A Return to old-world luxury and serenity
In a world marked by relentless connectivity and the rise of soul-less, cheap architecture and ADU’s, there’s a growing trend for manor-like hotels that evoke old-world elegance while centering on wellness, healing, and natural beauty. This is all feeding into what my partner and I call “New Age Luxury”. This is the idea that as a societal subculture, there are a large percentage of humans moving away from material items as a representation of their financial status, but rather how much land and space they have. Do you have a beautifully restored vintage or antique home? Have you set yourself up economically that you can afford to be disconnected and inaccessible?
In Hospitality, this leads to the rise of manor-like or estate style resorts that have an almost ironic focus on wellness and healing. These properties, often designed with grand architecture reminiscent of a quieter, more opulent past, invite guests to leave behind the bustle of modern life for the serenity of curated, restorative experiences.
While I find this movement to be utterly fabulous, one cannot be blind to the sprinkle of hypocrisy. Anywho, Here is a list of my favorite manor-like hotels where you can disconnect, heal, and leave inspired.
Estelle Manor - Oxfordshire, UK
“Stress dissipates as soon as you turn down the perfectly manicured, tree-lined drive to arrive at Estelle Manor, a 60-acre estate perched on the Cotswolds’ doorstep and surrounded by 3,000 acres of gardens and parkland. At the heart of the property is a Jacobean Revival manor house that’s been fabulously restored with period elements like ornamental plaster ceilings and an impressive selection of contemporary art and antiques. But the Eynsham Baths, set to debut in March, are the real showstopper. Tucked away in the forest, this nearly 32,300 square foot wellness sanctuary was inspired by ancient Roman bathhouses. Ten treatment rooms offer therapies ranging from IV vitamin drips and the Skin Design London Facelift to Tibetan Ku Nye massage and reflexology. There’s also a hammam, rasul, dedicated breath work pool, and a contrast therapy circuit.”
“The Ranch Hudson Valley is situated on our historic, private lakefront estate in the Lower Hudson Valley. Built in the early 1900s by J.P. Morgan, the property’s extraordinary architectural features offer a stunning backdrop for our signature group wellness program.
When it’s time to unwind from the day, retreat to one of 25 beautifully appointed private rooms. Blending custom upholstery and antique furnishings, each has the feeling of staying in a luxurious guest room, and feature views of the lake, landscaped courtyard, or mountain trails”
“Le Doyenné is a restaurant, guesthouse, and farm set within the historical grounds of the Château de Saint-Vrain, in the village of Saint-Vrain, 41 kilometres south of central Paris. The Château was once the country retreat of the Countess du Barry and Borghese family, and has been the home of the Mortemart family for more than two centuries. Le Doyenné sits on the estate’s former stables where the French-American sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle and Swiss sculptor Tinguely created their monumental works in the 70s.
…They called upon the expertise of local artisans to preserve the integrity of this classified “historic site”, re-imagining it as the French farmhouse of their dreams.
In the potager, regenerative agricultural practices that have nurtured the land for generations are being revived to grow heirloom vegetables which form the foundation of our culinary offerings.”
