If you are considering a Dorset staycation, why not do it in style?

More than half the county is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and with famous landmarks such as Durdle Door, picturesque beaches including the horseshoe-shaped Lulworth Cove along with a wealth of history and culture to be found, the place certainly has a lot to offer.

So, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat, want to get active outdoors or need some top-notch rest and relaxation, all in stunning surroundings, one of these luxury hotels should fit the bill.


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Summer Lodge Country House Hotel

Evershot

Dorset Echo: Summer Lodge Country House Hotel in Evershot offers warm service and delicious menus. Picture: TripadvisorSummer Lodge Country House Hotel in Evershot offers warm service and delicious menus. Picture: Tripadvisor

Describing itself as "The quintessential country house escape, within Thomas Hardy’s enchanting village of Evershot", the Summer Lodge Country House Hotel offers warm service, innovative and delicious menus and a relaxing spa set in fragrant landscaped gardens.

What to expect: Fine dining, beautifully tended gardens, and a luxurious spa with indoor swimming pool.

For more information, or to book, visit the Summer Lodge Country House website.

The Greenhouse

Bournemouth

Dorset Echo: The Greenhouse in Bournemouth is passionate about sustainability. Picture: TripadvisorThe Greenhouse in Bournemouth is passionate about sustainability. Picture: Tripadvisor

The Green House is a beautifully restored, Grade II Victorian villa in the heart of Bournemouth.

The owners describe the hotel as "serious about luxury, passionate about sustainability".

What to expect: A boutique eco-hotel minutes from the beach, imaginative seasonal cooking, and a warm, friendly and relaxed welcome.

For more information, or to book, visit The Greenhouse website.

The Eastbury Hotel & Spa

Sherborne

Dorset Echo: The Eastbury Hotel & Spa in Sherborne is a luxury Georgian Townhouse with bijou spa. Picture: TripadvisorThe Eastbury Hotel & Spa in Sherborne is a luxury Georgian Townhouse with bijou spa. Picture: Tripadvisor

The award-winning Eastbury Hotel & Spa describes itself as "a tranquil destination like no other, comfort and elegance, wrapped in West Country charm".

A luxury Georgian Townhouse hotel complimented by its bijou Eastbury Spa and picturesque walled garden.

What to expect: Luxury with a homely personal touch, exceptional service and blissful beauty and wellness therapies.

For more information, or to book, visit The Eastbury & Spa website.

The Priory Hotel

Wareham

Dorset Echo: The Priory Hotel in Wareham is an independently owned, boutique hotel. Picture: TripadvisorThe Priory Hotel in Wareham is an independently owned, boutique hotel. Picture: Tripadvisor

The Priory is nestled on the bank of the River Frome on the edge of the Isle of Purbeck.

The independently owned, boutique hotel says it is "the perfect place to get away from it all".

Rooms are all individually designed and furnished, and the Garden room restaurant offers contemporary comforts with traditional service and fine food.

What to expect: Luxury interiors decorated with unique antique pieces on the doorstep of world heritage Jurassic coastline.

For more information, or to book, visit The Priory website.

Plumber Manor Country House Hotel

Sturminster Newton

Dorset Echo: Plumber Manor Country House Hotel in Sturminster Newton is the archetypal Dorset country hotel. Picture: TripadvisorPlumber Manor Country House Hotel in Sturminster Newton is the archetypal Dorset country hotel. Picture: Tripadvisor

Plumber Manor is still owned by the same family who built it in the early 1600s.

Located in the heart of Thomas Hardy’s "vale of little dairies", this is the archetypal Dorset country hotel.

What to expect: A fine Jacobean country house offering comfortable accommodation and a restaurant which has been in the Good Food Guide for the last 40 years.

For more information, or to book, visit the Plumber Manor Country House website.

Moonfleet Manor

Weymouth

Dorset Echo: Moonfleet Manor in Weymouth specialises in creating the perfect family getaway. Picture: TripadvisorMoonfleet Manor in Weymouth specialises in creating the perfect family getaway. Picture: Tripadvisor

A luxury family hotel, Moonfleet Manor invites guests to head to the beach, armed with nets and buckets, to ply rock pools and find fossils.

Adults are encouraged to sip coffee and nibble cake as the little one's "caper around the indoor activity centre" or book a pampering treatment while the children have fun in the complimentary crèche.

And when little ones fall asleep, they promise to "listen out while you enjoy fine wine, great food, and a little time together."

What to expect: A fun family holiday with facilities to make it easy to strike out on an adventure or slip off for some peace and quiet.

For more information, or to book, visit the Moonfleet Manor website.

The Pig on the Beach Hotel

Studland

Dorset Echo: The Pig on the Beach Hotel is situated along Studland Bay with views of the long stretches of Dorset's sandy coastlines. Picture: TripadvisorThe Pig on the Beach Hotel is situated along Studland Bay with views of the long stretches of Dorset's sandy coastlines. Picture: Tripadvisor

The mellow yellow house, situated along Studland Bay, boasts uninterrupted views of the long stretches of Dorset's sandy coastlines.

Rooms at The Pig on the Beach mix a touch of luxury with bundles of homely charm while the restaurant menu is driven by their kitchen gardeners, forager, and chef.

What to expect: A walled kitchen garden, a sea view conservatory restaurant, a path down to the beach, a herd of Dorset Horn sheep, roaring log fires and a fairy-tale gargoyle or two.

For more information, or to book, visit The Pig on the Beach website.