RELAXATION-ON-SEA

A restful mini-moon awaits at The Beachcroft Hotel’s Beach Hut Suites on Felpham seafront

Occupying a prime position on Felpham’s seafront, among the West Sussex South Downs, The Beachcroft Hotel’s Beach Hut Suites offer all the British seaside charm you could wish for along with a particularly healthy dose of pure luxury. Situated on a seven-mile coastal footpath, the local area boasts secluded beaches, award-winning seafront with Grade II listed pier and green-flag parks. A stone’s throw from Bognor Regis, Felpham is the Yin to its neighbour’s Yang. A delightful Sussex village it’s every bit as quiet and relaxing as Bognor is bustling and vibrant. Your Sussex Wedding editor Kelly Andrews spent two nights in Beach Hut Suite Pebble, and here she shares the one-of-a-kind experience that might await you as mini-mooners.

COME ON IN Having arrived at The Beachcroft Hotel, tucked away on a quiet residential street, just after nightfall, I popped into reception to check in. The staff couldn’t have been more welcoming and already I felt like a valued guest. The Beach Hut Suites are located a mere hop, skip and a jump from the Hotel just opposite, and have their own little car park with each Hut allocated a space, so there’s no trekking across the street with luggage.

The four Beach Hut Suites have each been given a cute seasideinspired name – we were welcomed to Pebble. But regardless of which one you’re allocated, you’ll find a stylish lounge area, its own terrace overlooking the pebble beach, a mezzanine master bedroom, and for those who want to bring the kids there’s a small bunk bedroom. The latter was the first room we encountered as we entered complete with buckets, spades and activity sheets already laid out on the beds. The team here really have thought of everything, more on that later. Next was the bathroom with the necessary facilities, plus rainfall shower, and light-up mirror, excellent for those of us who need good lighting to do our makeup in the mornings!

It wasn’t until the next morning though, that we were able to fully appreciate the view from the bi-folding glass door, which spans most of the Hut’s width. In fact as I pulled the curtains open my breath was taken away – “wow!” I’m from the seaside myself, so can be a little blasé about sea views, but this was truly idyllic. With the rising sun glistening on the water and the beach right there in front of me, I hadn’t appreciated just how close we were until then. The hut’s little patio complete with loungers is the perfect place to take it all in. Despite it being mid-October, we were determined to make the most of the setting, immediately folding back the door and keeping it that way all day as we listened to the waves and took in the refreshing sea air. Eventually, the sun set and the temperature dropped, but we were still comfortable once we’d bid goodnight to the view and drawn the curtains thanks to the Hut’s ultra-modern underfloor heating.

Here, in this home away from home you’ll find plenty of comforts and treats to make your stay special from the chilled bottle of rose in the oh-so chic Smeg fridge (which I enjoyed while watching Strictly) and a decanter of sloe gin, to yoga mats and complimentary toiletries. I particularly fell in love with all the quirky finishing touches such as the local artwork and giant champagne cork bedside tables. If all you want to do is kick back there’s a good Wi-Fi connection plus a Netflix-connected TV so, put your feet up and enjoy your favourite shows curled up together on the sofa with the provided blankets.

TO DINE FOR One night we headed over to The Beachcroft Hotel and Tamarisk Restaurant to enjoy a three-course meal. I cannot overstate how impressed I was with the food here! The welcoming family-eatery feel of the dining room only hinted at the culinary excellence that would be served. Head chef Damian Czerny has an array of experience working in kitchens across the continent, and it’s easy to see his passion and enthusiasm through his food. Not for the first time during our stay I uttered a, “wow,” as our main courses arrived. I had opted for chicken ballotine stuffed with smoked pancetta, spinach and fresh sage, which was absolutely delicious. Mum chose the fillet of lamb with garlic roasted new potatoes, pea and mint puree, grilled shallots, and a red wine jus; and commented that she’d never tasted lamb so perfectly cooked.

We’d decided to have a breakfast hamper delivered to the hut for the following morning, which arrived promptly at 8.30am as requested. I

was super-excited to unveil its contents. Among the gingham there was a platter of croissants, pain au chocolat, cheese, ham, jam and butter; along with fruit salad, yoghurt, orange juice and flasks of tea and coffee. It was wonderful to enjoy the indulgent treat that is a hotel breakfast, while relaxing in the privacy of your own space and of course, that view.

Still reluctant to remove ourselves from the comfortable luxury of the hut’s lounge, we also had a lunch hamper delivered. Equally as delicious as its breakfast counterpart, this included a fruit platter, artisan bread rolls, an incredible smoked mackerel pate, ham, cheese, and a Mediterranean salad of olives and sun-dried tomatoes. The food was accompanied by two mini bottles of prosecco and orange juice, so we decided to make bucks fizz!

Even if you were to spend several nights here you could choose to dine differently for every one. Apart from the incredible Tamarisk Restaurant in the main hotel, there’s also the outdoor garden terrace, Blake’s, which features dining pods, and Monty’s Bistro too. What’s more, there’s the option to order freshly-prepared and boxed-up fish and chips to enjoy on the terrace or back at the hut.

Before heading off we enjoyed breakfast over at the hotel on our final morning. Here, we found a mouthwatering continental breakfast spread, while hot food was available to order. Mum was equally complimentary about her porridge as she was her lamb on the first night and I tucked into a full English breakfast, which the friendly staff are patient enough to allow you to tailor to you own tastes.

OUT AND ABOUT If, like us, you decide to stay cocooned in the comfort of your Beach Hut Suite, you’re sure to find you have everything you need and more, but if you’d rather get out and about there’s plenty to do...  The hotel offers a personally-curated walking guide allowing you to explore the beautiful region to the fullest.  Each hut has a guide to West Sussex, so it’s easy to find out more about the local attractions and places of interest.  Head out to the beach for a spot of beach-combing for treasures or shell picking.  Neighbouring Pagham Harbour biological and geological site is one of the best places for bird watching. You’re likely to spot black-tailed godwits, brent geese, little egrets, little turns and pintails. Dolphins have also been seen close to the shoreline.  Hire paddle boards.  Adult bicycles are included as part of your stay in a Beach Hut Suite.  Visit nearby Tinwood Estate for wine tasting and vineyard tours.  Check out Goodwood for horse and motor racing.  For a spot of history head to nearby Arundel Castle.

BOOK IT http://beachcroftbeachhuts.co.uk reservations@beachcroft-hotel.co.uk 01243 827 142

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NEED TO KNOW  The Beach Hut Suites are part of The Beachcroft Hotel, so rates include breakfast, and room service is available.  The huts and hotel are dog friendly, so if you want to take your fur baby with you, check out the Doggy Getaway break under the

Stay tab on the website.  Gather the bride tribe and book The Penthouse with its three bedrooms sleeping six, large lounge, and dining area with floorto-ceiling windows looking out to sea. It’s an ideal base for a hen do getaway.  The Beach Hut Suites are priced at £415 based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis.