Hotel of the week: Bowood Hotel and Spa, Wiltshire

It takes some guts to open a luxurious hotel in the midst of a recession," says the Daily Mail. But the Bowood, owned by the Marquess and Marchioness of Lansdowne, has more or less everything else on its side. First, there's its location – a "prime spot" on the "vast" Bowood estate. Then there's the "exquisite" food, "impeccable" service and delightful interior design – in "earthy" tones and "muted, country-chic" style.

And, as if all that weren't enough, guests all get a free round of golf, plus tickets to nearby Bowood House and its "heart-stirring" Capability Brown park.

Doubles from £180 b&b. Contact: 01249 822228; www.bowood.org.