Wild swimming and wellness in West Sussex

The backstory

Don’t be deceived by South Lodge’s more traditional country-house hotel —these six two-bed bamboo-clad lodges invite you to dip toes in to sustainable-luxury living, with every five-star perk. The main hotel is a Victorian mansion in buff-coloured brick, originally built as a family home in the 1880s. Having evolved into a popular wedding venue suited to sipping whisky in tartan-print armchairs, amid wood panelling and oil paintings, this enclave of stand-alone two-story suites marks a new chapter for the independent hotel group, the Exclusive Collection. Owned by the Pecorelli family, they’re understandably proud of their B Corp status, which means the company has been assessed for their social, economic and environmental impact. Starting out in the 60s, Giuseppe Pecorelli worked behind a bar in a hotel in Camberley, where he met his wife-to-be, then after working his way up to managing director of the likes of Trusthouse Forte, now heads up a portfolio of eight UK properties. This refreshing hybrid of old-fashioned hospitality and a new eco-minded concept is evidenced in the biophilic build of this new accommodation. Natural materials and a light-footed frame from RapidRoot mean there was no CO2-emitting cement or the disturbance of any precious root systems or mycelium below ground with the creation of these lakeside lodges.

Look and feel

Set amid 92 acres of landscaped gardens, with the South Downs stretching as far as the eye can see, these chic, neutral-toned lodges combine smart engineering with lake views visible from each double bed, so guests can’t help but feel connected to the surroundings. See those water lilies? They were cultivated from cuttings taken from Claude Monet’s own garden at Giverny.This kind of communion with nature does not require going back to basics, however, and the sleek bathrooms feel more akin to Keeping up with the Kardashians than Bear Grylls. Watching your waistline? Maybe swerve the drawers and fridge in the treat-filled kitchenette. It’s tough resisting temptation when you know all those ethical-brand snacks are included in the high-end room rate. Maximise time on the private deck and order breakfast as a hamper, packed with Sussex produce, fresh breads and pastries, home-made granolas, which appears when you want it in a cubby from a concierge who’s but a WhatsApp away – it’s the nothing-is-too-much-trouble hospitality that distinguishes the Reeds from a typical eco-escape. South Lodge is known for its impressive members health club, so when the sun shines, you’ll feel like you’ve lucked out with a proper sunlounger holiday. Chilly weather? The lodges are super cosy, and it’s but a short stroll to the indoor infinity pool, exercise classes and thermal suites.

The green credentials

South Lodge Hotel is clear on its commitment to sustainability, featuring eco-friendly approaches to operations, such as a biomass boiler for heating, rainwater harvesting, water-source heat pumps, plus electric vehicle charging stations. There’sa focus on local and seasonal produce in both the hotel’s dining options. Botanica, the Mediterranean-tanged restaurant at the health club, has a bold dairy-free menu which showcases just what can be achieved when a chef combines culinary creativity and a passion for sourcing the best of West Sussex’s ingredients with sustainable savviness. Even if you’re not usually vegetarian, it’s easy here with plant-based delights such as the zero-waste carrot bread and beetroot falafel. As you wander up from the Reeds, you might note one benefit of global warming is that Britain is getting better at wine-making. Not only are the hectares of vines of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier varieties photogenic — the grapes are destined to become posh British bubbly thanks to South Lodge’s long-standing partnership with Ridgeview.

The eco-USP

Sustainability-minded sybarites craving wellness must wince at conventional health clubs and all that chlorine in their pools. At South Lodge, wild swimming appeals in the dinky freshwater lake even if you’re a cold-water wimp. This is ‘wild-deluxe’ since guests book slots with a qualified lifeguard who stands by on the pontoon with fluffy towels and warming herbal tea.Up at the spa, there’s a reed-filtered swimming ‘pond’ beloved by ducks. The warm, bubbling hydrotherapy pool on the deck above is more popular with the local membership, seemingly the type more likely to be drawn to designer labels than sustainability certifications — which is a testament to how South Lodge has approached being greener while meeting the expectations of a mainstream luxury-hotel clientele: which is no mean feat.

Out and about

Wander the grounds or explore deeper into the South Downs.The most sustainable outing in all the land is within easy reach: Knepp Estate is a 3,500-acre rewilding project we are happy to champion at every opportunity. Their thriving wilderness provides a chance to experience rolling nature alive with rare species such as nightingales and purple emperor butterflies. Head to the WildingKitchen, where the regenerative menu teaches you about responsible sourcing. Book ahead for a guided safari to better understand why better biodiversity needs us nourishing land and soil in the way Isabella Tree and Charlie Burrell have with their agriculture-turned-wilding project. For more inspiration, the best-selling author of Wilding, guested on episode two in the second series of The Standard’s Sustainable Travel podcast, which also features The Reeds at South Lodge.

The Reeds, two-bedroom lakeside lodge, from £1,200 per night, includes breakfast and spa access; sleeps up to four.