Le Maison aux Quat' Saisons, Oxford, England

This delightful 15th-century manor house is located in the scenic Oxfordshire countryside. Marvellous gardens, sunny terraces, lounges of refined elegance: tall, light-marble fireplaces and original oil paintings. Rooms decorated with antique furniture and canopy beds. It is here that you wilI find the United Kingdom's most cherished restaurant, the magical realm of Raymond Blanc. This Frenchman, who came to the banks of the Thames some 20 years ago, knows how to draw picturesque flavours from magnificent products with his infallible techniques. Savour the delicacy of civet de coquillages et poissons aux algues d'Ecosse et citron vert, exquisite pigeonneau farci au boudin blanc, jus de truffe. A constantly renewed inspiration, accompanied by a fine wine from the expertly selected list. The simplicity of great art.

Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, located eight miles east of Oxford, England, in the Cotswold village of Great Milton, challenges any preconception one may have of English country-house hotel. The 15th-century manor, on a 27-acre estate overlooking the Thames Valley, is fresh from a $9 million improvement by chef and owner Raymond Blanc. Le Monoir is one of only five properties in the Limited Edition of Virgin - a collection of one-of-a-kind hotels hand-selected by Virgin's Richard Branson. The property is also a member of he Relais and Chateaux Relais Gourmand and recipient of its purple shield. The Manoir's cooking school, Ecole de Cuisine, is the only cooking school housed in a kitchen of a two-star Michelin restaurant.

Connoisseurs of luxurious accommodations will appreciate this property. Approximately 75 percent of guests stay at the Manoir for a special occasion, such as wedding or anniversary, while others come for the renowned cooking school.

The hotel has 19 rooms with direct dial phones, television, hair dryer and bathrobes. Also available on the property or nearby are croquet, golf, horseback riding, fishing and clay pigeon shooting. Local attractions include Blenheim Palace, Stonor Park, Waddesdon Manor, Windsor Castle, Oxford and the Cotswolds. Rates range from $390 to $940 double, depending on accommodation, and include morning coffee, tea and a newspaper. Special packages are available.

Calling the 19 guest rooms "standard" is a bit misleading. Whether guests choose a standard room or one of the 13 suites, they'll find luxurious amenities, such as a bottle of Madeira wine. 17 rooms have been added, designed with either an updated English-country or an eclectic fusion of modern and traditional decor. Suites boast a separate living area, couch and table, along with a stereo system, CD player and a selection of CD's/ Some rooms have fireplaces. Quaint touches include satin bows to hang outside the door - red indicate "do not disturb", and green indicates "please make up the room". Bathrooms are grand, many having sunken bathtubs and large sunflower shower spouts. All rooms carry a theme that follows the decor. The Opium Suite, with its rich reds and dark woods, evokes an exotic Asian feel and has a private garden. The grand suite, Provence, features a dining room, vaulted-beam ceilings and Turkish carpets. The newest addition is Country Garden, which is encircled by the new rooms.

The grandeur of the Manoir's main house is reminiscent of an elegant lodge. The check-in areas are casual, decorated with dark woods and fireplace. The Cromwell Lounge, with its warm decor, is ideal for unwinding in front of the fire or savoring a light snack and drink from champagne bar. The grounds contain elegant, walled gardens, and a Japanese tea-house and garden - the third largest of it's kind in the U.K. A Givenchy-designed spa is in the works, and it will be the third such facility in the world.

Since a majority of the clientele comes to the Manoir to celebrate special events, the property offers a full-service private entertaining room. The Milton Room, complete with it's own garden, is decorated in an elegant, romantic style and is housed in a 15th-century Cotswold house. The room is suitable for eight to 55 guests, and menus range from a 4-coursemeal to the 7-course Menu Gourmand. Kosher celebrations can also be arranged.

Meals reflect what has been selected that day from the garden, which grows 15 types of lettuce, 75 types of vegetables and more than 70 herbs. The Garden will soon receive the Soil Association's award for organic status. Public dining takes place in the Conservatory, a light, window-filled room dressed in ecru that overlooks gardens. The restaurant has been rated number one by Zagat Survey London. There is additional dining in the French blue-and-yellow-decorated Grande Salle. Afternoon tea is served in the Crowmell Lounge. A selection of 30 types of traditional English and French cheeses complete the culinary experience. A children's menu s also available.

Service is impeccable without being pretentious or imposing. There is a staff ratio of 167 to 32. Attention to details, such as a professional valet or parking a picnic lunch for guests, makes the experience here first-rate.

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