Summer is rolling up fast, settling in and bringing with it the longing we need of being close to the sea, sand and sun, so we thought what better way to get you excited for the upcoming season than give you a treasured list of seaside haunts? We’ve scoured the country for the best and most luxurious seaside hotels for you to check out this summer.
Seaham Hall, Co Durham
This very posh boutique hotel on England's north-east coast is the perfect seaside getaway. Home to a decadent spa, a black granite steam room, an ozone cleansed swimming pool to plunge pools, an ice fountain and a traditional Turkish hammam. Check into one of the individually styled suites which deliver stylis and spacious surroundings and all the mod cons you can imagine. Ranging from Junior Suites to the outstanding Penthouse the Seaham Hall promises stunning uninterrupted seaside views. So wrap up in your fluffy dressing gown, enjoy the peace and sea as well as the famed spa of Seaham Hall.
Burgh Island, South Devon
Imagine a gorgeous shining white ocean liner, moored on its own tidal island, surrounded by golden beaches and silvers seas – and the reality is Burgh Island Hotel, an iconic Devon landmark. It’s a beautiful 1920s art deco palace full of authentic furniture and period charm, while it also has its own helicopter pad and all the 2st century amenities, you really can’t go wrong. Rumour has it booking the newly restored Beach House; formerly a retreat for Edward Windsor and Wallis Simpson will offer you the best views the hotel has to offer.
St Bride's Hotel, Pembrokeshire
The jaw-dropping view of Carmarthen Bay takes centre stage at St Bride's. You can see it from almost all of the hotel's 35 plush bedrooms, while tucking into locally caught monkfish or sea bream at the Cliff Restaurant, or while enjoying a dip in the outdoor infinity pool. The rooms are stylish and contemporary, with luxury bathrooms and modern amenities across the hotel; we can’t forget to mention the hotel’s spa which includes a herbal steam room and a rock sauna.
The Victoria at Holkham, Norfolk
The Norfolk coast offers nothing less than true opulence and grandeur. From colonial artefacts to gorgeous fabrics and huge four poster beds as well as views across the marshes and dune, this hotel sits next to Norfolk’s most impressive beach, a true seaside gem. Undeniably British, the kitchen serves up a wealth of local ingredients, including Cromer crab.
Hotel Tresanton, St Mawes, Cornwall
Tresanton is a cluster of houses on the edge of St Mawes, one of the prettiest fishing villages in Cornwall. With bedrooms that promise magnificent views of the sea as well as the chance to spend the day on the hotel's 15m yacht or enjoying a range of treatments including reflexology and Indian head massage, before settling down for an exquisite, locally sourced dinner on the terrace, we wouldn’t be surprised if you decided to stay the whole summer. Afterall renowned hotelier Olga Polizzi's famous venture is often credited as kick-starting the renaissance in luxury coastal hotels in Britain, we have to admit we can see why!
Boskerris Hotel, St Ives, Cornwall
Overlooking Carbis Bay, this is the perfect swanky, contemporary pad from which to explore swanky, contemporary St Ives. The decorative style is chic and minimalist: a tasteful mix of glass, bleached boards, neutral browns and subtle pastels. Cornwall's most up-and-coming restaurant, the Porthminster Cafe, is a 20-minute walk along the coastal path.
Westover Hall Hotel, Lymington, Hampshire
This Victorian mansion designed in 1897 stands proud and preserved in the gorgeous area of Lymington. Now family-run, the owners have preserved the sumptuous interior beautifully - there's acres of oak panelling, magnificent stained-glass windows and ceilings decorated in high relief. Situated on the edge of the New Forest, the Beach House is nestled 200 yards from the beach and boasts breath-taking view of the Isle of Wight and the Needles.
Eilean Shona House, Argyll
Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in this grand house on a private 2,000-acre island off the west coast of Scotland, part-owned by Vanessa Devereux, Richard Branson's sister. Situated at the entrance to Loch Moidart, one of the loveliest parts of the west coast enjoy the beautiful garden that pans outs to the sea or the gorgeous artwork bought and commissioned by the owners, many of which were created on the island.. Sleeping up to 18, the house has a magnificent dining room and a discreet billiards room, offering both luxury and privacy for those who want a quiet vacation.
Boath House, Nairn
A Georgian mansion with its own private lake, a tranquil walled garden and six very grand bedroom suites, including a cottage in the grounds – sounds exquisite right? Most of the rooms are gigantic, and some come with outsized four-poster beds and bathrooms with twin roll-top baths. Guests can amuse themselves with a few rounds at Nairn's golf course, or go dolphin-spotting in the Moray Firth.
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides
Salmon-fishing and deer-stalking are just two of the sporty diversions on offer at this grand castle, set in 55,000 acres of glorious wilderness.
Dramatic hills and cliffs as well as classic Hebridean white sandy beaches are on your doorstep. Bedrooms are suitably lavish so is the cooking, which puts an emphasis firmly on local and seasonal, is first class.