The excitement of a holiday on the Isle of Wight begins after the first sighting of the iconic white cliffs followed by the isles with winding roads, stunning hills and valleys. The villages there remind us of days of old with historic thatched cottages, Victorian beach villas and quaint stone houses. Serenity is what you’ll find here, where the highlight of the day may be a relaxed walk in the countryside while taking in the stunning scenery that surrounds. This level of tranquillity and the slower pace of life is why the Isle of Wight continues to be one of Britain’s most favourite seaside holidays.  

The Isle of Wight has been one of Britain’s best-loved seaside holidays since the 19th Century. Queen Victoria spent her childhood holidays on the island and after building Osborne House as her winter home, it became a fashionable resort for many well-to-do Victorians, including Charles Dickens, who wrote much of David Copperfield there. An island with humble beginnings in fishing and farming, the tourism boom led to the development of an expansive railway system and the building of many of the ornate villas still standing today. Nowadays the island proudly retains its modest roots, offering visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives.

Getting There: Wightlink

Just a short 45-minute hop from the mainland today’s beau monde travellers take the Wightlink ferry across to the Isle of Wight. Leaving their cars safely parked, passengers on the new ship, Victoria of Wight, head to the panoramic lounge for unbeatable views of The Solent and the Isle of Wight’s iconic cliffs. Featuring modern décor and stylish seating, passengers enjoy a relaxed and comfortable journey and take in the view through floor to ceiling windows.  Onboard there are plenty of high-quality food outlets where visitors can enjoy a hot beverage or light meal as they cruise. Families delight in the children’s play area and movie room, where kids can let off steam and parents breathe a sigh of relief before settling in for their car journey. Crossing with Wightlink welcomes guests to a world of comfort as they watch Portsmouth fade into the distance and look forward to their seaside escape.

Luxurious Lodgings

Haven Hall Hotel

Haven Hall Hotel is famed for its historic grandeur with coiffed gardens which feature unbeatable vistas of Shanklin’s calm waves. Beyond the grand exterior is an impressive reception area, etched with detailed skirting, scalloped ceiling borders and collections of intricately patterned plates. Every little detail has been thought through in this sophisticated space. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Isle of Wight from the spacious suites, and relax of an evening with a few laps in the pool and a trip to the private sauna. 

The entire ground floor is bathed in natural light, with large period style windows opening out onto the hotel’s landscapes and cliffside vista. Each room acts almost like a museum, decorated with restored relics of the past; the guests’ drawing-room even features antique candlesticks from the Titanic’s sister ship. The  14 bedrooms range from the spacious penthouse suite to the deluxe bedrooms, the rooms feature grand chandeliers and elegant touches, with all soft furnishings made by hotel owner Arielle Barratt. A stay at Haven Hall is to enjoy the laid-back nature of the island in complete refinement.

The Royal Hotel

One of the oldest hotels on the island, The Royal Hotel is the historic home of prestige on the Isle of Wight. The arresting facade stands proudly at the top of Ventnor’s steep cliffs, featuring unspoilt views of the bay below. Renowned for its elegant décor and regal rooms, Haute travellers have used the Royal as their base since it opened in 1832. The bedrooms are lavishly decorated with antique furniture and soft furnishings, creating a sophisticated and luxurious ambience. The style is an ode to the hotel’s rich history, with cooling tones of blue and cream appearing throughout to reflect Ventnor’s coastal charm. 

Despite its stylish setting, The Royal’s most famous quality has always been its fine food; featuring in every Michelin Guide since it was first published in 1911. Guests settle into the classic dining room in elaborate plaid chairs, surrounded by period wallpaper and crystal chandeliers. A team of dedicated chefs prepare an array of gourmet plates, each dish created with island ingredients. The menu’s renowned highlights include fresh Hake fillet with a crispy crab crust, locally reared Rib Eye steak, and slow-roasted pork belly with velvety creamed potatoes. Dessert is a decadent affair, with popular favourites featuring chocolate fondant with buttermilk ice cream and lemon crème brûlée with tart strawberries.

Lakeside Park Hotel and Spa

In a sea of historic hotels, Lakeside Park Hotel and Spa is the contemporary alternative, welcoming guests to a serene escape. This impressive 4-star hotel is located in a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, beside a 20-acre lake and 17 acres of quaint British countryside between the main towns of Ryde and Newport. Guests can enjoy breath-taking views of the rolling hills and varied wildlife throughout their stay. 

All 42 bedrooms have been constructed with relaxation in mind and feature jaw-dropping views across the glassy lake and endless valleys. The rooms exude a modern ambience with contemporary furniture, soft lighting and muted tones, creating a safe space where guests can recline throughout their spa break. The spa area is one of the most famous on the island, boasting a tranquil relaxation room, a sauna and steam room. The pièce de resistance is certainly the thermal spa garden; guests can soak in the hot tub, lavender sauna or eucalyptus sauna while enjoying the crisp fresh air and the soft song of birds in the trees. Visitors looking to pamper themselves can choose from an array of treatments, from hot stone massage and reflexology to manicures and hand rituals. With a calm atmosphere throughout, Guests can experience a quiet break, fully appreciating the tranquil nature of island life.

