The volume has been turned up on colour at Cowley Manor. Citrus green, pinks and puces in a mix of mid-20^th century designs have seen it voted as the 'coolest hotel in the world', yet something remains defiantly country retreat about it. A sunken outdoor pool and spa building - where you can brave a 'Cor Blimey' full body wax - are like a secret Mies van der Rohe zone that doesn't seek to tamper with the otherwise traditional setting. It's a careful touch that allows these manors with their modern makeovers to bring together the best of old and new. Best, Exceptional, Great, Better, Good is how they define their room categories - can't argue with that.