5 EXTRAORDINARY STAYS
Looking for somewhere special to stay, a place to lay your head that’s a little out of the ordinary? From sleeping with lions to gazing out from a shepherd’s hut to old school elegance, we’ve got something to float your boat. Read on for inspiration…
CABÜ BY THE SEA
CABÜ by the Sea at St Mary’s Bay nestles into a natural stretch of privately owned grassland next to the seafront between Romney Marsh and the English Channel.
This intimate retreat has immediate access to the beach with miles of coastline to explore. A variety of luxury accommodation is available, ranging from a Writers Studio cabin for couples to a three bed Boat House perfect for families.
Whether braving the sea, relaxing in the seasonal pool, hot tubs and sauna or chatting with friends in the open-air summerhouse this stylish setting is the perfect base to explore this unique part of Kent.
Built around a central CABÜ House where guests can pick-up groceries, organise picnics or ask staff about local attractions, CABÜ by the Sea offers the perfect coastal escape.
CABÜ House is also home to the Cabin Club Beach Bar where you can enjoy a drink, read the papers by the fire or catch up with friends and the Sitooterie, a sheltered outdoor space with log burners, BBQ griddles and pizza ovens. There is free on-site parking and dogs are welcome in some cabins when pre booked.
A SHEPHERD’S HUT
Get back to nature in a luxurious Shepherds Hut on the Romney Marsh. With three bespoke huts to choose from, the vast open skies, sheep pastures and breath-taking surroundings make for an unforgettable escape.
The Lookerer and Rumwold both sleep two, and their charm and bright, warm and inviting interiors make them ideal for a romantic break. All the necessary amenities, a well thought out kitchenette and living area with a wood burning stove and a thoughtful welcome pack of local products complete the picture.
The Romney is a rare find for glampers, perfect for love birds with the outdoor bath and double bed and also great for families or friends to share a hut for up to four all under one roof. Lie back and enjoy the views from the stunning outside bath, watch the lambs skipping in the spring, or in the chillier months cuddle up next to the wood burner or snuggle under a blanket outside with the fire pit roaring and watch the stars.
The Boulden family have farmed on Romney Marsh since 1882, and today’s owners Paul and Kristina have diversified into running the accommodation alongside the farm – as well as creating their own range of wool products – toiletries, blankets and bedding and more -which are featured inside the huts.
PORT LYMPNE HOTEL AND RESERVE
Port Lympne’s award winning short breaks range from luxurious 4* boutique hotel stays to a romantic night under the stars in a 180-degree, panoramic bubble pod. Profits from the park and short breaks here support the Aspinall Foundation’s animal conservation charity work which takes place around the world.
Lion Lodge and Tiger Lodge bring you closer than you could ever imagine to these magnificent big cats – through huge plate glass windows. Wolf Lodge, a beautifully renovated historic cottage gives you access to a bespoke treetop viewing pod via a bridge over the wolves’ wooded habitat. At Rhino Lodge you wake up to rhinos at the bottom of your private garden and there are other amazing animal experiences at the Treehouses, Lookout Bubble, Treetop Bubble, Hog Deer Creek, Leopard Creek, Pinewood, Bear Lodge, Giraffe Cottage and Giraffe Lodge.
Set within 15 acres of landscaped gardens, the historic Mansion Hotel at Port Lympne Reserve offers incredible views from every bedroom. As you tread the halls of this early 20th century Grade II listed country house, you can almost feel the aristocrats and Royalty who once visited. The eight themed rooms are based on prestigious former guests such as Winston Churchill, and TE Lawrence of Lawrence of Arabia fame, there is a stunning Moroccan Courtyard, and public rooms decorated with sensational murals depicting wildlife scenes.
The Garden Room restaurant offers dishes made with local produce and home-grown ingredients, while the Terrace is the perfect spot for afternoon tea in the summer.
Oh, and all overnight guests have exclusive access to the reserve before and after visiting hours with their own personal golf buggy!
ROOMS AT ROCKSALT
Rocksalt Restaurant in Folkestone Harbour very quickly established itself as one of ‘the’ places to visit in town.
With possibly the most beautiful view from a dining room (and sun terrace and rooftop wine bar and even a garden) ever, along with superb food, the fact that you can now stay at Rocksalt makes it all even better.
Four boutique bolt hole bedrooms each have their own personality, and are dressed with Egyptian cotton sheets, original antique beds, flat screen TVs and wet rooms. Two have stunning views over the working fishing harbour and out to sea, and all four are just a few short steps from Rocksalt itself.
Indulgence is the name of the game, with everything you could possibly desire and a complimentary breakfast served at Rocksalt.
For more information visit www.rocksaltfolkestone.co.uk
THE HYTHE IMPERIAL
Dating back to 1880, this Victorian gem is steeped in elegance and beauty, right on the coast with views stretching as far as France, and just a brief walk into all the charms of Hythe.
The 92 bedrooms and suites are all individually decorated with no two looking the same, but they all offer contemporary luxury amidst the Victorian style. It’s not all about looking at the view – the Hythe Imperial has an indoor pool, spa and leisure suite, and a golf course right on the doorstep.
The Coast Restaurant offer modern British cuisine using locally sourced ingredients that reflect the seasons in an elegant but relaxed setting. Afternoon Tea is served in the Windsor Parlour or on the beautifully manicured lawns in summer. The Martello Bar, open daily, has an extensive drinks and food menu, with Kent’s only Moet et Chandon Champagne Bar to mix things up.
And another claim to fame – the Hythe Imperial’s magnificent chandelier, created and designed by the Royal Warrant holders Wilkinson Ltd is thought to be the tallest chandelier in Europe.
