Driftwood Hotel

Sink into a recliner on the terrace at this cliff-top hotel, and you can gaze out at ‘panoramic sea views’ over Gerrans Bay – or lie back and think of New England, prompted by the seaside-chic decor. Coastal-coloured interiors are home to driftwood lamps, ornaments and artwork; some rooms have a decked terrace with Adirondack chairs. All but one of the bedrooms have an ocean view. Families might opt for the ‘rustic cabin’ on a path to the hotel’s ‘gorgeous secluded beach’ below the lawned gardens; large rooms have plenty of space for an extra bed. Olly Pierrepont’s imaginative nightly-changing dinner menu offers a choice of three dishes at each course, with ‘specials’ charged extra. For instance, wild turbot with grilled leek and salt-baked celeriac is an extra £8.50. Veggies have separate menus. Breakfast includes courgette fritter, cream cheese, crispy bacon and honey. You can order a picnic and spend a day on the sands, or stride out on the South West Coast Path. ‘Beautiful hotel, perfectly placed for coastal walks,’ one reader wrote. ‘Our second visit – we highly recommend it,’ enthused another. (John and Kay Patterson)’