Top hotels on the Isle of Wight for a glorious getaway by the sea

Surrounded by towering cliffs and winding coastal footpaths, the historic Royal Hotel sits in a privileged position overlooking the vast Ventnor coastline. Boasting two AA rosettes for its fine cuisine, the gastronomy on offer here is not to be missed.

For an evening to remember, head to the opulent dining room, and order dishes created with fresh seasonal ingredients and locally-sourced produce. Sample dishes like south-coast crab and brown shrimp gratin, followed by succulent loin of venison with smoked potato croquette and complemented by a glass of Chateau Haut-Grelot. During warmer weather, why not relax outside with a G&T aperitif on the hotel’s south-facing Geranium terrace and admire the sea view?

If it’s serious relaxation you’re after, look no further than the Cabin, the hotel’s luxurious on-site spa. Choose from a range of holistic and detoxifying treatments including massages, body wraps and facials, or treat yourself to an OPI manicure and pedicure for tired hands and feet.

Wind down for the night with some R&R in your stylish and comfortable room. All rooms here offer organic Voya treatments and views of the seafront or surrounding gardens. Those with little ones in tow can opt for a spacious family room.

The charming George Hotel flawlessly combines the old with the new. Situated in a 17th-century townhouse, think high ceilings and wooden-panelling, it’s also replete with contemporary design features like the light-filled, conservatory style dining area. Rooms here offer luxurious linens and king-sized beds and certain ones feature plush armchairs, elegant drapes and ornate mirrors. Freshen up under your rain shower, or take a seat and soak up views of the harbour and seafront. If you fancy exploring, wander down to the nearby Yarmouth pier located just a minutes’ walk away.

Settle in for dinner at one of the hotel’s two on-site restaurants. At Isla’s, expect traditional British fare in a formal, fine-dining setting. Try fresh, seasonal produce, and experimental dishes such as the chilled gazpacho with scallop tartare, tender rump and shoulder of lamb with aubergine and tomato and sweet strawberry and tarragon cheesecake. The elegant decor and soft colour palette combine to create a sophisticated ambience. For a more family-friendly meal, head to the Conservatory. The hotel’s brasserie-style restaurant offers simple, yet delicious dishes. Fresh seafood is the speciality here, so you’ll no doubt be tempted by the likes of Cornish mussels with fries, or perhaps the seafood platter for two comprising fresh lobster, oysters, prawns and crab.

If you’re heading for the glorious sandy beaches of Ryde on the Isle of Wight, a stay at the Royal Esplanade Hotel is a must. This Victorian Grade II listed building has been restored to offer stylish accommodation in an ideal location just a stone’s throw from the seafront and scenic Ryde Harbour. Explore the nearby boutiques for clothing, jewellery or nick-nacks. You can even make a foray over to the island’s distillery and sample its award-winning Mermaid Gin.

Harry’s Bar and Brasserie serves dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients, as well as home-made desserts. Opt for rich dishes such as the lamb shank, which is roasted slowly overnight, before finishing your meal with desserts including a royal cheese platter. After dinner, order bellinis at the cocktail bar, or retire to the cosy Snug room to relax with a whiskey before bed.

Rooms at the Royal Esplanade are simply furnished with light pine and the serene, cream decor is livened up by soft furnishings in rich jewel tones. You’ll find comfortable beds and amenities including tea and coffee making facilities to give you a relaxed start to your day. Stay in a Superior room to make the most of the sea views sweeping over the Solent.

This grand former Victorian manor house, with its crenellations and bricked turrets, exudes historical charm. Ryde Castle is also the ideal romantic venue for a weekend away, particularly at night when the exterior twinkles with lights. The castle’s spacious patio area overlooking the blue waters of the marina makes for an atmospheric spot to take drinks, perhaps a chilled bottle of fizz if you’re celebrating? During colder seasons, you can retire to the hotel restaurant. Warm up here with a hearty steak and ale pie, or indulge in a ‘luxury’ mac ‘n’ cheese, and finish with a Bramley apple and blackberry crumble.

The traditional decor brims with old English charm, you’ll find aged leather armchairs, tartan furnishings, wood panelling and open fireplaces providing a cosy ambience to relax in. Rooms are modern and comfortable, with feature headboards in wood or leather and richly patterned soft furnishings. Many offering wide-reaching sea views so you can spend your time gazing out over the horizon. Opt for an en-suite room and sink into a hot bath after a busy day of sightseeing. Ryde’s town centre, beaches and harbour are all ideally located, within only 10 minutes’ walk of the hotel. Or, you could even visit one of the region’s many vineyards.

Expect a warm welcome and excellent hospitality at the serene and elegant Fishbourne, located just 200 metres from Fishbourne beach in the northeast of the island. You’ll find your room to be bright and airy, with a rustic feel and tasteful decorations, think traditional furniture and feature walls in soft marine-inspired tones of whites, creams and turquoise. Opt for a spacious King en-suite room, brew yourself a fresh coffee and watch the world go by from the large sash windows before readying yourself for the evening.

