Letter of the week
You asked us to share our favourite seaside hotels (Hotels-sur-Mer, last week). I first experienced La Rosa Hotel, in Whitby, North Yorkshire, when my university flatmate’s parents generously booked it out in its entirety for her 21st birthday. Our visit predated social media, which was perhaps a blessing, as our raucous group of party guests were able to enjoy the gloriously maximalist interior without the pressures of painstakingly documenting every chic arrangement of curiosities. The hotel was a favourite haunt of Lewis Carroll — unsurprising, as the winding staircases, hidden attics and sea views are the stuff of wonderland. Each room is themed, with narratives ranging from the Sacré-Coeur to Little Red Riding Hood. Mine was the Dracula-inspired Stoker suite, complete with framed stuffed bat. Should you choose to exit the rabbit hole, the town itself is — at the risk of sounding all millennial — pure Instagram gold.
Karen Mabon, Edinburgh
We happened upon the Saunton Sands Hotel, in Devon, when we found that the little country pub we had planned to stay in was full. It’s housed in a magnificent art deco building, guests are met by a doorman and the staff have to be the friendliest on earth. We opted for a sea-view room with a magnificent balcony overlooking the expanse of Saunton Sands — a four-mile stretch of wild seashore ideal for surfers, walkers and families. The hotel was full of Brits on holiday, which was a novel experience, and the whole place oozed relaxation.
Ann Thomas, Swansea
A most wonderful hotel is the six-room Villa St Maxime, on the lower slopes of St Paul-de-Vence, in the south of France. It is beautifully appointed, with fabulous rooms overlooking the Riviera, including the famous Villeneuve-Loubet apartments and St Paul itself. The owners, Ann and John, strive to make you feel welcome, and incredible breakfasts — and evening drinks — are served on the pool terrace. Heaven.
Helen Miller, London
In South Africa, we stayed at Hunter’s Country House, east of Knysna. If ever there were a location for an Agatha Christie novel, this is it. We each had a luxurious thatched bungalow at the end of a winding path, with underfloor heating and a log fire. When we met our fellow travellers for pre-dinner drinks in the comfortable lounge with mezzanine library, I felt I should be taking a roll call to make sure everyone was still with us.
Frances Thomas, Liverpool
Corsica is unquestionably the place for us: miles of golden beaches, and just secluded enough to feel different. Hôtel Casadelmar, in Porto-Vecchio, is a beautiful hotel right on the beach, with an infinity pool and an amazing spa. Porto-Vecchio is one of the most stunning places in France. Even driving there, we were taken aback by the beauty. A tip, though: don’t go with kids. They will find it inordinately dull.
Michael Harris, London
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