Looking for gorgeous coastal spots to visit and activities to try out this month? Here’s our recommendations on the hottest coastal stays, where to eat and things to buy, by yours truly…
£1M SPA OPENING FOR WATERSIDE HOTEL
North Wales’ popular four star The Quay Hotel & Spa, located in the prestigious Deganwy Marina in Conwy, has opened its new destination spa, inspired by its waterside location.
Following a £1million renovation, the new spa has a relaxing wellness thermal area, centred around a large swimming pool and adjoining vitality pool, which is surrounded by comfortable day beds and heated seats for guests to lounge on throughout the day. The lighting in the pool area is low and blue toned, reminding guests just how close they are to the natural world and surrounding water.
The wellness suite is made up of a Himalayan salt sauna, infrared sauna – where the radiant heat will detoxify, penetrate deeply into muscles and enhance wellbeing – and an aromatic steam room promoting respiratory health, as well as a traditional sauna where the dry heat melts away tension.
Wet facilities include a large experience shower, and expansive foot bath area where guests can gently soothe tired feet after roaming the beautiful national parks and nearby towns of Llandudno and Conwy.
THREE AND EASY FOR LUXURY STAYS
If you’re looking for a luxury coastal stay in Northumberland then three beautiful properties unveiled by rental experts Crabtree & Crabtree could be just the location for you.
A striking gothic revival gatehouse refurbished with modern comforts, Cheswick House Gate Lodge is set on a private estate just one mile away from Cheswick Sands, one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in Northumberland.
As well beautiful and bright accommodation, guests can enjoy the benefits of Cheswick House estate gardens which total 30 acres and include access to a tennis court and remarkable wildlife rich parklands. (Sleeps four, two bedrooms, one bathroom, takes one dog).
A contemporary chic coastal retreat with sleek modern amenities and a soothing palate, Tide’s Watch occupies an enviable plot overlooking the sweeping sands on the edge of the pretty fishing village of Beadnell.
With soul-stirring sea views to the front and a stylish decking area complete with fire-pit to the rear, this property embraces upscale seaside living. (Sleeps six, three bedrooms, two bathrooms).
Enjoying one of the most enviable views in England, Bamburgh Five is sure to make an impression. With the beach just minutes from its door, it looks out across leafy gardens to the striking Bamburgh Castle which has commanded the coastline since the 12th century.
The property’s open-plan living space will encourage guests to slow down and make the most of coastal (Sleeps four, two bedrooms, two bathrooms).
Find details of these three properties and more at crabtreeandcrabtree.com
DREAM COME TRUE FOR CORNWALL CHEF
Inspired by the food cultures of the Iberian peninsula and Mediterranean coast, renowned chef Dorian Janmaat’s has opened his first solo outpost – Ardor – in the heart of St Ives in Cornwall.
Originating from the words ‘heat’ and ‘passion’ in Latin, Ardor takes its cues from two things that go hand in hand to describe the Mediterranean way of life. Set on the bustling Fore Street, the casual dining restaurant will pay homage to Dorian’s love of the Mediterranean coast and Cornwall, where he spent much of his upbringing.
Having honed his culinary style as the award-winning executive head chef of The Idle Rocks Hotel and over nine years (five of those as head chef) at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Dorian has crafted a menu of flavoursome simplicity, seasonal to its core. Spanish-influenced small plates will celebrate locally and Andalusian sourced produce, along with the freshest Cornish seafood and dry aged cuts, cooked simply over charcoal.
Open for lunch and dinner, the small plates menu, inspired by tapas and mezze concepts allows guests to try a bit of everything and enjoy all of the incredible produce and authentic flavours from both Cornwall and Andalusia.
Dorian reveals: “It has been a lifelong dream of mine to open a restaurant. Ardor’s aim is to offer delicious plates using the best produce, selected for its quality and flavour, enhanced by cooking with care and simplicity.”
HISTORIC COASTAL PUB RE-OPENS
Situated in a charming village along the breathtaking north Norfolk coast, the historic Grade II listed White Horse pub has undergone a stunning transformation, emerging with a fresh new look and reinstating the original features of the property.
The 70-cover pub is warm, cosy and welcoming, with low ceilings, an inglenook fireplace and charmingly restored dining furniture to cater for all dining needs including a large table for family get togethers. The locals bar – with a good selection of real ales and craft beers – completes the picture inside the pub. Outside there is a spacious south facing garden with fire pit, more dining areas, a pétanque area and designated kids’ playground. The new entrance to the pub leads to a spacious parking area.
Diners can expect to feast on Brancaster oysters, Cromer crab crumpets, Tim Allen’s pork T-Bone chop, Sandringham Farm mutton chops and Billy Ward’s lobster with garlic and herb butter. The seasonal menu will also serve weekly specials based on supplier availability and there’s always fish and chips on a Friday.
Coast confidential: Where to stay, where to eat and what to buy along the coast this month
TOWERING ACHIEVEMENT
The stylish essence of California arrives in Torquay as Vane Tower makes a striking impression on the skyline. This grand tower commands attention with its unique red brick facade, hinting at a timeless design that stands out from the rest.
Upon entering through the grand wooden doors, guests are instantly transported to a world of cool sophistication reminiscent of the west coast. Each room offers a delightful blend of colours, textures, and materials that invite exploration and admiration.
The laid-back sofas and luxurious beds create an atmosphere of relaxation, inviting guests to appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and passion behind the design.
Vane Tower is not just a landmark on the outside, but a haven of chic elegance within. Designed by the talented Bita De Laurentiis of Bita Interior Design, an acclaimed firm from San Diego, this holiday retreat sets a new standard for guest experience in Torquay.
THREE TO TRY…
Here’s three lovely products Coast loves this month for life on the beach:
HEY, TRY THESE FOR SIZE
Put your best foot forward on a trip to the beach, or when hanging out shoreside, in a pair of these stylish new shoes just launched in the UK by HEYDUDE.
The brand is known for its commitment to crafting shoes that are not only comfortable but also effortlessly fashionable, making them a staple for everyday and special occasions alike. We like this Wally style for men, available in shoe or ankle boot format. heydude.uk
SUITS YOU FOR SURFING…
ZONE3, the leading innovator in performance triathlon and open-water swimwear, has expanded its open water product offering with a new revolutionary wetsuit – The ZONE3 Switch. The wetsuit stands out from the crowd with its use of Yulex® fabric, a natural plant-based rubber material derived from the sap of a havea tree. The design also incorporates durable abrasion-resistant knee pads, for paddle boarding or surfing. zone3.com
KEEN ON A STYLISH WALKER
If you’re looking for the ultimate hybrid sandal for coastal wanderings, then search no more…KEEN have got you covered with their all new Hyperport H2. Get ready to make a splash in this lightweight, part sandal, part hiker, it’s the perfect partner wherever adventure takes you this season. And it comes in a fabulous range of colours. keenfootwear.de/en
