If Coworth Park in Royal Berkshire, is familiar, it is because Fox Linton, the creators of its spectacular interiors, were also responsible for The Grove, near Watford. The latest UK hotel from the Dorchester Collection, it sprawls in endless acres of lush countryside, perfectly located for Ascot or polo at Smith's Lawn.

From the moment you swing into the long drive and halt outside the main entrance to be greeted by one of the concierge who parks your car, you know the property is going to meet guests' loftiest expectations.

The style has a modern grandeur, with high ceilings, tall windows and a reception area fielding distressed-frame Louis chairs, quirky chandeliers, a pair of real trees, exquisite sculpture and modern glass, displayed throughout the airy space.

Guest rooms achieve a perfect balance between elegant modernity and comfort, with executive rooms offering dressing and seating areas, a vast, modern four-poster bed and a huge bathroom with copper-clad Victorian bath (with a book-rest for those who like to read and soak), a huge rainfall shower, double sinks, robes, and toiletries from English perfumier Mitchell & Peach.

The spa, ecologically built into a hillside with grass-covered roof, has genius touches such as GHD straighteners in the ladies' changing rooms. There's also a purple-lit pool surrounded by loungers, with glass doors opening onto a deck for sunny days.

There is fine dining in the main hotel, at John Campbell at Coworth Park with its ravishing canopy of copper vines, as well as the more casual Barn with outdoor terraces to which you can stroll or be chauffeured in a golf buggy. With three of seven starters and three of six mains either veggie or (permitted) fish, the Barn offers no problems for kosher-observant diners. And it serves possibly the best chips in the universe.

There's a kids' club, and sporty guests can play tennis, cycle, improve their riding skills at the equestrian centre or watch polo on Coworth Park's polo fields where Prince Harry often plays.

RATE: £235 per double per night
PHONE: 01344 876 600