Hotel Review: Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa, Dorset

The shimmering waters of Christchurch Harbour cradled by Mudeford Spit make for a stunning backdrop to the hotel. Mudeford Sandbank, with its golden sand and colourful beach huts, is perfect for beach days. Christchurch is two hours by train from London; Bournemouth Airport is 15 minutes drive away. A short drive will take you to the New Forest for fabulous walks, scenery and wildlife.

By car: around 3 hours from London, 2 hours 30 minutes from Bristol and 4 hours from Birmingham. Free parking available.

By train: trains from London to Christchurch take around 2 hours. The hotel is 10 minutes' drive. Book trains to Christchurch.

The robust white building screams traditional seaside hotel, but the interior has been thoroughly updated. The colour scheme is generally calming with fun injections of bright yellow, orange and blue. Huge windows make the most of the views. The gardens overlooking the water invite you to slow down and relax.

Many of the guests come here for the spa. It's small but well-equipped with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, salt room and treatments. Kayaks are available to take out directly from the hotel gardens, or for something less energetic, the sun loungers overlooking the water are very appealing.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Garden
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Wellnesss suite
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The rooms vary greatly in size and price, but all come with luxurious touches - quality linen and toiletries, fluffy bathrobes and complimentary gin and sherry. The cheapest are snug doubles facing inland, but if you can splash out and go for a harbour-view room it's worth it.

Room types: Room, Deluxe Room, Terrace Room, Deluxe Terrace Room, Family Room, Annexe, Family Annexe

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, Nespresso machine, free spa access, free Wi-Fi

Both restaurants, The Jetty and Upper Deck, have magnificent harbour views, making for memorable dining experiences. Top chef Alex Aitken has devised creative menus. The Jetty showcases local seafood and New Forest produce; Upper Deck offers a more casual atmosphere and an outdoor terrace and is where breakfast is served.

The Jetty: award-winning seafood restaurant. Local produce, seasonal ingredients. Open daily for lunch, Mon-Sat for dinner. Tasting menu from £80.

Upper Deck: vibrant restaurant and terrace, harbour views. British cuisine and afternoon tea. All-day menu, open daily.