ROSLIN BEACH HOTEL, THORPE BAY, ESSEX
BEST FOR: A GIRLS’ DAY TRIP
Located opposite an award-winning beach in Thorpe Bay, Roslin Beach Hotel is a pearl of a find on the Essex coast. Onsite, you cannot fail to miss its ornate hallway and staircase. The Instagrammable interior is refreshed regularly, according to seasonal occasions, leading you through to The Tides Ballroom. Request a table at the window for panoramic views of the sea, where Afternoon Tea is served from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. We had the Sparkling Tea, with a glass of rosé champagne, while our savouries consisted of a tasty tartlet topped with crumbled Stilton and an array of sandwiches; we requested a pescatarian version. Nothing is ever a problem here. And with unlimited top-ups, you can afford to try at least one of each! Ask for any leftovers to be boxed up, as the box alone makes for a lovely keepsake. Those preferring lunch can dine in the two AA Rosette restaurant. The Retreat, meanwhile, consists of three treatment rooms – although don’t be fooled into bringing your swimming cossie, as there’s no pool area here. Still, the treatments are wideranging, from pedicures and waxes to lava shell massages. We had the Mother’s Day Spa Package, which consists of an Elemis Back Massage and Elemis Skin Solution Facial, glass of Prosecco and an Elemis travel-size gift to take home, but there are other day packages available too throughout the year. The comfortable waiting area was more akin to a stately home, decorated in calming shades of turquoise and pale green. The soothing sounds of the sea were piped through the speakers, and we left following our treatments in a state of bliss. But the single best thing to take away from our visit (aside from the cake box) was the excellent service throughout.
STAY: The Total Timeout package includes a choice of two treatments from the Roslin Luxury Choice List (which includes the Elemis back massage or the OPI express manicure), and a two-course lunch at the Roslin restaurant. Prices start from £78 per person. To book: visit roslinhotel.com or call 01702 586375. Tested by Lynn Gibson