Mr & Mrs Smith

Mr & Mrs Smith have just returned from a stay at this East Sussex boutique hotel, and as soon as they've unpacked their wellies and watercolours, a full account of their UK luxury beach break will be with you. In the meantime, to whet your wanderlust, here's a quick postcard from the Gallivant in Camber Sands…

Ever dreamed of waking up with the beach as your doorstep? At the Gallivant, it practically comes true (if you don’t count the concrete patch of road you’ve got to cross first). And it’s not just any beach, it’s Camber Sands, a glorious golden stretch with knee-high grass and bumpy dunes. The bountiful bay brings in a daily catch of oysters, mussels and more, all of which can be sampled fresh as a daisy in the sea-inspired bistro, where there’s recycled driftwood for furniture and shells for artworks.

This is budget boutique at its best. The Gallivant doesn’t try to be something it isn’t; rooms are small and simple, but it’s the extra touches that make it special (book-lined shelves, jars of treats and trays of teapots and teacups). And they’ve got their priorities right, splashing out on top-dog linens and mattresses, wholesome, hearty breakfasts, and delicious dinners. It’s homage to all that’s great and good about the British seaside, with glimpses into the modestly dressed past captured in the old postcards on the wall. Where’s the bucket and spade?