Built into a hillside on a tidal island, this sleek, white, concrete hotel has a seagoing aspect. Built in 1929 for a wealthy industrialist, it hosted the likes of Nancy Cunard, Noël Coward and Josephine Baker. The place is shipshape under new owner Giles Fuchs, with the refurbishment of public areas, while the glamorous Art Deco style is retained. The Burgh Island experience begins with a ride across the sands on the ‘sea tractor’. Morning teas and coffees are brought to rooms and suites, supplied with chocolates, water, fluffy robes. From first class to steerage, each has a full or partial sea view, some a lounge with Deco armchairs, a balcony or terrace. You can hire Agatha Christie’s beach retreat, or a dog-friendly apartment above the 14th-century Pilchard Inn, which now has a downstairs café serving food all day. There are cocktails and a lounge menu in the Palm Court bar with its glazed ‘peacock’ dome. Dinner in the Ballroom (now open to non-residents) is a black-tie affair. Chef Tim Hall is still on board, cooking 30-mile menus of such dishes as pan-fried cod, clam chowder, smoked cod beignet. A dip in the natural seawater Mermaid Pool is a must.