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The Captains Club - Christchurch, Dorset

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A sleek, modern and elegant hotel that wouldn’t look out of place in the Med

If you’re looking for a chic and uber-stylish waterfront bolthole, the quiet and, some might say, slightly restrained little Dorset resort at Christchurch might not be the first place you’d look. But we were just as surprised as you will be when we first arrived at The Captain’s Club - a sleek, modern and elegant hotel that wouldn’t look out of place in the Med.

Sitting on the banks of the pretty River Stour, with a large wooden terrace overlooking the boats bobbing on their moorings, the big windows and airy decor of The Captain’s Club means that the water is never very far away. All the hotel’s 17 bedrooms and 12 suites have panoramic views of the river, while both the restaurant and bar open out onto the waterfront terrace - perfect for summertime evenings al fresco.

The bedrooms at The Captain’s Club are large, light and modern, but still cosy enough for a romantic break by the sea. Luxury extras are a given - big, LCD tellies, DVD players, extremely stylish bathrooms with fluffy bathrobes and lush Gilchrist & Soames smellies - but it’s the elegant minimalist decor that really impresses. For those looking less for romance and more for an amazing weekend away with friends, the two-or-three-bedroomed suites are fantastic, with no let up in the style stakes, but loads of living space and a fully-equipped kitchen for a chic twist on apartment living. Of course, the hotel’s 24-hour room service would keep all save the most dedicated chefs from slaving over the posh Johnson & Johnson kitchen fittings.

Downstairs, the hotel’s restaurant, Tides, serves food that’s as clean and elegant as The Captain Club’s architecture. Head Chef, Andrew Gault, arrived from the world’s only seven star hotel, the Burj al Arab in Dubai, and has created an inevitable stylish, but pleasingly British-led menu. Loads of local ingredients including, of course, plenty of seafood, are used to delicious effect. For something a little less formal, dine in the bar with cocktails on tap, or join in the summer BBQs on the terrace.

And that’s not all. If the tranquil river views weren’t enough to banish city stresses, then the spa at The Captain’s Club is pretty much a safe bet. Lounge in the hydrotherapy pool, enjoying those views, or opt for one of a whole range of treatments on offer.

Now who said Christchurch was dull...?

Where is it?

Christchurch is a pretty and historic little market town, just east of Bournemouth. Sitting between the rivers Avon and Stour, it’s very much a waterfront resort, and is only separated from the open sea by the tranquil (but ever-changing due to the tides) Christchurch Harbour. It’s a place for pottering, rather than partying - as the large percentage of retired inhabitants can vouch for - but there’s some lovely little corners to explore, and the sea, the stunning New Forest National Park and vibrant Bournemouth are all on your doorstep.

Christchurch prides itself on its rich heritage, particularly Christchurch Priory (www.christchurchpriory.org), the 900-year-old church that dominated the town centre. The legend of the Priory’s ‘miraculous beam’ and the mysterious carpenter who supposedly fitted it in the church’s ceiling explains the town’s name. The oldest part of town, the very pretty Priory Quarter next to the church is a good place for a wander, while the ruins of the 12th century Christchurch Castle and the fascinating Place Mill, a beautifully-preserved Saxon watermill are definitely worth a visit. To explore the town at its best, follow the scenic Convent Walk from Place Mill, past the ruins of the Norman Constable’s House, with its historic chimney, numerous historic buildings and bridges and on to the Quay. Once a thriving commercial port, the quay is now a popular place to congregate and, well, laze about, with brass bands in the summer, cafés and a big patch of grass to picnic on. Boat trips into Christchurch Harbour leave from the Quay, as does the handsome vintage ferry to take you the short journey to lovely Tuckton Tea Gardens and its charmingly old-school riverside café further up the River Stour (www.bournemouthboating.co.uk Tel: 01202 429119). For something a little more adventurous, you can rent your own rowing boat or motor boat and explore the harbour, or join Adventure Voyages on their high-speed RIBs for an exhilerating trip out to sea (www.adventurevoyages.co.uk Tel: 01202 488662).

