New Forest tourism industry scoops Beautiful South awards

A STRING of New Forest businesses scooped accolades at this year’s Beautiful South Tourism Awards.

At the regional prize-giving ceremony in Brighton, the Montagu Arms in Beaulieu won Small Hotel of the Year while SenSpa at Careys Manor in Brockenhurst, also part of the Greenclose Hotels group, picked up Spa and Wellbeing Experience of the Year.

The title of Tourism Event/Festival of the Year went to Beaulieu’s Supercar Weekend.

Montagu Arms general manager Andrew Nightingale was “thrilled”, adding: “It’s a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team, and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved.”

His hotel also won silver in the Restaurant/Bistro of the Year with The Terrace restaurant, led by head chef Matthew Whitfield. Balmer Lawn Hotel’s restaurant was commended in the same category.

The four-star Careys Manor Hotel and SenSpa also won bronze in the Business Events Venue of the Year category, and was commended in Large Hotel of the Year.

Lina Lotto, SenSpa spa director, said: “We aim to go above and beyond at SenSpa, not only through providing five-star facilities but also through the quality of service, and taking note of the little things that matter.”

The event at the Grand Brighton hotel was hosted by travel journalist and broadcaster Simon Calder, and saw a series of local venues being recognised.

Shorefield Country Park in Milford won silver in Dog Friendly Business of the Year, with silver also going to Ringwood Brewery for Experience of the Year.

Sandy Balls Holiday Village won bronze in Camping and Holiday Park of the Year, with Hoburne Bashley and Hoburne Naish commended in the same category.

Burley Manor was commended in the Large Hotel of the Year section.

Judging at the Beautiful South Awards was carried out by an independent panel of industry leaders and experts in their field.

Mark Smith, chair of Tourism South East, said: “What a night! I was blown away by the sheer quality of the tourism businesses and experiences celebrating the trophies.”