HOTELS WITH SEA VIEWS

There are few more decadent ways to watch the sea crash on the shore than through the rising steam of a hot tub. And that's just what you can do if you book the Fistral Suite, the top choice at this 71-room hotel, where they have just completed a fresh modern refurbishment. But you don't have to take the plunge - this luxurious suite has three, count 'em, balconies for taking in the ocean views.

Choose a J-Class room for the best sea views at this stylish 22-room shorefront hotel with a New England theme. Two elegant freestanding baths have been discreetly positioned so that guests can keep their modesty while sinking beneath the bubbles to enjoy views of the water below. Down in the restaurant, a wall of windows keeps the sea within your sights while you dine on the fruits of the ocean, prepared by feted local chef Mitch Tonks

Take a look at Lyme Regis's famous Cobb harbour wall and the Unesco-listed Jurassic coast from this 19th-century property set in beautiful private gardens just steps from the beach. Once the former home of a countess, the interiors of this gracious house have been given a contemporary makeover to transform it into a sumptuous 25-room chic boutique hotel. For the best sea views book a Gould Room.

Survey the briny from the roof terrace of the Cristal Suite. This exclusive bird's eye view is just one of the treats in store for guests staying in the most opulent lodgings offered at this quirky 49-room hotel, set in a collection of gothic revival and mock-Tudor townhouses. Others include an 8ft by 8ft bed, a widescreen plasma TV, twin freestanding bathtubs and a double walk-in shower.

Pull up a chair on a private balcony at one of four penthouse suites available to book at this 74-room hotel. Drink in the views of the Conwy Estuary and Conwy's ancient castle, made magical at night by its illuminations. Inside, these opulent rooms have been recently refreshed - redecorated and refurnished with king-size beds and oval Whirlpool baths with integrated televisions.