Utopia DORSET
BEST FOR… Party people with Kardashian pretensions
So how big are we talking?
MASSIVE. Utopia may be called a holiday “cottage”, but this private and highly chic hideaway is more like a vast MTV crib: 10 superking-sized bedrooms with luxurious en-suites (bag one with a freestanding tub for bath-bomb bliss), a pool and a cosy cinema room. There are coastal views from the modern openplan living area and an open fire to warm things up in winter. The souped-up kitchen/dining area can handle up to 20 guests, and a copper-topped bar provides the perfect setting to host one hell of a party.
House highlight?
The large heated indoor pool. If there was ever a place for a photo shoot to rival one of Kylie Jenner’s, this is it. Set the scene, open the wall of bifold doors onto the expansive terrace, turn the lights down low and let the purple spotlights in the water do the rest. And who needs a DJ when you can sync up your best playlist to the Sonos sound system? Blast tunes wherever you are, from the pool to the bar.
And if you want to explore?
Utopia’s a five-minute walk from one of England’s most desirable and picturesque coastal spots, Lulworth Cove. Head down to the pebbly beach, then stroll along to the limestone Stair Hole cliffs for sunset. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous/need to burn off last night’s cocktails, venture a little further to Durdle Door, a magnificent natural archway formed on the shore. It’s a pretty hefty climb over the hill, but the views are worth the achy thighs. Tip: make sure you travel to Utopia by car as the area is quite remote and tricky to reach via public transport.
If you do ONE thing while you’re there, make sure you…
Book a private chef. Dineindulge offers anything from a six-dish platter to an indulgent nine-course tasting menu, so you don’t have to leave paradise (or the sofa) while your own personal version of Nigella takes control in the kitchen.
GET ME THERE
Short breaks from £5,000 for two nights – divided by 20 that makes it only £250 each; Mulberrycottages.com. Dineindulge experience from £24.99 each; Dineindulge.co.uk