For some lovely beaches, take the ferry from the Quay to the lovely fishing village at Mudeford (www.mudefordferry.co.uk Tel: 07968 334441). Mudeford Quay is alive with the sound (and smell) of fishing boats and is a great place to sit and watch the world go by, while another quick ferry ride will take you to the tranquil, traffic-free Mudeford Sandbank. Famous for its brightly-coloured beach huts and wide stretch of beach, the sandbank is a spit joined to Hengistbury Head (www.hengistburyhead.org), an impressive headland and picturesque clifftop nature reserve with far-reaching views out to sea. The whole area is perfect for walking, picknicking, swimming or doing very little, while watersports enthusiasts will also find lots to keep themselves occupied. Visit Spot on Water (www.spot-on-water.co.uk Tel: 01425 272509) in Mudeford, the best watersports shop for miles, for advice on the best spots for windsurfing, wakeboarding and paddleboarding.

A few minutes’ drive west from Christchurch will bring you to Bournemouth, a vibrant town that’s really trying hard to shake off its inevitable seaside reputation as a breeding ground for OAPs and hen parties. Buzzing bars and clubs, plus some great restaurants are springing up all over the place, and the shopping is as good as in any city centre. But it’s the seven miles of Blue-Flag-winning sandy beach that is the real treat – even on the busiest summer day you can find somewhere to spread out and bask in peace. And for the more adventurous water-babies, there is ample opportunity for watersports, including Europe’s first artificial surf reef - due to open at the end of this year. Walk the ten minutes to Boscombe Pier and Bournemouth’s Surf School (www.bournemouthsurfschool.co.uk Tel: 0800 043 7873) for tips on how to get started.

For something that involved infinitely less effort, head a few miles inland from Christchurch and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the New Forest National Park, with miles and miles of tranquil forest and heathland to explore on foot, by bike or (for the full forest experience) on horseback. Read The Weekenders Guide to The New Forest for a full round-up of what to see and where to eat in the area.

Where can I eat?

Tides Restaurant at The Captain’s Club is a no-brainer of an eating option. Not only is the food fantastic, but there’s nothing better than enjoying a great meal and a bottle (or two) of vino, safe in the knowledge that your bed is within stumbling distance. The food in the bar is just as delicious if you’re looking for something a bit more chilled out.

But if you are looking for alternatives, there’s plenty within easy striking distance. Splinters Restaurant (www.splinters.uk.com Tel: 01202 483454), next to the Priory, is a cosy but elegant bistro that serves a multi-award-winning continental menu. Booking ahead is advised as this is probably Christchurch’s busiest dining room.

For a taste of the best local seafood, try the brilliant Ship in Distress (www.theshipindistress.com Tel: 01202 485123), a 300-year-old pub full of tales of smuggling and seafaring intrigue. These days it’s a popular gastro pub that’s won awards for its delicious menus, using fish and shellfish caught that day. Mouth-watering. Or you could try La Mamma’s (www.lamamma.co.uk Tel: 01202 471608), an extremely friendly, pleasingly old-school Italian restaurant that serves everything you would expect, but to a really high standard. And if it’s your birthday, well.... we wouldn’t like to ruin the surprise...

For a bigger range of places to eat and drink, Bournemouth is becoming a bit of a gastro-hub. The biggest culinary buzz still seems to be eminating loudly from West Beach (www.west-beach.co.uk Tel: 01202 587785), an award-winning seafood restaurant situated right on the Prom. Fresh, modern and airy, it fits perfectly in its seaside surroundings, and the locally-caught fish couldn’t be fresher. Even A.A. Gill gave it a big thumbs-up.

But for the biggest foodie powerhouse in the area, take a taxi east to Chewton Glen (www.chewtonglen.com Tel: 01425 275341), a five-star hotel and spa, whose restaurant was recently named as one of the 25 best in the UK by Egon Ronay. Head Chef Luke Matthews has created a fabulous menu – sophisticated and very special, without any hint of pomposity. And the wine list is extraordinary – definitely worth the taxi fare from Christchurch.

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If you’re looking for a chic and uber-stylish waterfront bolthole, Dorset's Captain's Club Hotel could be just what you're after.