The NICI New Forest – A review of NICI hotels latest addition
With over 80 stunning guestrooms, suites and self-catering apartments designed thoughtfully to reflect the coastal views and ambience of the surrounding area, the casual yet luxurious beachy style is defined by crisp whites, oceanic blues, and natural materials. It mixes upscale coastal comfort with bright, airy spaces which will help you to relax and unwind during your stay.
What I loved about it?
It’s hard not to love everything about the NICI New Forest but I especially love the space it holds, with views down to the Solent while watching the yachts and boats floating past from its bold stripy deckchairs that are casually dotted around the lawns.
I loved the classically elegant but relaxed vibes of the new décor with the NICI signature large floral displays commanding attention all over the hotel. Both restaurants with totally different menus and style (see below for more details) are a highlight, and the attention to detail that is evident in both the refurbishment but also how you are treated by the staff from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
Location:
THE NICI New Forest is located on South Baddesley Road in Lymington, Hampshire (postcode SO41 5ZB), set within 23 acres on the banks of the Lymington River overlooking the Solent. It occupies the site of the former Elmers Court Hotel and has had a fantastic Nici upgrade (as of summer 2026 some works are still in progress – with the outdoor pool set to complete later this summer)
How to get there?
Lymington Pier Station: 5-minute walk – pop over from the IOW
Lymington Town Centre: 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk
Brockenhurst Station: 10 to 15-minute drive – London Waterloo: 2 hour train (via Brockenhurst)
Southampton Airport: 35-minute drive
Lymington Marina & Yacht Haven: Just a short walk away – ideal for those with their own boats/moorings
Suitable for:
Anyone who loves a bit of coastal luxury, fans of The NICI Bournemouth and want a New Forest/waterfront vibe, families or larger groups who want to self-cater but enjoy the amenities of a luxury hotel on site. Couples looking for a romantic getaway or date night. With dog friendly rooms you can bring your furry friends too. An ideal wedding venue with dedicated function suites for your special day.
Value for money:
As you would expect luxury does come with a price so room costs are at the higher end but the location, service and ambience is worth it. Look out for special offers and seasonal stays.
The Elms Bar & Cafe has reasonably priced options for all day dining with items such as eggs all day and various juices alongside pizza/salads and sandwiches.
Martha’s Seafood Grill Bar is their Hamptons inspired club themed restaurant focusing on American led seasonal exceptional produce.
Find out more:
https://thenici.com/new-forest/
My experience at The NICI New Forest
Not just another hotel
I was invited to try out a sample from the menu at Martha’s Restaurant and have a tour of the grounds with Mark the GM and all the hotel has to offer.
When you arrive you are greeted by a NICI signature table full of flowers – I love that, as it just brightens your day as soon as you step into the bright airy reception area. The hotel is large and covers a lot of ground but there are signs to guide you around although without a guide you might get lost a few times but it is a way to discover other areas of the hotel you may have missed.
If you wander through the outdoor areas you will pass the Elms café with a style reminiscent of Old Harry Rocks based at the NICI Bournemouth, tasteful design with large open airy light spaces and a large outdoor terrace. As with most places set to be popular booking ahead is advisable but I would think you could grab a table if you are passing by and fancy a light bite or drink.
The self-catering/family apartments are based around this area and have been re-landscaped to provide a soft backdrop of flowers and greenery and fit ideally in with the coastal surroundings.
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You will pass the outdoor pool (currently under construction as of July 2026 – but set to complete later this summer) it is looking like it will form a dramatic and luxury area to sunbathe and have fun in – with a dedicated kids pool and infinity larger pool I think it will be every bit as popular as the Bournemouth Miami inspired pool which draws in the visitors. With spa memberships available I can see it being the place to be.
The immense lawns sweep down to the waterfront, there are large striped deckchairs and sun loungers dotted around to take time out, have a bit of peace and quiet, read a book or watch the world go by. There are so many options of things to do here from the Little Lobsters kids club, Yoga on the lawn, picnic experiences, a private cinema, bike hire and tennis courts (coming soon).
There is also THE NICI Spa, “a sanctuary inspired by the New Forest coastline, designed to restore, rebalance and renew with a carefully designed treatment menu. Unwind with our indoor pool, hydrotherapy, steam & sauna rooms and poolside fireplaces”. I did not personally see this but hope to go back and check it out, the gym with bar and fresh fruit selection looked like somewhere I’d like to spend some time though.
Martha’s Seafood Grill Bar – as part of my visit we were able to choose from a small selection of dishes from the full menu
We chose…
Burrata Salad – Valencia Orange, Hazelnuts, Chicory, Truffle Honey – this was delicious and perfect for the hot sunny weather we have been having lately.
Mixed Sashimi – Tuna, Salmon, Bass, Pickled Ginger, Wasabi, Soy Sauce, Miso – My husband’s review was fresh and super tasty even though he found the metal chopsticks slightly hard to handle
For mains we chose the pasta dishes:
Crab Orecchiette – White Picked Crab, Confit Garlic, Lemon, Chilli
Pasta alla Ruota – Forest Mushroom, Fettuccine, Cream Sauce, Finished in a Pecorino Wheel – this was like theatrical performance at your table watching the pasta be coated in the giant cheese wheel – it also tasted divine.
I did have food envy for the whole dover sole though as this was deboned at your table and I do wish I had chosen this in hindsight as it looked absolutely insane.
Lastly we had the dessert from the trolley which was a raspberry Mille-feuille.
We both loved the food and the service from Deborah, Millie and Chloe was outstanding and will definitely go back to try some items from the main menu.
Price wise it is not an inexpensive restaurant but taking into account the setting, service and quality of the food as an example my pasta dish would cost £22 which I think is reasonable. The Chateaubriand costs £35 per person which again is a fairly standard charge for this cut of meat so I wouldn’t rate this restaurant as overpriced at all.
I can see The NICI New Forest becoming somewhere I visit with friends for a lazy lunch or for date nights with my husband, my overall view is that it is a fantastic addition to The New Forest Lymington area and I can’t wait to come back. I will look forward to seeing it all completed and wait with anticipation for the outdoor pool to be completed. In the meantime maybe a cheeky spa visit is on the cards.
By Sarah Bourne
Image credits Sarah Bourne