Dining at the Fishbourne is highly recommended, thanks to its extensive wine list and high-quality cuisine, which has won AA dining awards several years running. Start with an appetiser such as the grilled sardine and tomato bruschetta, before moving on to the catch of the day with lemon, tarragon and crab butter. Wash it all down with a bottle of the Tavino Trebbiano before perhaps taking a late evening stroll along the nearby beachfront with a loved one. This tranquil hotel is in a peaceful area, situated near the Quarr Abbey. It’s also conveniently just a few metres from the ferry, so you can hop straight on whenever you’re ready to depart from your idyllic weekend getaway.

Full of floral touches and whimsical decor, the Enchanted Manor truly lives up to its name. Order a sparkling wine and daydream in one of its ornate ivy and flower-covered pagodas while you take in the fresh sea air. Come evening, the garden spa tub villa is an ideal spot to do some stargazing with your other half, making this an excellent choice for a romantic retreat.

Each elegant suite here exudes charm and character – expect romantic drapes, ornate carved furnishings and unique, fairy tale artwork by British fantasy artist Josephine Wall. Book a room with a hand-carved four-poster bed for the ultimate indulgence. Before you snuggle in, unwind in your deep, freestanding bath for an hour of ‘me’ time.

For a day of exploring Ventnor’s scenic coastline, or perhaps a trip to the nearby botanic gardens, set yourself up for the day with a filling breakfast. Served in the manor’s light and airy breakfast room on the ground floor, breakfast here includes a choice of cooked options or continental, accompanied by tea, coffee or fresh juice. Make things extra special by pre-ordering a gourmet picnic hamper, so you can enjoy dining al-fresco on the beach or in the gardens.

For a quintessentially English stay in the centre of the Isle of Wight, the newly-renovated Wheatsheaf pub and hotel is a great option. Located in Saint Thomas Square in the centre of Newport – famous for its Victorian and Georgian architecture – this hotel is ideally situated for wanders into the town and doing a spot of souvenir shopping. Why not visit one of the many craft shops to pick up some pottery or hand-blown glass?

The pub is home to two restaurants – NOMAD – serving dishes inspired by new Latino, Asian and British cuisine, as well as the Brasserie, its shabby chic styled, fine-dining restaurant where you’ll dine under chandeliers next to a well-worn brick fireplace. Choose vintage-inspired plates here, like the succulent pork belly and lamb shank.

If you’re staying with family or friends, alongside twin rooms, the Wheatsheaf also has family rooms or the super spacious quad which comes with two twin beds and a double bed. If you choose a classic double, you’ll have access to a private terrace with far-reaching views of the city and even an outside dining area. Rooms are clean and contemporary in style featuring a monochrome colour palette – all white, wood-panelled walls and sanded floorboards lend a breezy feel.

This recently refurbished island pub-meets-hotel is a great spot for foodies, with its head chef serving locally sourced seafood and meats in a laid-back setting. As the name suggests, Crab and Lobster Inn is famous for its lobster and crab dishes. Opt for treats like half a lobster or a whole to share, accompanied by garlic or lemon butter, triple-cooked chips and a fresh side salad. Alternatively, why not try hearty fare such as an 8oz sirloin steak with peppercorn sauce, grilled mushrooms and rocket salad, before washing it down with a rich Malbec?

When it’s time for bed, rest up in one of eight classic en-suite rooms, all of which have a homely feel with comfortable beds, wooden writing desks and quirky vintage-style wall prints. Choose a room with coastal and sea views, to make the most of the hotel’s idyllic location near the seafront.

Next day, take in the sights and sounds of local town Bembridge by visiting its Grade I listed windmill, the Duver harbour or for the easternmost point of the Isle of Wight, head to Whitecliff Bay – all located within a 13-minute drive of the hotel.

Nestled in the heart of Bembridge, the Spinnaker sits within a restored Edwardian building, with 14 newly renovated en-suite rooms. On laid-back summer days, the sandy beaches of Forelands and Whitecliff are nearby, while for those holidaying with little ones, the Isle of Wight Zoo is just an 8 minute drive away.

The hotel boasts ornate mirrors, dark oak panelling and glorious flocked wallpaper for a refined feel. Upstairs, rooms are individually styled with eclectic designs such as colourful feature walls in vibrant shades like teal and mustard that form the backdrop to comfortable beds scattered with plump, patterned cushions.

The Spinnaker’s in-house restaurant serves high quality ‘pub grub’ in a quirky and exuberant setting. The dining room features a paisley-effect wallpaper and framed Victorian photographs, while other quaint touches dotted around the hotel include vintage telephones that lend more characteristic charm. Tuck into tasty fare such as classic fish pie, ove-roasted lamb rump or pan-fried gnocchi. To finish, go for a rich dessert like the zingy orange and white chocolate cheesecake. On special occasions, you can hire the Stern room for a private dinner party with friends or family.