I stayed at a gorgeous beachy Sussex boutique hotel – that makes the most of its stunning coastal location

Decorated like a high-end beach cottage complete with framed vintage swimwear on the walls, I felt like I was on holiday in The Hamptons from the minute I stepped inside.

With just 20 bedrooms, ranging from snug cabins to luxury garden rooms, the hotel has an intimate feel. There’s a cosy lounge area with comfortable sofas and games, seats by the fire, and complimentary cake is served at 4pm, followed by wine at 5pm.

It was almost like staying over at a friend’s house, if said friend was wealthy enough to live in a beachside mansion.

I was there with my husband to experience an overnight stay, including dinner in the award-winning Harry’s restaurant.

The lovely hotel manager, Lindsay, checked us in and showed us to our luxury garden room – a tranquil oasis that instantly made me feel calm. The room has a pretty blue and peach colour scheme, a huge super-king bed set into a library of books, a roll-top bath that could open out onto the bedroom thanks to clever pocket doors and access to a private terrace and garden.

It was beachside chic at its finest – unpretentious but with the feeling that every element of the room had been carefully curated to make this a one-of-a-kind stay.

The room was almost too nice to leave, but the promise of free cake won us over and we enjoyed a freshly made rhubarb fool and a glass of delicious white pinot noir in the lounge.

Then with the sun deciding to make a welcome appearance, we headed over the road to enjoy the splendour of the dunes and the wonderful vistas out to sea. Camber Sands is truly a stunning location, and having come from Worthing with its pebbly beach, the seemingly endless sand is a sight to behold.

We rested on our terrace as the sun went down, and after a quick change, we were ready for dinner.

In my opinion, Harry’s is fine dining at its best. Unfussy and relaxed, but with top-quality, fresh, seasonal produce cooked to the highest standards.

My meat-loving husband’s duck starter and steak main course wowed him, while my soup and beetroot tart were vegetarian cookery at its finest.

We weren’t rushed, the cocktails were delicious, and as with every part of The Gallivant experience it felt like quiet luxury.

Guests can also choose to sit in the lounge and order specialist drinks from Harry’s Bar after dinner, but we opted to enjoy our room.

The next day started with a yoga class in the Open Space yoga studio (free with some packages, or payable as an extra). I haven’t done yoga for way too long, and I’d forgotten how good it is. It was such a lovely, intentional way to start my day and it’s made me decide to sign up for a regular course.

Breakfast is served in Harry’s, but this is not your average hotel buffet. Guests can boil their own eggs, and are served breakfast trays featuring cold meats, smoked salmon, cheese, yoghurt, granola and pastries. There’s also toast and juices, as well as fresh fruit.

It was a welcome change from the classic full English, and coffee was fab, too.

As a beach bolthole, I don’t think you could ask for better than The Gallivant. It has everything you need to slow down and disconnect from the frantic pace of everyday life

The only thing I was sad about was checking out, as one night just wasn’t enough. I plan to be back soon!

For more information, see https://thegallivant.co.uk/