­It was my inept parking ability which proved just how good the staff is at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons. I pulled into the Manoir on a sunny Sunday afternoon and was working on executing a perfect reverse park (ahem) in one of the farthest away lots, and it took me a few goes to get it right. As my husband was getting increasingly impatient with me, a uniformed valet appeared at the side of the car. “Can I help you, madam?” he said discreetly. Ahhh, this was the beginning of the Manoir treatment- understated, friendly, and two steps ahead of the needs of their guests. In this case, it was averting a full-blown fight.

But I shouldn’t have expected anything less. Le Manoir consistently racks up awards for everything from its service to its cuisine. It made the 2009 Conde Nast Traveller Gold List...