Today's travels take us to the first of two stops in the northern reaches of the United Kingdom--this one in the heart of the Lake District. Forest Side is the remarkable remaking of a historic Victorian house in the heart of the lakes, and is the third project by owner Andrew Wildsmith. It is both a luxurious haven and a gastronomic destination that opened to acclaim in 2016. What sets it apart is both the jewel-like tones of its décor, a wonderful departure from traditional country house hotel fare that is subtle and yet unmistakably of the English countryside, and its attention to detail. From custom herbal infusions for your bath to the amazing resuscitated gardens that range from the ornamental to the perfumed to the edible, the details delight. As they should: reports have it that Wildsmith invested $4 million in the renovation and relaunch.

Chef Kevin Tickle--who we understand has never worked outside the county--all but immediately earned a Michelin star, remarkable indeed but hugely deserved. And when your appetite is sated, what better than a walk from such luxuries over Bracken Fell to Alcock Tarn, taking in views of Windermere, Coniston, Rydal, and Grasmere--names that immediately invoke memories of the Wordsworths.