Chewton Glen - Hampshire, England

A standard-setter since it opened in 1966, this country-house hotel is set in the New Forest, the red brick manse and its sun-streaked public rooms stuffed with deep downy chintz furnishings and English antiques, along with just enough contemporary touches to please the non-traditionalist. This exquisite property is more of a retreat than a full-service resort. Its spa, nine-hole par-3 golf course, rolling expanse of lawn and English country pursuits make it popular with weekending Londoners and wealthy Europeans on holiday, but extremely active Americans might grow restless.