As we headed up the winding driveway towards Chewton Glen, we were surprised to discover its guarded by lions. Bronze lion sculptures, that is, part of a collaboration with the Born Free Foundation (visitors can buy a big cat, if they wish). Eclectic touches like this epitomise a hotel which is very much the traditional English country manor, but also something more; a place of state-of-the-art spas and magical, modern treehouse suites, old school charm meets fun, contemporary flourishes.