Step foot into Raymond Blanc’s fairytale hotel, Le Manoir.
Once upon a time, there was a hotel and restaurant called Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel. Created by celebrated chef Raymond Blanc, it draws inspiration from his French heritage and the English countryside. While it is just one hour and twenty minutes from London, it feels a world away. Birdsong echoes through the trees, the scent of lavender lingers in the air, and winding pathways weave through hidden gardens, inviting you to slow down and savour every moment. Pasture, palate and precision come together to create an experience that simply cannot be recreated anywhere else in the world, and one that can only be found in this storybook setting.
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons opened in 1984. At the heart of the concept is Blanc’s commitment to seasonality, foraging and a farm-to-table experience. Having been raised in Oxford, I consider the restaurant – which holds two MICHELIN Stars – a local legend, attracting both international guests and celebrities. It is, in the truest sense of the term, a dining destination.
When you enter the grounds, you pass beneath the Union Jack and the French flag. The baby Balmoral building wouldn’t look out of place in The Crown. Blanc and The Queen Mother once sang the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, here, no less. We were greeted by staff who struck the perfect balance between personable and professional. “You’ve been here before,” the receptionist remarked, recalling my restaurant visit nearly a year ago – a gesture that made me feel warmly welcomed.
Rooms and suites
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is home to 32 rooms and suites. Each one is named with a purpose, from L’Orangerie, a tribute to Raymond Blanc’s grandparents, to Vettriano, inspired by the artist Jack Vettriano. We checked into one of the signature suites, and it felt like a home away from home.
Awaiting us was a chilled bottle of Champagne, freshly baked treats from the patisserie, and a handwritten note. There was a fairytale quality to the rooms, from standalone circular buildings that look like Rapunzel might let down her hair, to windows that open out onto secret gardens.
The bedroom would have made Goldilocks sleep with a smile, thanks to the king-size bed, sink-into sofas, and armchairs overlooking the grounds. The marble bathroom came complete with plush products and all the modern comforts. Best of all was the fireplace, a charming feature that felt like stepping back in time – and the staff who were more than happy to light it for us whenever requested. Your wish is their command.
Restaurants and bars
At the heart of the hotel is the restaurant of the same name, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Since opening, the restaurant has maintained its two MICHELIN Stars. An impressive 34 of its chefs have gone on to win MICHELIN Stars for restaurants. The alumni include Heston Blumenthal, James Knight-Pacheco and Marco Pierre White.
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons brings together British and French influences, and all the ingredients on the grounds. We’d recommend the seven-course menu with a wine pairing. We challenge you to find a better-tasting tomato in the country than the one in the La Tomate. The portions and pacing were perfect, and the staff had the passion and personality that expanded our knowledge of the food and drink.
Breakfast can be served in the main dining room or in your bedroom. As a stickler for good timing, I requested a Full English Breakfast at 6.40am. The team were right on time, hot food and hotter tea in hand – and all served by that picture-perfect fireplace. Plus, there is a Champagne Bar and Lounge Dining.
Facilities
What Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons lacks in a gym or spa, it more than makes up for with its enchanting experiences. Channel your inner Brideshead Revisited and sign up for croquet, cycling, or a Champagne picnic. Explore the estate’s animals, allotments, and glasshouse – each telling the story of the journey from garden to kitchen. All roads lead to the kitchen – so book a cooking class at the Raymond Blanc Cookery School.
Verdict
On 1 January 2026, the hotel will close for refurbishment, with plans to reopen in 2027. Having stayed at five-star hotels across the globe, from Manama to the Maldives, I can say that Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons remains one of the finest experiences I have ever had. While many hotels rely on size or spectacle to impress, here it’s all about quiet confidence and timeless charm. The team made my dreaming spires of a stay come true – and that’s a happy ending we would gladly experience, time and time again.
GO: Visit www.belmond.com for more information.