Lime Wood achieves five AA stars and Relais & Chateaux membership

Lime Wood has achieved a five-star rating from the AA and been accepted into the Relais & Châteaux portfolio just seven months after opening in Lyndhurst, Hampshire.

The 29-bedroom property, developed with £30m funding from local entrepreneur Jim Ratcliffe, founder of the Ineos chemical company, is headed by Robin Hutson, co-founder of Hotel du Vin, as chairman, and Justin Pichbeck as hotel director.

Pinchbeck said the hotel staff are thrilled to be recognised by these accolades. "Our aim has and always will be to operate at a luxury level whilst offering personality and a relaxed sophisticated atmosphere - we want guest to feel they are coming home," he said.

However, the early months of the hotel has not been all plain sailing as Alex Aitken, director of cuisine who played a role in the original vision for Lime Wood, left the business in March.

October 2010 will see the opening of  the Herb House, Lime Wood's 22,000sqft spa. The hotel is one of three properties within the Lime Wood Group, alongside Whitley Ridge , also in Hampshire, and Le Portetta in Courchevel, France.

Relais & Châteaux represent the sales and marketing activities of 480 luxury hotel and gourmet restaurants in 58 countries.

Lime Wood in the limelight >>

Lime Wood brings laid back luxury to country house hotels >>

Alex Aitken steps down as director of cuisine at Lime Wood >>

By Janet Harmer

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