departures | hotel reviews


THE UK


Fistral Beach by Natural Retreats, Cornwall BY GLEN MUTEL


IN THE UK, the phrase ‘beachside accommodation’ too often means chalets or B&Bs. But here was welcome proof that a seaside stay can be a truly classy affair. The three-story block in Newquay houses a


series of elegant self-catering apartments. Ours was cavernous, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and one of the deepest baths I’ve ever been in. The kitchen was also large, with endless work surfaces, a dishwasher and cupboards crammed with everything you could possibly need — even cake-making equipment. The apartment was tastefully furnished, from


the long dining table to the corner sofa, while the smart use of all that space makes it a good bet for children. The ‘welcome hamper’ containing a range of locally produced essentials, plus a child’s goody bag, was a nice touch. However, the main selling point is the location


in Newquay, with the restless waves of Fistral Beach visible from my double balcony. It was just a five-minute walk down to what’s surely one of the most inviting and unspoiled stretches of coast anywhere in England — the beach is also renowned for its reliable swells, helping make Newquay the surfing capital of the UK.


128 | ASTAnetwork | fall 2015 ESSENTIALS


n ADDRESS: Lighthouse, 4 Pentire Avenue, Newquay, Cornwall, UK. T: +44 01625 839301. naturalretreats.com n PRICE: From £200 ($313) for two nights.


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JAMAICA


Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Ocho Rios BY GERI BAIN


IDEAL FOR COUPLES looking for a cool, fun-loving atmosphere, the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica (formerly Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort) reopened in May after a $60m renovation to become Sandals’ largest resort to date with 529 rooms and sprawling across more than 100 acres. I loved having 16 eateries to choose from


— including a gourmet French restaurant and a ‘jerk’ shack — plus room service in my butler- appointed room, as well as free activities such as sea kayaking, glass-bottom boat/snorkel cruises and tennis lessons. Scuba (for certified divers) is also included in the rate, while golfers pay only mandatory caddy and golf cart fees. The resort has three distinctive sections and


20 different accommodation types. Ochi Beach Club is party-central, with a swim-up bar, beach volleyball and dance parties. Steps away, the Riviera Seaside Village offers tranquil pools, restaurants, clubs and ocean-view rooms. I loved all the activity, but was happy to escape


to my butler-served suite, with its private pool nestled into the verdant jungle of the Hillside Village, which also has its own set of bars, restaurants and a grand, three-level infinity pool.


ESSENTIALS


n ADDRESS: Main Street, Ocho Rios, St Ann, Jamaica. T: 888-SANDALS (726-3257). sandals.com n PRICE: All-inclusive rates from $230 per person, per night, including meals, drinks and activities.


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