Barefoot Vibes & Guestroom Guides

Barefoot Vibes & Guestroom Guides

Forget airport chaos and queues! We're predicting a sizzling summer that's perfect for sandcastles and sunloungers as the Great British staycation gets our vote again this year. Discover being barefoot in Bournemouth as we highlight the best beaches and guestrooms! You won't need your wellies in Wales for a leisurely stay in Llanelli either! But first, let's go to Bexhill-on-Sea where the beach is on the doorstep to an award-winning hotel with its own gin palace!

Relais Cooden Beach

Situated between Eastbourne and Hastings, The Relais Cooden Beach is located on a shingle beach in East Sussex. Popular with kite and windsurfers as well as swimmers and jet-ski users, the beach is Marine Conservation Society recognised, ensuring excellent water quality.

Every aspect of The Relais Cooden Beach is designed to offer a feeling of restoration – from the calm interiors, to the nourishing food, to the therapies in the wellness spa and exploring the untouched corner of East Sussex.

From the yoga classes on the beach to invigorating wild swims in the English Channel to discovering the surrounding English countryside and coastline.

The sensation of being on the water’s edge is both revitalising and captivating.

Accommodation is in either the main building or the Sea House, located in the hotel's garden and offering a choice of interconnecting and family rooms.

Adjacent to the hotel is The Sea Cottage, where guests can treat themselves to luxury beauty treatments such as body and facial massages, pedicures, and manicures. Golf fans can also test their skills on the 18-hole golf course, just a two-minute stroll from the hotel.

Cliffden Hotel

Featuring seven acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, with cherubs, a pond and an inviting sun terrace, it's easy to sit back and relax into this Devonshire holiday at the Cliffden Hotel. Access to Teignmouth's award-winning Blue Flag beach is just yards away through a garden gate, and because it's a long beach, over-crowding isn't a problem. Whether you're after a romantic picnic for two or entertaining the family with a game of rounders, you'll find your own bit of sandy space!

The promenade is just a few metres away and the Grand Pier is a short stroll. Further fun can be had at The Eden Project and Paignton Zoo, or saddle up for horse riding, cast a line for fishing or lace up for hiking along the stunning Devon coastline.

Accommodation at the Cliffden is spacious and traditional, with en-suite facilities and hospitality trays. There's also an indoor swimming pool, perfect as a wet weather plan, and a relaxing lounge and bar. The Four Seasons Restaurant serves a wide range of cuisine, including local specialities and modern favourites to tantalise the taste buds!

Bournemouth Carlton Hotel

It's a prosperous town with a rich offering of entertainment, from funfairs and fairgrounds, to exhibitions and performing arts, clubs and casinos, plus with a long-established reputation for award-winning beaches, Bournemouth is a holiday destination that's never out of demand. Whether you prefer a leisurely lounge around the hotel pool or high-energy water sports on the beach.

If you're looking for a base to mix pool and beach time with countryside exploration, the Bournemouth Carlton Hotel BW Signature Collection is in a prime location on the famous East Cliff overlooking the golden beach below. It also has the pool and poolside loungers for those essential lazy days!

If a sun-downer is a vital part of your break, the hotel's cocktail bar is perfect! With a glass of Pimms or tasty al fresco dining, you can watch the sun dip down over the horizon. Alternatively, Frederick's Restaurant will satisfy the heartiest of appetites with a menu of classics and seasonal favourites.

A fully-equipped gym, sauna and Jacuzzi are also available and if you want to venture into town, it's just a short walk.

Old Ship Hotel

You won't get sand between your toes because of the shingle beach in Brighton but you will get a break that's packed with variety!

From the boutique shopping, cafes and bars of The Lanes and the winding, narrow cobbled streets to the modern Brighton Marina that's home to yachts, chic shopping, galleries, craft shops and casual dining. Volk’s Electric Railway chugs along the seafront from the marina to Brighton Pier where you can hire a deck chair or hit the amusements!

For a stylish stay on Brighton's seafront, the charming Old Ship Hotel provides a relaxing 4-star stay that's just a short walk from The Lanes and Brighton's promenade.

The landmark property boasts individually designed guest rooms, equipped with hospitality trays or Nespresso machines, Freeview TV and Wifi, plus many

of the rooms have superb views out to sea. There's a choice of dining, with The Wardroom offering a fine dining experience, and The Mess Deck Bar and Terrace perfect for more casual dining.

With its superb location, the Old Ship Hotel is an ideal choice for discovering Brighton by day and night.

Stradey Park Hotel

Stradey Park Hotel in Carmarthenshire has mastered the art of a warm welcome, from the all-important impressionable arrival and friendly check-in through to the attentive restaurant service.

Set against a backdrop of Welsh hills, this property enjoys a prime location convenient for Llanelli, the Loughor estuary, National Wetlands Centre and the Millennium Coastal Path. For golfers, the famous Nicklaus-designed Machynys Golf and Country Club is open to non-members.

The hotel has a good range of guest rooms, including accessible adapted rooms. A luxury suite, spa and family rooms are also available. Breakfast and evening dining is in the Copperplate Bar and Grill where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Gower Penninsula and Carmarthen Bay.