The Bite Magazine - Summer 2019 - Issue 25

bite spa review and airy Executive room with sea view and balcony, which offered unspoiled views of the sea and sky. As I gazed out over the bay, my eyes were imme- diately drawn to the famous and most recognised record-breaking landmark: the world's longest pier, which extends 1.341 miles into the Thames Estuary. Drawing on the elements of the coastal surroundings and bringing the outside in, the room was abundant with tur- quoise and teal hues. The calm palette offered a backdrop to the white timber furnishings. Entertainment amenities: flat TV screen, and a retro portable record player with vintage records to choose from complemented trendy sea- side interior décor inspired by 1920's glamour. Nespresso machine and a complimen- tary mini fridge, including water and soft drinks, were unexpected touches. The bathroom, although quite compact, added a touch of luxury with a walk-in shower, opulent marble floors, Elemis toiletries, fluffy bathrobes, and slippers - everything you would require. Our day wouldn't be completed without food for the soul - a good dose of Vita- min Sea! With our faces rejuvenated, 50 SPF on (ladies, do not forget this step!), bodies cladded in swimwear, we ven- tured to the beach ready for some sun- bathing. This is a place to be if you want to feel sand between your toes. There isn't a sense of over-crowdedness that one might expect with such a location on the sunniest weekend of the year. The beach is big enough for everyone to grab a spot. The slow walk back from the beach gave us the chance to admire the hotel buildings adorned by swaying palm trees from afar, a tropical sight with vibrant Miami vibe irrespective of the location. Dinner at the two AA Rosettes, one of only a hundred restaurants in the coun- try to win a coveted Visit Rose Award – an honour in recognition of service excellence, was our next destination for the evening. After being seated, we settled in with a bottle of rustic Malbec – my favourite red. A seasonal menu inspired by classic British cuisine had a wide range of mouth-watering options that made it challenging to choose. High-quality local produce, fresh local- ly-sourced fish and the finest free-range meats took centre stage. Fish is by far my favourite dining choice, so for starters, I plumped for octopus (I enjoyed it so much earlier), followed by the catch of the day – lemon sole pre- pared tableside, and accompanied by creamed potato and buttered hispi cab- bage. My friend chose beef tartare and Loch Duart salmon for the main. The real treat was definitely the super-in- dulgent Eton Mess with fresh strawber- ries. Expect nothing less than exquisite food and drink, fabulous ambience and prompt, but not rushed service. Feeling happily indolent, we retired to the bar for post-dinner relaxation and soon en- sconced ourselves in the bedroom. A pebble's skim from the sea, this beachfront hotel means you can doze off at night listening to the skrill cry of the seagulls (they’re actually not as noisy throughout the night) and the lapping of the waves. Showered and ready for