Short break: Dover Marina Hotel & Spa, Dover, Kent

Dover has not, admittedly, been getting the best of coverage of late.

Small boat arrivals across the channel have now topped 20,000 so far this year. Tailbacks to Kent’s busiest port are more than common and there’s even a ‘horrendous chalk scar’ that can be seen from space(!!) blighting the Kent Downs National Landscape off Folkestone Road.

Maybe not the best spot for an indulgent little staycation you might think.

But you’d be wrong. Very wrong. And much of that is down to the Dover Marina Hotel & Spa.

This grand 19th century building sits proudly right on top of the seafront.

Set in a Georgian terrace, steeped in history, it nestles under the famous White Cliffs in the shadow of Dover Castle with uninterrupted views across the English Channel and the French coast.

It’s a mere three-minute walk away from the town square and the ferry cruise terminal is in walking distance too.

Despite the vastness of the hotel, it maintains a high-end boutique vibe. There’s quite the range of rooms, but if you have the budget its worth splashing out for the sea view.

We stayed in the newly completed Royal Suite. And this is a suite that could not be more luxurious if it tried. We’re talking the most comfortable of emperor beds. The most stunning of panoramic sea-view balconies. The bathroom – complete with its own balcony and sea-view from the bath! – is expansive. White marble, gold-finish taps. The attention to detail is undeniable. There’s both chandeliers and discretely hidden dimmer lights. The TV is large but doesn’t overwhelm thanks to the epic proportions of the room. Quite frankly once you step inside this suite, you won’t want to step out again…

Dover Marina Hotel & Spa. (Image: Martin Apps) You really should though. Because this hotel doesn’t just offer divine rooms (and the friendliest of staff!)

There’s not one, but two Marco Pierre eateries on-site.

Mr White's English Chophouse restaurant offers a beautiful sea-facing terrace, while Marco Pierre White's Wheelers Fish & Chips does this seaside staple in style.

There’s also light snacks available in the bar and terrace and the Waterfront Café to try - both overlooking the Dover coastline.

Dover Marina Hotel & Spa. (Image: Martin Apps) And then there’s the spa. The Waterfront Spa & Health Club has seven spa treatment rooms, sauna, spa pool, steam room and gym. This spa is not an after-thought, tacked on to the hotel to tick a box. This is a well-thought out, well executed little slice of tranquillity. The very moment the lift pings your arrival in the basement, you can feel the stresses of the day slide away. Combine that with a treatment (I can recommend a neck and back massage) and you’ll be lucky not to fall asleep you’ll feel so zen.

I wasn’t expecting 24 hours in Dover to be such a decadent delight, but that’s exactly what the Dover Marina Hotel & Spa delivered.

Now I just need an excuse to go back…

bwhhotels.co.uk

Dover Marina Hotel & Spa. (Image: Martin Apps) Dover Marina Hotel & Spa. (Image: Martin Apps) Dover Marina Hotel & Spa. (Image: Martin Apps) Dover Marina Hotel & Spa. (Image: Martin Apps) Dover Marina Hotel & Spa. (Image: Martin Apps)