Manoir de Lebioles

Stone turrets and a courtyard face the tree line, where the Ardennes forest runs to the horizon on every side. It is a small hotel by design. Sixteen rooms and suites, from five classic doubles to a Suite Impériale set in the château tower, range from 30 to 60 square metres, and each looks out over either the historic courtyard or unbroken woodland. Chef Thomas Ducroquet, who trained at Lameloise and Le Bristol, runs the kitchen with a menu that changes register through the week, from a lighter bistro card on quieter nights to a full gastronomic sitting from Wednesday to Sunday. The dining terrace looks west over the château gardens, useful at sunset. Spa of Spa occupies its own wing, with sauna, hammam, a jet-fitted vitalpool, an ice fountain and a lounge built around an open fire; access is included for hotel guests. You can walk straight from the door into the forest, and the High Fens moorland lies close by for longer routes. Franchimont Castle and the Coo waterfalls sit within easy reach. Check-in at the manor runs year-round, spa hours differ for outside visitors.