Welcome to the Fifth Issue of our UK Magazine

Already 2026 has been a wonderful year for Hand Picked Hotels, and there is still so much to look forward to. I have had the pleasure of being interviewed for this issue, reflecting on what it has meant to move from the legal profession into hospitality and, ultimately, to become a hotel owner. It has been a fascinating transition and one that has allowed me to become deeply involved in an industry I care enormously about.

I am also extremely passionate about wine, an enthusiasm shared by my husband, Guy. We have taken great care to develop a wine offering across our hotels, that brings together established favourites with some wonderful discoveries from around the world. Within these pages, we celebrate our latest wine list and introduce some of the producers, places and stories behind the bottles we are proud to serve.

This year has also brought the exciting news of our expansion into the Cotswolds, with three beautiful properties set to join Hand Picked Hotels.

We are humble custodians of some remarkable historic properties, set amid beautiful British countryside, gardens, woodland and parkland. Preserving their character, heritage and natural surroundings for future generations is a responsibility we take very seriously. This issue celebrates that connection, from our Horsepower & Heritage shoot at Fawsley Hall, to the extraordinary wildlife and landscapes surrounding so many of our hotels.

Naturally, romance continues to play a special role within our hotels. Weddings have always been part of the Hand Picked story, and our bridal pages capture the elegance and emotion of celebrating one of life’s most important occasions with us.

I hope you enjoy this issue and that, whether you are joining us for an escape, a celebration, business or simply a little time away, you continue to feel very much at home with Hand Picked Hotels.

Julia Hands
Chair, Hand Picked Hotels