LUXURY BEACH LOCATIONS TO UPGRADE YOUR SUMMER

This summer, like them all, is about escaping. Except this year, escaping far away isn’t as easy as usual – which is why we’re skipping the unknowns of venturing overseas and seeking out the very best beach paradises right here on our home island. We’ve rounded up our favourite coastal locations to soak up the sun and be at one with the sea here in the UK, and the best places to stay while you’re there, too. You’re welcome.

Stay: Tresco

It wouldn’t be a round-up of luxury destinations without Tresco. The only of the Scilly Isles to be privately owned, the whole place combines the feel of a far-flung resort with undeniable British charm. Stay in either The New Inn for a short break, or the exclusive Sea Garden Apartments for a longer escape, and head to the island’s east coast to find the gem that is Pentle Bay - touted by Conde Nast as one of the finest beaches anywhere but still remarkably under-the-radar.

Stay: Burgh Island Hotel

Bantham Beach is a solid favourite among those who hold Devon close to their hearts – aka, anyone who’s ever been. It’s clean, safe, one of the best surfing beaches in the area and offers day excursions to nearby Burgh Island – but you’re not going just for the day. The island is host to the excellent Art-Deco inspired Burgh Island Hotel, which famously inspired the works of Agatha Christie, and features a croquet lawn, tennis courts, a spa and tidal seawater Mermaid Pool. Twice a day, watch as the tide cuts your island off from the busy mainland, and enjoy a secluded beach retreat like no other.

Stay: Haven Hotel 

Award-winning beach, sky-high property prices and a favourite of celebrities countrywide, Sandbanks can hardly be considered a well-kept secret, but it’s a covetable destination nonetheless. For the Millionaire’s Row experience without the eyewatering price tag, look no further than the Haven Hotel. Direct access to seven miles of the aforementioned beach, a couple of steps away from the ferry to the Purbecks and elegant rooms to rival the surrounding residences – who needs a Panorama Road postcode anyway?

Stay: Blue Reef Cottages 

Love the sea and surf, but could do without the soaring temperatures? You need to head to Harris (the southern portion of the Scottish Hebridean island of Lewis and Harris), or more specifically, Scarista Beach. Evoking the Caribbean in everything but temperature, the soft white sand and turquoise sea is enough to capture anyone’s heart. If you can get availability, a stay at the 5-star Blue Reef Cottages really takes your trip up a notch, fully kitted out with jacuzzi baths, saunas and to-die-for super king-sized beds.

Stay: Fistral Beach Hotel 

Surf fans will likely already know of this particular beach – enthusiasts flock here every year to experience just a taste of Fistral’s waves, on top of being the location of every surf competition worth its salt. But what they may not know about is the Fistral Beach Hotel, or the delights that lie within. Jaw-dropping views of the famous patch of sea, an on-site spa and one of the best restaurants in Newquay await you after a day taking on the waves – or just spectating. No judgement here.

Stay: The Scarlet Hotel 

An eco-hotel, on the Cornish beach, surrounded by some of the most dramatic cliff views the UK has to offer? Take our money. The Scarlet Hotel is located on Mawgan Porth beach, which benefits from being just far enough away from the above-mentioned Newquay to dodge the surfing crowds, but close enough to offer the same glistening sands and spectacular waters. The hotel itself is all about bringing the outside in (with those views, why wouldn’t you be?), with earthy décor, floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere you look and a true dedication to looking after the planet, championing non-single-use items where possible and locally sourcing produce.