Encountr Residency
How often do you get the keys to your very own five-star hotel?
This autumn, Encountr guests will.
For two nights, the luxurious Lime Wood will be entirely ours: exceptional dining, fine wine, immersive experiences, and the rare pleasure of sharing it with a handpicked group of guests.
Picture Vintage Champagne on arrival. Grand Cru wines at dinner. Celebrated chefs at work just a few steps away. Elegant experiences unfolding across the hotel and grounds. And throughout it all, the unmistakable feeling that you are not visiting a hotel at all — you are living, however briefly, inside a private house of extraordinary taste.
Throughout the experience, guests will have the opportunity not just to take advantage of Lime Wood's extraordinary hospitality, but to meet and engage with industry thought leaders across wine, dining and luxury.
Imagine cooking alongside award-winning chefs and sharing a meal you've jointly prepared. Learn about the sourcing and designing of fine jewels. Enjoy duck hearding with local farmers before indulging in an afternoon at the spa. Or simply sip Champagne in one of the many beautifully designed lounges of the hotel.
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This is a rare invitation to meet like minded individuals, connect fully through craft, legacy and the passions of others across the wine, dining and luxury sectors and to come away with unforgettable memories. Come curious, leave inspired...
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THE RESIDENCY
Let us take you on a journey where wine, dining and luxury converge
In the backdrop of the New Forest, discover the richness of what nature, craft, creation and indulgence bring when enjoyed collectively with friends, old and new.
Guests are personally welcomed into the serenity of Lime Wood’s surroundings. A private gathering sets the tone: effortless elegance, fine conversation and the first taste of the culinary journey ahead.
Day 1 : Arrival & Immersion
This day has been designed to provide guests with a hand-picked selection of incredible activities, including a truly unique immersive culinary experience led by renowned chefs. Combining Lime Wood's spectacular offerings with carefully selected luxury partners delivering intimate, behind-the-rope activations. Guests will gather for a gala dinner curated with exceptional wine and Champagne.
Day 2 : Discovery & Delight
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A final morning of slow luxury: lingering breakfasts, unhurried moments and an understated farewell that leaves an indelible impression of balance, beauty and belonging.
Day 3 : Reflection & Departure
Partners
Laurent Perrier
CVNE
Michel Chapoutier
Minka
Jewels
Luxury London
Gaja
Louis Jadot
Guests of Honour and Chefs
Angela Hartnett is one of the UK’s most loved chefs and restaurateurs, known for her sophisticated yet simple, Italian-inspired cooking.
Born in Britain, her passion for good, honest food and the best ingredients was instilled in her by her Italian mother and grandmother.
After starting out in the kitchens at Aubergine, Zafferano, L’Oranger and Petrus, Angela became head chef at Petrus within seven short months, helping the restaurant to achieve a Michelin star. She went on to launch Amaryllis in Scotland; Verre in Dubai; MENU and The Grill Room at The Connaught, with Gordon Ramsay.
In 2007 Angela was awarded an MBE for services to the hospitality industry, and the following year she opened her own restaurant, Murano in Mayfair, where she is Chef Proprietor, and holds a Michelin star. Serving modern, seasonal food with an Italian accent, Murano is one of the few restaurants to hold 4 AA rosettes.
In November 2013, she opened the critically acclaimed Cafe Murano in St James,’ a brassier little sister to Murano. In June 2015 a second Cafe Murano opened on Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, and in November 2019, Angela opened a third Cafe Murano, on London’s Bermondsey Street. In September 2013 Angela also launched Merchants Tavern (now closed) in Shoreditch, in collaboration with her husband Neil Borthwick, Head Chef of The French House.
Outside of London, 2012 saw Angela open Hartnett Holder & Co in partnership with Robin Hutson, and with Chef Luke Holder at Lime Wood Hotel in the New Forest. In 2015 she joined the team at Hôtel Portetta in Courchevel to open Cucina Angelina.
Luke Holder is Chef Director at Hartnett Holder & Co., the relaxed yet refined restaurant he co-founded with Angela Hartnett in 2013 at Lime Wood in the New Forest. Known for cooking rooted in Italian flavours, British produce and seasonal simplicity, the restaurant has become a standout on the UK dining scene.
Luke trained in Michelin-starred kitchens around the world, with formative time spent in Dubai, Thailand, Italy, and London. A pivotal period at Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence shaped his philosophy of local, seasonal cooking. Today he champions Hampshire produce, sustainability, and responsible sourcing, while fostering a kitchen culture focused on wellbeing, respect, and exceptional ingredients.
David is the CEO and visionary founder of Encountr, orchestrating unforgettable wine experiences. With a rich background in hospitality and global travel, coupled with a decade of expertise in the wine industry, David curates unique moments that celebrate the art of winemaking.
His passion for connecting people through exceptional wines and fine dining has made him a thought leader in the culinary world.