Forget just bed and breakfast, hotels are upping their game to include all manner of things to do, that are so much more exciting than sleeping…
Berkeley
A great British afternoon tea is always a good idea, particularly when it’s at the Berkeley, and even more so when it’s their Spring/ Summer 2015 Prêt-à-Portea afternoon tea, inspired by the Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty exhibition that’s showing at the Victoria and Albert Museum. McQueen’s armadillo shoes have been turned into a heeled biscuit and the hat Philip Treacy designed for McQueen's 2008 S/S collection is represented as a chocolate mousse.
Other designers who have made the candied cut are Oscar de la Renta, Emilio Pucci and Anya Hindmarch. Edible fashion, we like. That’s not all the Berkeley has up their sleeve either, from June 17th (until 28th October), they’re taking fitness to another level and offering 60-minute hula hooping masterclasses in their rooftop spa (above). Brilliant.
Read our full review of the Berkeley
Bedruthan Hotel & Spa
If there’s a hotel that should win an award for its creativity, it’s got to be the gorgeous Bedruthan Hotel & Spa in Cornwall. As well as its beautifully kitted out bedrooms, relaxing spa and restaurant (which dishes up the freshest of fish) you’re absolutely spoilt for choice in terms of fun things going on. It hosts everything from bread making courses to jewellery making (using found objects from the sea) to screen printing workshops. This summer (until August 2015), you can discover ceramicists, painters and sculptors in the hotel’s new Create Gallery or catch some of its outdoor theatre, which includes plays such as The Three Musketeers.
Read our full review of the Bedruthan Hotel & Spa and check out the hotel's theatre schedule
Scarlet
Hands down one of the most beautiful hotels on Cornwall’s north coast, just a short walk from the Bedruthan Hotel & Spa, is the Scarlet. Each of its rooms looks out over the rolling surf of Mawgan Porth and lush green craggy cliftops (best viewed from one of the free-standing baths), but if you can tear yourself away from your room, there’s so much else going on. For the ultimate calm you can take private yoga lessons on the clifftop or come nightfall you can head out on a clear night for a stargazing date, armed with blankets, a print out of the constellations (and even a pair of Swarovski binoculars). Is there anything more romantic? We think not.
Read our full review of the Scarlet
The Gallivant
Ok, so the British summertime weather can be a little on the temperamental side, but when you’re at the Gallivant in Camber, you might even have your fingers crossed for rain. Purely for the fact you have an excuse to delve into its extensive board game selection. After a supper of fresh oysters in the popular Beach Hut restaurant, head for the lounge (it’s all the more inviting for its recent refurb…) and get your game on. They even serve free afternoon tea for guests. Perfect.
Read our full review of the Gallivant
Charlotte Street Hotel
Sitting squarely in the things to do in a hotel that isn’t sleeping, falls the Charlotte Street Hotel and its super cosy screening room and film club. A million times better than you’re average Odeon, with just 75 seats, this is one classy Kit Kemp designed cinema. The Sunday Film Club includes a three-course lunch or afternoon tea and you can add some champagne to your Friday night film club. Screenings run from the classics Pretty Woman to the latest Far from the Madding Crowd.
Read our full review of the Charlotte Street Hotel
