the word Glen, that makes you think of Scotland. But the fact is this gorgeous, romantic and one of a kind hotel, spa and country club is located 90 minutes South of London's Heathrow airport, in the county of Hampshire, and is only 35 minutes from the historic port of Southampton, home of British liners the Queen Mary 2 and the new Queen Victoria.

Traveling the world as I do, it's a challenge to pinpoint one destination as being better than any other. Yet after I'd spent two nights at Chewton Glen, I knew I'd found Nirvana. Named by Gourmet Magazine in 2000 as "The Best Country House In the World," this quintessential 5 star resort is the type of destination you're convinced exists only in your imagination. Set on the edge of the 145 square mile New Forest, Chewton provides guests total comfort and luxury. When you read about the New Forest, you'll be surprised to learn that ten percent of it is, now get this phrase, "Bogs and wet heath." What you may ask, is that? Then again if you want river fishing as fishing should be, how about doing it in Timsbury on the River Test? As I quickly found out after I'd arrived at Chewton Glen, staying there is the epitome of what a much slower, much more relaxed lifestyle is all about.

Climb aboard a tour bus organized by Chewton Glen's concierge, for a fascinating tour of the New Forest, and if you're a WW2 buff you'll probably be surprised to see a very old US Air Force runway from WW2 - decaying and crumbling in places, but still a reminder of where US fighters and bombers took off on their bombing missions over Europe. I found the word "New" somewhat disingenuous, because the New Forest was created by none other than William the Conqueror back in the year 1079! This tour was like taking a trip back in time, with a landscape mostly unchanged since medieval times.

Considering the almost countless options such as golf on Chewton's 9 hole course; having real fun playing the very British game of croquet on their British Home and Gardens' type lawn; relishing the tasteful delights of a scrumptious afternoon tea on the patio; or finding complete relaxation in their Hydrotherapy Pool, Chewton Glen is totally captivating. Conde Nast Traveler Magazine voted it the best hotel in the British Isles, and every one of its 58 charming bedrooms are so comfortable you'll probably want to spend more time there than you imagined. Especially as most accommodations have their own terrace, balcony or, now get this, private garden. If, among the fragrant aromas that waft around this 130 acre property from the profusion of multi colored flowers, you also notice a whiff of fresh sea breezes, you'd be correct. Taking a wonderful trail called "The Chewton Bunny" it's only a 20 minute walk to the English Channel!

Whether it's the heated towel rack in your mini suite, the fluffy towels that envelop you after your shower or bath, or soaking up the ambience in one of the resort's lounges (that made me feel I was in the home of some English Lord or Lady) Chewton Glen should be on your list of places to enjoy in Great Britain. While you're there be sure you ask for a Pimms Number One Cup. This drink is as British as a cup of tea, and harkens back to a London Oyster Bar in 1840. The owner, James Pimm, wanted a drink that was a real thirst quencher. It was a mixture of gin, quince, and a secret mixture of herbs. It became an instant hit. The Pimms No 1 Cup served by Chewton Glen is the best ever, and uses the following for each Pimms served - a slice of orange, lemon, apple and - now get this - cucumber and one sprig of mint - then add two parts lemonade to one part Pimms. And hey Presto you've got the best Pimms in all of the United Kingdom. In fact that's how you'll remember Chewton Glen. Elegant, refreshing, and the best of the best.

Many websites are often difficult to navigate, but when you click on www.chewtonglen.com you'll be captivated by its harmonious simplicity, and the wealth of worthwhile and intriguing information. So much so, that you'll probably want to make a reservation right now. If you can't wait to talk to your travel agent, call Chewton Glen in the USA, toll free, at 1-800-344-5087.

A Step Back in Time

It looks as if it's ready for immediate use - but its Glory Days were back in WW2 when this deserted, crumbling stretch of black top, used to be the runway for USAAF bombers and fighters during that conflict. Stand, as I did on this runway, and let your mind wander back to those days, and you can almost hear the whine of aircraft engines, and the sounds of a very active World War Two airfield. No longer in use, it's part of the surprising scenery in the New Forest. I found the word "New" to be a bit disingenuous (but VERY British!) because the forest dates back to William the Conqueror in 1079!

What A Way To Relax!

One of the most popular attractions at Chewton Glen is this superb Hydrotherapy Pool - the first of its kind in Great Britain. I thoroughly enjoyed its body jets that gave me a wonderfully relaxing deep, all over massage - that made me feel like a million bucks - and the location is equally fantastic!

Any One for Croquet!

Chewton Glen is service personified - and unlike any other resort I've ever stayed in, and so quintessentially British. Drinks (and Pimms!) can be served on the Patio, and croquet takes place on this pristine English lawn. Pimms is as British as a cup of tea, and harkens back to James Pimm's London Oyster Bar in 1840. It was a mixture of gin, quince, and a secret mixture of herbs. It became an instant hit. The Pimms No 1 Cup served by Chewton Glen is the best ever, and uses a slice of orange, lemon, apple and - now get this - cucumber and one sprig of mint - then add two parts lemonade to one part Pimms.

Serenity!

A scene so peaceful it might have been an artwork by famed English painter John Constable. The animal shown is one of the three thousand or so ponies that inhabit the New Forest, and each is owned by what’s called “A Commoner,” and must be so marked before it is left to wander wherever they wish. Touring this amazing stretch of the English countryside, is a MUST when staying at Chewton Glen.

Military Buffs Will Love It! If you're any sort of WW2 aficionado, you'll be intrigued by what you see in the New Forest. I was surprised - and thrilled - by the way the efforts of the RAF and USAAF have been memorialized and not forgotten by the various monuments I saw.