uk holiday accommodation - can we do it better?

2, The Boatyard, Embankment Road, Kingsbridge

Quality but quirky UK hotels are really having a moment. The Newt, The Pig, The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat….spot a running theme? 

Yes, these refreshing offerings are changing the UK destination hotel scene, shifting the perception from faded grandeur to hipster hangouts and well being retreats. 

Even in the self catering sector the follies have been flirted with. A lighthouse, a bunker….a double decker bus, eclectic and  eccentric accommodations are well represented. 

But can the UK accommodation offering still improve further? 

In short, the answer is a resounding yes. And after a chance meeting with Charles Head Estate Agency Owner, Nikki Povey…I know I am not alone in my thinking.

Let me set the scene….

During a recent and increasingly frequent visit to the South Hams area, I left the typically touristy Salcombe to experience the estuary as a local, upstream in underrated Kingsbridge! 

Nikki’s thriving agency (Charles Head) has recently extended to a holiday letting service ( Coastal Holidays) and I had the benefit of staying at one of their properties,  Number 2, The Boatyard, Embankment Road.

The Property 

The specifications of the property are impressive. A 3 storey waterside home boasting 2 private balconies, a mooring ( on request), an elevator and a range of other expected amenities.

Lounge located on the top floor.

Wonderfully, the interior is a welcome departure from cliched holiday rentals, normally featuring blue ticking cushions and an ornamental seagull! 

Don’t misunderstand, there is definitely a beachside vibe with warm neutrals punctuated with vibrant blues, but the styling is welcoming for even the most fervent of city dwellers.  And the space translates well for extended or blended family stays, with multiple breakout areas located across the upper two floors. 

Clean, Contemporary, Cool

See Coastal Holidays for full details. 

One evening, after sunset, I found both the drinks and conversation flowing, with the aforementioned Nikki Povey!  

Suddenly I am barefoot in her kitchen, drink in hand,  discussing how UK holidays need to be made more “sexy”! And seemingly, Nikki is on the same page. 

The Boatyard is already upgrading their customer offering, with  extras including a frequent maid service, in house catering and child minding. And Nikki notes the opportunity to take it further, with plans for a central hub showcasing culinary delights from the local area. 

Innovation is just what the UK tourist industry needs. Let’s be completely honest, holidaying in the UK does not come cheap, but added services create added value and upgrade the overall holiday experience. And many of these services don’t require further investment from the property owner, just a strong network of local businesses and freelancers.

The bee in my bonnet still buzzes on! What else can we make better?

Harbour Beach Club Hotel and Spa

Let’s consider the fabulous new beach side hotel that has just opened in South Sands, Salcombe. 

The interior is fresh, not unlike a hotel you would expect to find along the shores of  a cool Spanish seaside resort. And the hotel offers free transfers into town, beach yoga and guided walks. Love it!  

Yet there is a problem! The hotel is titled, Harbour Beach Club, aptly named with such a sensational location and therefore, I think,  the opportunity to do so much more.

Let me explain further. 

I love our rugged coastlines. Indeed taking a hike over steep coastal paths to find an unspoilt gem of a beach is one of my favourite pastimes. However, if I am staying at a beach hotel, with a fairly hefty price tag, I would expect to find plush sun loungers with a drinks service located on the actual beach. 

A beautiful beach…but on a luxury holiday do I really need to bring my own sun lounger??

I am not suggesting a champagne spraying free for all type vibe, but a low key and stylish space which adds value for the hotel customers. 

I  can already hear the objections. The tides, the weather…..but we need to get more creative. A glass roof maybe or bathing platforms built into the cliff face? The solutions are there, if we simply bother to look, so why settle for a boring bench alongside a bin full of wasps?

In conclusion, it is fair to say that in bygone decades, UK hospitality had been neglected, leaving many uninspiring and lack lustre accommodations. Yet the tide has turned, which is exciting. It is also true that there is a lot more to be done. 

Pricing is most definitely an issue, particularly during the last 18 months and if we want to make UK holidays continually attractive, rather than a second best alternative, it certainly needs to be addressed. However with the increase in fresh thinking visionaries, such as Nikki Povey, I am excited to see the newest offerings of holiday accommodation for 2022.

Summer Bookings for 2022 are already filling up first. Further recommendations in the South Hams area.

Alternative Boatyard Property Click Here

Luxury Apartment with pool - Wellingtons Click Here

Budget Friendly Air B and B , Modern, Clean, Bright, 2 Miles From Salcombe Click Here

Gallery Pictures from various accommodations.