Address: The Island Hotel, Tresco, Scilly Isles
Tel: 01720 422883
Website: www.tresco.co.uk
First impressions: The Island Hotel experience begins long before you clap eyes on it: the combination of helicopters, boats and tractor-drawn trailers required to get you from Penzance to the hotel door prepares you for something different. The hotel blends seamlessly into its surroundings, sitting beneath a bluff on a promontory surrounded by manicured lawns leading directly down to the sea. Low-rise and unobtrusive, it sensibly does nothing to draw focus away from its spectacular setting. Bright and airy on the inside: high ceilings and pale colours make the most of the natural light.
The rooms: From singles to suites, the furniture and decor are modern and elegant, and most rooms have private patios or balconies from which to enjoy the sea air. We stayed in the Menavaur suite: the bedroom was spacious enough to accommodate the king-sized bed comfortably, but the suite's most impressive feature was the wall-sized window in the lounge, which framed a view of lichen-covered rocks, sea and outer islands. Sipping champagne in the sun on the balcony while drinking in the scenery is a highlight.
The bathroom: Large, tiled and airy, and complete with big fluffy white towels and comfy bathrobes. I was also treated to the unusual experience of taking a shower while watching a bird build its nest outside the window.
Restaurant: The emphasis is on local, seasonal produce incorporated into international dishes, and the combination works. Dinner is five courses: make sure you try the seafood, which is fresh from the islands, and the burnt Cornish cream pudding. Extensive wine list, and rounded off with coffee on the terrace.
What's outside? Swimming pool, gardens, tennis court, but the hotel's setting is what lifts it head and shoulders above the rest: in effect, the whole of Tresco functions as its grounds. Benefiting from the sub-tropical climate, the famous (well, famous if you know anything about gardening) Abbey Gardens are worth a visit: the combination of scent, colour and warm sunshine made me want to curl up on the grass and stay all day. Otherwise, the island is criss-crossed with gentle walks, and cycling, sailing and fishing are available. Or you can hop on a boat to one of the other islands and start all over again.
How much? Rates vary seasonally: during April, rooms range in price from £108 per person per night (with full breakfast) for a single room in the main wing, to £185 for one of the suites. The price includes dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
