Relais & Châteaux’s best hotels for travelers who love the seaside, from a restored manor house in Jersey with a private yacht charter, to a luxury castle offering the chance to explore the Hebridean islands by boat with a private chef.
The Idle Rocks A sea-lover’s dream…
This Relais & Châteaux boutique seaside hotel, perched perfectly on the rocks in the heart of St Mawes, is a seaside-lover’s dream. Bright rooms overlook the sea, inviting the sound of waves lapping against the shore. On the waterfront terrace, guests can savor the Cornish sunshine and enjoy the freshest produce caught by local fishermen. Powerboats are available for hire, offering the perfect chance to whiz across waters, whilst motorboats cater to family trips to nearby beaches. The more adventurous guest can take a wild swim, hire a sailing dinghy, go kayaking against the coastline or join a sailing class. Don’t forget to ask about the ferries and water taxis, which offer trips across the water to Place Manor.
Price: From £200 per night Address: Harbourside, Tredenham Rd, St Mawes, Truro TR2 5AN Reservations: 01326 270270 https://www.relaischateaux.com/gb/united-kingdom/idlerocks
Longueville Manor A graceful venture…
This lovingly restored Jersey manor house - a Relais & Châteaux property - features 30 individually-designed bedrooms and suites and is hailed as one of Europe’s most celebrated getaway destinations. The hotel’s private luxury yacht charter, fondly referred to as Fizz Too, is ideal for a luxurious day trip on the Channel Islands’ waters, a hop over to France, or a simple island tour. This British built Princess 42 is powerful, yet graceful, and features two en-suite cabins, a luxurious saloon and a watersports-friendly cockpit. Wherever guests choose to venture, there’s an opportunity to spot dolphins or seals…
Price: From £150 per night Address: Longueville Rd, St.Saviour JE2 7WF Reservations: +44 1534 725501 https://www.relaischateaux.com/gb/united-kingdom/longueville-jersey-st-saviour
Lympstone Manor Experience the exceptional…
This contemporary country house hotel in Devon – part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio - overlooks the Exe Estuary with extensive views of the Devon coast. In summer, the Exe estuary - a unique habitat made up of river and tidal estuary waters - is populated by leisure boats on moorings, providing views of dinghy regattas from guests’ bedrooms or the terrace. Come winter, the richest and most varied bird populations take over. Guests can also enjoy the coastal path during intimate walks around the hotel’s 28-acre grounds.
Price: From £285 per night Address: Courtlands Lane, Exmouth, EX8 3NZ Reservations: 01395 202040 www.relaischateaux.com/gb/united-kingdom/lympstone-manor-hotel-exmouth
Glenapp Castle Coastal castles…
This 5 Star Luxury Castle Hotel sits high above the coastline of southwest Scotland, overlooking the Irish Sea. This Relais & Châteaux property offers guests the opportunity to hop onboard the Glenapp boat to explore the Hebridean islands. A private chef will be onboard whilst professional crew navigates the boat towards remote islands, coastal castles and distant inns. Moments away from the castle is the Stinchar River and a range of seasonal salmon and trout rivers, where even the most adventurous of sea fishing along the Ayrshire coast and local islands can be tackled.
Price: From £217 per night Address: Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae, Girvan KA26 0NZ Reservations: 01465 831212 https://www.relaischateaux.com/gb/united-kingdom/glenapp-ayrshire-ballantrae
Airds Hotel Dolphins, sea birds and golden eagles
A stay at this Relais & Châteaux boutique luxury country house hotel can include a 1.5 hour private boat trip, after being picked up at the jetty in Port Appin, followed by a tour of the sea loch (known as Loch Linnhe) and its wildlife. Seals are particularly present in the summer months, alongside porpoises, dolphins, sea birds and grand Golden Eagles. The more active guests can enjoy an array of activities around the Port Appin and the Oban area, from speedboat trips, to “seafari” adventures and whale, whirlpool and wildlife watching.
Price: From £325 per night Address: Port Appin, Appin PA38 4DF Reservations: 01631 730236 https://relaischateaux.com/us/united-kingdom/good-to-know-airds
