Travelling Article - Discovering a hidden country retreat - Summer Lodge Hotel

 Like many, Traveling Actuary Eve Hartridge took advantage of the recent spell of warm spring weather and discovered a gorgeous hotel in Dorset called Summer Lodge, despite the name this is a real find regardless of the season.

 Summer Lodge is hidden away in the countryside somewhere between Yeovil and Weymouth in a village called Evershot- don’t be deterred by the meandering country lanes as the prize at the end of this luxury hotel treasure hunt is well worth it! Summer Lodge is set in stunning grounds is part of the Relais and Chateaux group of hotels renowned for their exquisite taste. The hotel is still privately owned and and as a result visitors receive a very personal welcome. The hotel has just 24 rooms, each bespoke and furnished to the highest standards.

 Dining at Summer Lodge is a real treat, it is the perfect venue for an occasion the ambience is relaxed however old fashioned high standards regarding dress and table manners appear to be followed without any form of strict code of dress or conduct enforced. The restaurant has recently become a member of the sustainable restaurants group and where possible ingredients are seasonal and sourced locally. It comes as no surprise that Head Chief Steven Titman has won numerous awards including The Sunday Times No1 restaurant in Dorset. During my stay I enjoyed local scallops, venison and an sublime Artisan cheese board. At Summer Lodge it’s not all about fine dining, the wine list is also extensive with around 1000 suggestions, the hotel’s own Summer Lodge champagne is delicious and very reasonably priced and any whiskey lover would be stunned by the varied collection which includes award winning whiskies from Japan and Sweden. The food is just stunning, afternoon tea is an additional treat not to be missed.

 Adjacent to the hotel, and next to the restaurant's vegetable patch is the wellness centre, dominated by the huge, warm indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. Although the pool is indoor the building is entirely made of glass so you really have the best of both words. On a hot day the doors are open and guests can enjoy sun-loungers on the patio or lawn if they’d prefer. There is also a fully equipped air-conditioned gym and spa treatment rooms. The Spa stocks Darphin cosmetics and offers a range of treatments including anti-aging facials, massage and shellac nail polishes. The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about their treatments, booking is always advised.