October 2023… // This festive season, UK hotel group Exclusive Collection offers a breath of fresh air with celebratory two- to four-night seasonal packages, making them the ideal destination for a country retreat. With properties in Sussex, Surrey, the Cotswolds, Ascot, Hampshire and Hertfordshire, each offers an unforgettable celebratory stay complete with exquisite food, including Michelin-starred dining; personalised gifting for furry friends and their humans; seasonal afternoon teas; and much more.

Exclusive Collection is the first B-Corp Certified hotel group in the UK and continues to support its local communities over Christmas. Not only sourcing local produce and entertainers for their Christmas package experiences but also ensuring local vulnerable families get a Christmas meal for them made and delivered through a partnership with Olio, as well as any leftover food from the festive season being distributed as part of the ongoing commitment to eradicate food waste.

South Lodge, West Sussex

Guests can expect an enchanting countryside retreat at South Lodge in West Sussex complete with breathtaking views, beautifully decorated rooms and suites exuding cosy holiday charm, and Michelin-starred dining at The Pass. South Lodge's Christmas House Party begins on 24 December with spiced mulled wine, mince pies and gingerbread cookies, serenaded with festive classics by a local choir.  On 25 December, an appearance by Father Christmas proceeds a festive carvery lunch before curling up in front of the fire with board games, a Christmas quiz and tempting treats. Rounding celebrations off, guests are invited to try their hand at cocktail making or wine tasting with the hotel's resident sommelier or unwind at the 44,000 sq. ft spa – recently awarded 2023 'Spa Hotel of the Year' at the AA Hospitality Awards.

How: For the two-night package (24 & 25 December), rates start at £1,375 based on two people sharing a Plush Junior Suite. For the three-night package (24/25/26 December), rates start at £1,705 based on two people sharing a Smart room. Christmas Day lunch £235 pp, £175 children 12 years and over, £110 children 4-11 years. Boxing Day lunch £95 pp, £45 children 4-12 years.

Pennyhill Park, Surrey

Pennyhill Park transforms into a festive wonderland as the ivy-clad country house is filled with the warmth of crackling fireplaces and dazzling entertainment. Christmas trees and stockings await guests, followed by a Champagne and canapé reception in Hillfield bar with soothing music from a Latin American pianist and a Christmas Eve dining experience by the hotel's renowned culinary team. On Christmas Day, as well an indulgent Christmas Lunch, guests can enjoy a variety of seasonal activities, followed by a light buffet supper and Christmas quiz in Balmoral. For those joining for three-nights, there's a foodie finale to their stay with the option to dine in the Michelin starred, 5 AA Rosette restaurant Latymer. Guests can enjoy winter walks in the Surrey parkland, mulled wine by the fire, and access to the hotel's award-winning spa, for an indulgent stay this Christmas.

How: For the two-night package (24 & 25 December), rates start at £2,500 based on two people sharing a Cosy room, for the three-night package (24/25/26 December), rates start at £3,090.

Royal Berkshire, Ascot

For the first time, Royal Berkshire offers its guests a magical home from home this Christmas, with a two-night escape filled with warmth and luxury. Guests can indulge in a delectable Christmas Eve dinner and a Christmas Day feast with all the trimmings. To make the season even more special, live performances of So Sinatra and pianist Paul Grainger, ensure a memorable and joyful holiday celebration for all. For kids, there's plenty of fun to be had with gingerbread house making and table tennis matches, as well as an option to extend the stay to visit Legoland Windsor as it's transformed into a winter wonderland full of festive family activities.

How: For the two-night package (24 & 25 December), rates start at £995 based on two people sharing a Cool room. Christmas Day lunch £145 pp, £115 children 12 years and over, £75 children 3-11 years. Boxing Day lunch £85 pp, £42 children 3-12 years.  Additional nights from £169.

The Manor House, Cotswolds

Guests will be swept off their feet in the fairy-tale setting in the historic The Manor House, in the picturesque village of Castle Combe. Nestled in the heart of the English Cotswolds countryside, this idyllic retreat offers a refined festive experience with welcoming roaring fires and plenty of cosy nooks to curl up in and enjoy delicious, sweet treats upon arrival. In the evening, an enchanting Christmas Eve dinner at Michelin-starred restaurant Bybrook awaits, with the option to head to midnight mass, before being welcomed back with hot chocolate and warm mince pies. The main event, Christmas day lunch, will be served in Bybrook where culinary excellence meets holiday magic; each meal will be perfectly paired with fine wines chosen by the expert Sommeliers.  For fresh air, guests can head out onto the golf course, enjoy a walk around the local area or join in with archery on Boxing Day.

How: For the three-night package (24/25/26 December), rates start at £3,180 based on two people sharing a Cosy room, for the four-night package (23 or 24/25/26/27 December), rates start at £3,520.

Lainston House, Hampshire

One for the food lovers, the four-night break at Lainston House starts with dinner in the charming ambience of woodfired restaurant, The Wellhouse. On Christmas Eve guests are invited to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit with enchanting festive baking classes held at award-winning Season Cookery School. Christmas Day lunch will be served in The Avenue overlooking the avenue of lime trees with live music to accompany the meal. The excitement continues Boxing Day with activities such as axe throwing and falconry, providing guests with a unique and exhilarating way to celebrate together.

How: For the three-night package (24/25/26 December), rates start at £2,805 based on two people sharing a Cosy room, for the four-night package (23 or 24/25/26/27 December), rates start at £3,385.

Fanhams Hall, Hertfordshire

For the first time, Fanhams Hall is offering its guests a Christmas two-night experience that is sure to be full of magical moments to remember. Celebrations kick off with a sumptuous Christmas Eve dinner, followed by a leisurely Buck's Fizz breakfast and traditional Christmas Day feast. Guests can expect fresh mince pies, a festive afternoon tea and delicious platters to enjoy before the showing of festive flicks in the cinema room. To add to the magic, there are delightful activities such as gingerbread house making and decorating for children, uninterrupted walks through the Japanese gardens and for those seeking relaxation, a hot chocolate to watch the King's Speech.

How: Rates start at £920 based on two people sharing for two nights a Cool room (24 & 25 December).

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Notes to Editor:  

About Exclusive Collection 

Eat well, sleep well, do you well and take a breath from the everyday in beautiful surroundings. Exclusive Collection are proudly leading the way as the first B Corp accredited, family-owned collection of country house hotels, spas, golf, cookery school, and a pub thrown in for good measure. 

Exclusive Collection was founded in 1981. The group includes: Fanhams Hall, Lainston House with Season Cookery School, The Manor House with golf club and The Castle Inn, Pennyhill Park with spa, Royal Berkshire, South Lodge with spa.     

The group recently brought Ansty Hall into the fold and are working hard to deliver an Exclusive Collection experience in the Midlands for guests from mid 2024. 

More at www.exclusive.co.uk