Decadent Dining

Smoking Lobster

The first of its kind on the traditional Isle of Wight, Smoking Lobster break the mould with their innovative flavour combinations and showstopping presentation. Diners gaze over Ventnor’s glittering horizon and enjoy delicately seasoned seafood, prepared with a passion which emanates from every aspect of this prestigious, family-run restaurant. As the meal begins, their grapefruit teriyaki salmon arrives in a perfectly balanced tower. An amalgamation of fresh local crab, delicate aubergine and zingy grapefruit splendidly accompanies the crispy salmon, which reveals a soft, moreish interior with each bite. Topped off with a light crisp, the starter melts in the mouth and leaves diners eagerly awaiting their main course. 

Diners can enjoy a range of menu options, from buttery lobster to tuna ceviche salad, but many opt for the generous seafood platter for a chance to sample a range of the restaurant’s finest delicacies. The seafood platter features an impressive variety of fish, carefully placed and seasoned with a mix of Asian flavours, perfectly shared by two people on a memorable evening of fine dining. For those with a sweet tooth, Smoking Lobster also offers unique desserts, featuring their trademark exotic twist; including mango and passionfruit Eton Mess and dark chocolate, coconut and pandan doughnuts. In a league of its own, Smoking Lobster brings exceptional seafood and revolutionary flavours to the small town of Ventnor.

The Cottage

A characterful cottage standing high on the cliffs of Shanklin welcomes diners to an evening of exquisite dining. The golden glow of The Cottage draws guests in from the brisk British seaside, with wooden beams paying tribute to the island’s historic past. Husband and wife team Alex and Laura Kimber are passionate about using local and seasonal ingredients in their creations and produce daintily presented plates with delicate flavourings. Visitors can expect satin-smooth pork tenderloin with cauliflower gratin, flavourful herb and garlic crusted salmon, and luxurious lobster bouillabaisse with fresh rustic bread and creamy butter. Sweet-toothed travellers tuck into sumptuous chocolate and caramel eclairs, zesty raspberry sorbet and classic Eton mess; creating a devilishly sweet end to any evening. On Sunday’s visitors can experience a true taste of British culture with a hearty Sunday Roast; slow-cooked to perfection with seasonal vegetables. In the comforting warmth of the fairy lights, crowds of loyal islanders and jovial visitors relax in the bubbly atmosphere, enjoying an evening of fine food with their nearest and dearest.

Experience the Island’s Heritage at Osborne House

Queen Victoria kick-started tourism on the Isle of Wight after the construction of her family holiday home; Osborne House, and it has become a historic gem of the island and a must-see attraction for every visitor. A palatial paradise looking over acres of rolling grounds, Prince Albert famously designed the entire space as a gift to his wife.

On arrival, guests are stunned by the Golden façade, the majestic house topped by grand clock towers and prestigious crenelations. Visitors can tour the grandiose staterooms and the lavish lounges where the king and queen entertained heads of state, princes and princesses. Every wall is lined with historic family portraits, and the Osborne guides are eagerly waiting to tell their stories. The dining hall features a breathtakingly ornate ceiling, hand-woven carpet and bespoke furniture. Visitors marvel at the grandeur of the chandeliers as they gaze over the priceless gifts presented to Victoria for her Golden Jubilee. There is also a unique minstrel theatre where the king and queen would have been entertained in the evenings.

Guests of Osborne house have the rare opportunity to get a glimpse of the intimate family lives of Victoria and Albert. On the first-floor, visitors can step into the nursery as well as visit Albert and Victoria’s private suites, complete with the Queen’s royal bathtub and dressing room. Following his death in 1861, Queen Victoria left everything in Albert’s private suite as it was, preserving most of the objects where the prince left them. Guests can stroll across the picturesque grounds, admiring the coiffed terrace gardens and the walled garden that is always bursting with vibrant colours. With a private view of the bespoke Swiss Cottage, the intricate house Prince Albert built for their children, guests can take the short walk down to the family’s private beach with sweeping views of the Solent. While resting on the shingle, visitors can indulge in ice cream from the beachside parlour as they gaze into the waves where the royal children learned to swim.

After a fulfilling day spent strolling the opulent corridors and perfectly groomed gardens, guests can retire to the elegant Terrace Restaurant and Orangery for a light lunch to finish off their regal afternoon.  

Relax and Unwind at The Island Wellness Club & Spa

In keeping with the laid-back lifestyle of the islanders, one essential trip for visitors to the Isle of Wight is to the Island Wellness Club & Spa. Owned by the famous beauty brand Liz Earle, the spa is renowned for its luxurious treatments and serene spaces. Focussed on the natural wonders of botanical beauty, each element of this coastal hideaway has been crafted to promote a gentle and healthy lifestyle. A short walk through the tranquil gardens leads to the wellness centre, where guests can unwind in the sauna or take a leisurely dip in the indoor pool. Visitors can indulge in a hot stone massage, acupuncture and shiatsu to work through their aches and pains or settle for one of the spas famous facials using their favourite Liz Earle products to rejuvenate the skin. Energetic types can partake in an exhilarating group exercise class or beat some personal bests in the gym, before heading to the spa for a rewarding soak. The spa’s location in West Wight means it’s a short taxi ride from the iconic Freshwater Bay. Guests can take romantic walks along the beach and watch the azure waves roll in after an indulgent experience at the spa. 

A Brit’s childhood sweetheart, the Isle of Wight is the historic haven where visitors can experience quaint English countryside, beautiful sea views and the regal lives of the royal family all in one place. With elegant residences, gourmet restaurants and serene spas, this small island has all the ingredients for a relaxing vacation.