Burgh Island and All That Jazz

As promised, here's a post all about our recent trip to our favourite getaway spot - Burgh Island. I'm going to take you on a little tour, so grab a Singapore Sling, put some jazz on the record player and follow me...

First things first. Leave the car on the mainland and, if the tide's out, hop into the Land Rover, dresses and tuxes in tow. (If the tide's in, there's the added adventure of going to the island on the sea tractor).

Once you enter these gates, the stresses of modern day life are left behind.

In through the doors...

...and check in at reception.

Then it's off to your room to see what fabulous decor awaits. We stayed in 'Christie' this time. Each room is unique, so it's the perfect excuse to stay lots of times and try them all out (this was stay number three for us)! Our bathroom was bigger than the bedroom, complete with roll top bath, Lloyd Loom chair and a wall of mirrors.

This was the view from our balcony. You can just see the sea tractor (bottom right).

You have to ring someone just for the novelty of using a Bakelite phone, complete with the lovely clunk noise it makes every time you turn the dial!

All of the furniture in the hotel is authentic. Every way you turn there's more Art Deco loveliness.

There are plenty of little touches for guests...from fruit, chocolates and sumptuous smellies, to board games, a billiards room and a croquet lawn.

If you walk back through the hotel's entrance hall...

...you'll find yourself in the magnificent Peacock Bar. The original dome was pretty much all but lost, but has been lovingly restored to its former glory. It's the best place to enjoy...

...afternoon tea! There was tea and scones aplenty too.

Take some time out to relax in the study...write some letters, go green with envy over the collection of gorgeous Art Deco ceramics, or even watch a spot of TV (films can be borrowed from reception!)

The collection of Penguin classics on offer give bookworms something to peruse.

Take a walk around the island...

...and stop off for refreshments at Burgh Island's own pub.

The Ganges room is actually part of an old ship. It's easy to feel like you're sailing to foreign shores when you sit in here!

There are nods to past guests all over the hotel, such as on this sheet of paper in the typewriter on the second floor. It says, "Please don't touch me! I don't really like it. In fact, I haven't been the same since Noel last used me in the thirties and then forgot all about me..."

Noel Coward, Agatha Christie and even the Duke and Duchess of Windsor have stayed here. Oh, the stories the hotel could tell if only it could speak!

Cocktails are a must when you stay at Burgh Island. Ask "McBar" to mix you a Shooting Tsar or Burgh Bramble. The black tie dinners are an occasion in themselves. Just don't eat too much the day before!

Burgh Island is such a magical place. If you're looking for a perfect getaway with a touch of decadence, then this is definitely the place for you!

Pip pip!