Great for work or play (both if you can swing it) the modern, four-star Solent Hotel and Spa is located in a woodland spot just off the M27 in Whiteley between Southampton and Portsmouth, next to a thriving business park and the Whiteley Shopping Centre.

If you fancy some fresh air, Manor Farm Country Park and Titchfield Nature reserve are both close by, along with some great beaches at Hill Head and Lee-on-Solent. Fab Hampshire attractions like Marwell Zoo, Hambledon Vineyard and Itchen Valley Country Park are all less than 30 minutes’ drive. Or stay right here at the hotel and get active in the gym, tennis courts or out on a nature trail.

The spa at the Solent Hotel is a real draw. Hotel and day spa guests waft around in robes, taking a plunge in the sizeable pool and jacuzzi and relaxing in the sauna and steam rooms. Massages and treatments are also a must. There are eight treatment rooms and mani/pedi stations featuring Caudalie and Temple Spa products. And if you’re here on a romantic weekend, be sure to pre-book an hour slot in the gorgeous outdoor hot tub in the meadow (along with a bottle of bubbles on ice).

Head to the FYR Restaurant and Grill and sit on the alfresco terrace to watch the chefs prepare delicious dishes on the wood-fired grill. Or wander over to the sunny Meadow Bar for some light refreshments.

In the Lodge, there’s casual dining at the Parson’s Collar pub (think burgers, fish and chips, mac and cheese, Thai curry and more with a pint/large G&T), along with a pizza oven, ice cream parlour and sun-trap pub garden.

Of course, afternoon tea is a popular fixture at the Solent Hotel. A slap-up spread of scones, sandwiches, cakes and fancies with champagne option (yes please!).

In the summer months, you can also grab a cool treat from the ice cream bike, relax on the sun deck and gather around the fire pits as the sun goes down. While you’re here, try your hand at petanque (boules) on the dedicated court. Clonk!

Inside the 117-bedroom main hotel and adjoining 54-bed, bright 3-star lodge, rooms and suites have large comfy beds, a pillow menu if you’re picky (moi?), tea, coffee and fresh milk for a proper cuppa and chunky biscuits to dunk in there.

Families are well catered for with a kid’s menu in the dining areas and family rooms, where each child gets their very own personalised cookie (and milk to wash it down with), a fluffy VI little P bathrobe, snacks, a drink and fun activity pack. Aww.

Travelling with the pet pooch? They’ll also be well looked after too in dog-friendly double rooms with doggie bed, bowl and dog biscuit.

Wedding planning? The Solent Hotel is a popular spot to tie the knot, with scenic outdoor spaces, modern indoor rooms, a really attentive wedding team and loads of rooms for guests.