CHRISTMAS CRACKERS
The holiday season is the time to indulge your loved ones with simple luxuries to lift the mood. We’ve picked out storm-watching seaside stays, a fine gin to savour, and a beach robe that’s super-warm for year-round sea swimmers
News and ideas to inspire over the holidays
COUPLES’ RETREAT
If watching a winter storm roll in across the Atlantic Ocean is your idea of heaven, consider booking a break at Seaglass on Tregonhawke cliff, Cornwall. The adultsonly self-catering beach hut is perched on a tier of the cliff and has spectacular views over Whitsand Bay and its sandy beach. Indoors, you can weather-watch through the snug-fitting bi-fold doors in the double aspect living room, or cocoon in the kingsize bedroom with equally fab sea vista. Outdoors, there’s an enclosed garden, with wooden swing seat, yoga deck, hot tub and heated outdoor shower for spa-style relaxation, and a pathway that leads straight down to the sea. Seaglass sleeps two, with space for two dogs, from £1,295 for a three-night weekend break. To book, call Unique Homestays on 01637 881183, or go to uniquehomestays.com.
CHRISTMAS TIPPLE
Looking for something special to enhance the festive drinks cabinet or to give as a classy pressie? New to the market this year is Seven Crofts Fisherman’s Strength Gin. The perfect Christmas gift, the stunning blue ombre genever-style bottle will be an eye-catching addition to any bar cart. Ideal for serving with fish, this gin makes a luxurious accompaniment to oysters, lobster or scallops. Distilled by the Ullapool-based Highland Liquor Company, which was founded by Robert Hicks and Helen Chalmers, this premium gin retails at £48 for a 70cl bottle and is available to pre-order now for nationwide delivery at highlandliquorcompany.com.
WARMEST GIFT
Name a sea sport lover who wouldn’t be happy unwrapping a gift from the Dryrobe range of beach coats? The garment that was invented by North Devon surfer Gideon Bright, in 2010, has become a must-have accessory for sea swimmers, surfers, stand-up paddleboarders and even marine sports spectators, who snuggle up in the loose-fitting robes on windy beaches. The waterproof, windproof and insulated garments have won the seal of approval of Great British Swim world record setter Ross Edgley, and Women’s British Surfing Champion, Lucy Campbell. Choose from two products, the Advance Long Sleeve with additional Velcro cuffs, and the Advance Short Sleeve, with fleecelined pockets, priced from £75 for kids’ sizes and from £120 for adult versions. Colours include navy, camo and red. Pop your pooch into a new doggy dryrobe too, available in four sizes, priced at £40 (dryrobe.com).
SUFFOLK CELEBRATIONS
Looking across Aldeburgh’s famous shingle beach and out to the North Sea, The Brudenell is a great place to rest and rejuvenate at the seaside. Over Christmas, the Suffolk hotel’s special threenight break includes all meals, beginning with afternoon tea and mulled wine on Christmas Eve, followed later by a three-course dinner in the Seafood & Grill restaurant. On Christmas Day, guests enjoy a six-course banquet, including a glass of Champagne, roast turkey and all the trimmings. Boxing Day has a more restful vibe, perfect for a potter along the seafront in between lunch and dinner served at the hotel. Time it right (late morning) and you’ll see brave sea swimmers take the plunge for the annual Aldeburgh Boxing Day Swim. Prices start at £600pp, based on two sharing a country view room (upgrades to seaview rooms available), bookings fully transferable up to 12 months (01728 452071, brudenellhotel.co.uk).