The Nare

‘A year spent without a visit to The Nare is a year wasted,’ writes a returning guest of this perennially popular country house hotel overlooking the sands of Carne Bay. Owned by the Ashworth family for more than 30 years, the child- and dog-friendly hotel is traditional yet luxurious. Comfortable, fire-warmed lounges have tartan carpets, bright wallpapers and are hung with political cartoons. Daily complimentary cream tea can be taken inside or on the terrace overlooking lush gardens and sea. ‘If this level of thoughtful comfort is “old-fashioned” then count me in!’ declares another regular. Large, light bedrooms, many with ‘breathtaking’ sea views, are elegantly traditional with antiques, and armchairs or sofas. Flowers, fruit and hot-water bottles are standard; ‘one of the best-appointed and -furnished rooms we have had anywhere’. Dine either in the jolly Quarterdeck restaurant or the more formal Dining Room on a five-course daily-changing menu with hors d’oeuvre trolley, tableside flame-grilling and dishes such as 
Portloe lobster and butter-roasted guineafowl. Generous breakfasts mean ‘no need for lunch!’ (Peter Govier, AK-H, IW)