Macdonald Elmers Court Resort

You know what surprised me most about Macdonald Elmers Court? It’s tucked away on this quiet stretch of South Baddesley Road where you’d almost miss it if you weren’t looking – but once you turn into the drive, you realize you’ve stumbled onto something pretty special. The place has this country estate vibe that feels genuinely relaxed, not the stuffy kind of formal you sometimes get with these older properties. I mean, it’s clearly a 4-star place, but there’s something unpretentious about it that I really appreciated.

The location is honestly brilliant if you’re exploring this part of Hampshire. You’re literally minutes from Lymington proper – and I’m talking actual minutes, not hotel brochure minutes – so you can easily walk down to the high street for dinner or catch the ferry over to the Isle of Wight if that’s on your agenda. What I loved though was coming back to the resort after a day out. There’s this sense of space and quiet that you just don’t get staying right in town. The grounds are properly expansive, and you can actually hear birds instead of traffic, which is rarer than it should be these days.

The facilities surprised me too – they’ve got a decent spa that doesn’t feel like an afterthought, plus indoor and outdoor pools that actually get used (always a good sign). The restaurant is solid without being flashy; I had better meals in Lymington itself, honestly, but the breakfast was spot-on and the service throughout felt genuine rather than scripted. Staff seemed to know the area well too, which is hugely helpful when you’re trying to figure out whether it’s worth driving to Beaulieu or if the weather’s going to hold for a coastal walk. Check-in was smooth, parking’s free and plentiful – those little things that matter more than you think they will. The 7.9 rating feels about right; it’s not going to blow you away, but it does what it promises really well. Perfect base camp for exploring the New Forest without feeling like you’re camping, if you know what I mean.