Beach hut bliss at Beachcroft Hotel

We had front row seats. Watching the sun go down over the sea, glass of wine in hand, we were enjoying the view from our private terrace right on the seafront. My partner and I were staying at one of the four new luxury beach hut suites by the Beachcroft Hotel on Felpham beach.

The new high-end offering by the hotel comes at a time when the rise of Airbnb sees tourists seeking out quirky and unique places to stay. And Beachcroft has certainly hit the mark.

The beach huts, which boast wall-to-wall glass doors opening to a private terrace overlooking the sea, aren’t your usual cramped seaside structure.

These buildings are spacious, light, airy and modern. But there’s no mistaking you’re beside the seaside – the contemporary decor boasts shell ornaments and seaside scenes adorning the walls.

Each beach hut includes a mezzanine master bedroom – which through a portico window you can see the sea – and a stylish lounge opening onto the terrace.

There’s also a luxury shower room and a space with bunkbeds for those with children.

Those staying at the beach huts get a complimentary bottle of rose wine, a carafe of sloe gin and there’s an espresso machine alongside the usual tea and coffee.

Two smart TVs with Netflix feature in the lounge and the master bedroom for when the sun goes down – but you’ll want to enjoy that marvellous seafront view for as long as you can.

Guests can also book in at the Beachcroft hotel’s restaurant the Tamarisk for breakfast – full English or continental – and dinner, which is just 30 yards from your door.

On the evening menu you’ll find a good selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes, and you can enjoy a drink at the Beachfront Terrace.

While you’re staying at the beach huts, enjoy the sea air with a walk along the beach – there’s a seven mile coastal footpath stretching from Littlehampton to Bognor Regis – or even take a swim in the sea. But for those who aren’t prepared to brace the English Channel there’s an indoor swimming pool inside the Beachcroft Hotel.

The hotel also has complimentary bicycles for guests wanting to explore the area, and it offers a picnic for a perfect day out by the seaside.

Two of the beach huts are also dog-friendly for those who want to bring their furry friends along for a seaside break.

A stay in the Beach Hut Suites start from £225 per night B&B (based on two adults sharing). £25 per child (up to two children) beachcroft-hotel.co.uk/01243 827142/reservations@beachcroft-hotel.co.uk