The New Era of All-Inclusive Luxury
Gone are the days when 'all inclusive' meant mass-produced holidays and guests overindulging to get their money's worth. A sophisticated, high-end version has emerged, and its greatest appeal lies in complete mental freedom – you can leave not just your brain at the door, but your wallet too. The most relaxing aspect of all? No tipping is required.
While no one minds handing over a fiver for luggage delivery, the constant dilemma of whether to tip for every minor service – fixing the air conditioning, demonstrating the Chromecast, or locating the hidden switch on a Krups Nespresso machine – becomes a genuine stress. The modern solution, perfected at places like Foxhill Manor in the Cotswolds, is to incorporate all gratuities into the overall bill.
A Country House Retreat Without the Pretense
Imagine settling beside a crackling log fire in an arts-and-crafts, honey-coloured stone country house, its leaded windows framing the glorious rolling landscape of the Vale of Evesham. With just eight bedrooms, Foxhill Manor feels like the private residence of a literary icon rather than a hotel. It is part of the Small Luxury Hotels Of The World group and deliberately presents as a private home.
There is no formal reception, no menus, and no uniformed staff. Instead, two casually dressed 30-somethings named Ed and Rebecca are always on hand, reminiscent of helpful houseparents at a boarding school. The atmosphere is deeply welcoming, complete with racks of raincoats, wellingtons, umbrellas, and dog baskets by Barc London for cherished canine companions who instinctively make themselves at home.
This contrasts sharply with the pretentious country-house hotels of the 1980s that tried to rigidly recreate an 'Upstairs, Downstairs' hierarchy. The modern approach at Foxhill Manor eliminates any feeling of being an imposter. Guests don't need to dress in tweed or emulate Sherlock Holmes; even at dinner, the dress code is relaxed, with no velvet smoking jackets in sight.
The All-Inclusive Experience in Practice
Dining is thoughtfully arranged to avoid the awkwardness of seating plans. With a maximum of 16 guests, there is no single dining room. Instead, three couples can dine in each of the two drawing rooms at bow-window tables, with two more tables in the bar. The food is exceptional, with dishes like calves' liver and bacon and an exquisite panna cotta with apricot ice cream.
The Full Fox all-inclusive package means everything is taken care of in advance. The staff inquire about preferences before arrival, ensuring your favourite drinks are stocked. Upon arrival for a late lunch, one guest found mussels and chips ready for her husband Giles, alongside his preferred real ale, Hooky Gold, and a steak for herself. Oenophiles will be delighted by the well-stocked wine cellar, and guests are actively encouraged to help themselves to the cocktail cabinets in the drawing rooms and snacks from the Pantry.
The 500-acre Farncombe estate, where Foxhill Manor is located, also houses two sister hotels: Dormy House and The Fish. A visit to the spa at Dormy House reveals a sporty yet cosy vibe, with the front-of-house manager describing it as the 'hotel that hugs – metaphorically, of course!'.
Despite a 90% occupancy rate and being dog-friendly, the manor remains pristine. A charming stone trough outside allows for muddy dogs to be hosed down with warm water before re-entering. The overall feeling is one of deep comfort and meticulous care.
While the experience comes at a premium, starting from £920 for two sharing a double room (with specific rooms like the Juniper Room costing £1,195 per night), the consensus is that it's worth it. As one guest put it, they felt about four years younger upon leaving – and the joy of not having to fumble for tips was the perfect finale to a blissful stay.
