Pride of the Cotswolds: a country retreat fit for a spa-loving king

Centred on a 15th century manor house on the fringes of the genteel English town of Cheltenham, Ellenborough Park opened last year and has already been named Britain's 'leading country house hotel' and 'leading spa hotel' by the World Travel Awards.

Its decor, by interior designer Nina Campbell, combines an eclectic individuality with sympathy for the historic character of the building. The heart of the hotel is the Great Hall. Recently dated to 1485 it has leaded windows, a minstrel's gallery and a large open fire for cooler months. Now a lounge where drinks and afternoon cream teas are served, the room is both grand and cosy.

On the walls of the Great Hall are pictures of Katherine Parr - last wife of Henry VIII - who lived and is buried just 11 kilometres away at Sudeley Castle, and Richard Sackville, third Earl of Dorset, a notorious 17th century 'gambler and wastrel'. The latter is a warning, the hotel says, to all overeager race-goers.

This is an apt reminder: Ellenborough Park overlooks (at a distance) the Cheltenham Racecourse, home to eight meets a year, including the storied Gold Cup in March. Racing glasses are provided in the rooms and the hotel has a complimentary race-day shuttle service.

The hotel Brasserie is painted racing green and adorned with pictures of horses. The racing theme is hinted at throughout the hotel, but in a lower key. The style of the Beaufort fine dining restaurant is more traditional with the original oak panelling, stained glass and fine carved-wood 16th century fireplaces. It has an air of elegant calm.

The food is excellent too, particularly the traditional dishes. There is always fresh fish and the chateaubriand (from local farms) melts in the mouth. The cheeseboard is English - with over a dozen varieties - and the wine list well-chosen with a sommelier always on hand