The Gallivant
Summering on the south coast
Sand dunes and salty air
Down by the dunes of Camber Sands, boutique retreat The Gallivant hotel is a sophisticated seaside stay, with a Hamptons air and touch of Shaker style. Guests can get cosy in a cabin (of sorts) or step out into the hotel's manicured garden from their room. Climb aboard for superlative south-coast dining and a prime location steps away from the shore.
Facilities
Quartos
20, including four Luxury Garden Rooms.
Checkout
11am, but flexible, subject to availability. Earliest check-in, 4pm.
Mais detalhes
Rates include breakfast. The Essential Gallivant rate also includes £80 credit towards dinner; Complete Gallivant bookings include tea time, wine at 5pm, yoga, and £130 towards dinner.
Also
If you like what you see, most of what you see in the hotel is for sale – and if you purchase one of artist Karl Terry's paintings, the proceeds go towards partner charity Blood Cancer UK.
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At the Hotel
Coastal garden, library, daily yoga classes (included in the Complete Gallivant rate, otherwise £12 each) and free WiFi throughout. In rooms, smart TV, digital radio, free filtered water and Bamford bath products. Luxury Garden Rooms and Garden Rooms have direct access to the coastal garden, and a secluded alfresco dining area.
Our Favourite Rooms
Check into one of the uniquely decorated Luxury Garden Rooms, for doors that open out onto a quiet coastal garden and a small private seating area. Generously sized, these rooms have oak floors, a rolltop bath tub big enough for two and a large selection of books and individual touches – we love the vintage swimsuits displayed on the walls. The Garden Rooms are Hamptons-esque spaces with a very private terrace and stylish, shore-inspired decor.
Packing Tips
Blue, white and taupe to blend in with your coastal surrounds; beach-proof shoes suited to a hilly ramble, or borrow a pair of the hotel's wellies. If you're up for a morning yoga session, then be sure to bring your gym kit.
Also
A minimum stay of two nights is required for weekend stays from April to September; you can book one night on Fridays from October to March.
Crianças
The hotel only accepts ages 12 and older.
Galeria
Food & Drink
Top Table
The beach may be obscured by grassy dunes, but by the window is best.
Dress code
Breton stripes beneath your windbreaker.
Hotel Restaurant
The dune-facing restaurant is kitted out in cool coastal style, and there's a healthy helping of Scandi design too. Chef Matthew Harris heads up the kitchen of this renowned beachy outpost, where fresh catches are cooked to perfection, and ingredients are locally sourced. Try the John Dory or – if you're staying from mid-May onwards – the Romney Salt Marsh lamb. For breakfast, they have fresh coffee, smoothies, yoghurt, fresh sourdough with South Downs butter, and the selection of hot dishes.
Hotel Bar
The hotel's wine list is so abundant it has its own legend to help you navigate the selection of English cuvées, and international reds and whites. In winter months you can sip your libations by a roaring fire or in the library. When the weather's fine, there are a handful of tables on the outdoor terrace, or wander around the coastal garden.
Last Orders
Breakfast is served everyday between 8am and 10am; lunch is from 12.30pm to 3pm on weekends only; and dinner starts every day at 6pm and runs until 9pm.
Room Service
Room service is available on request.
Planes
The closest major airport is London Gatwick, an hour and a half away by car. There’s also the smaller Lydd, which is five miles away. Private planes can land at Lydd.
Trains
Rye station is three miles away. From here, Southeastern trains go to Ashford, where you can pick up either the high-speed service to London or the Eurostar.
Automobiles
You need a car to be able to get into Rye easily. From Ashford, it’s a half-hour drive along the A2070; from London, the M20 should come in handy. There’s free parking.
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
Strand Quay has plenty of antique shops to keep bargain-browsers busy. The hotel hosts a weekly wine tasting, where you can sample some English favourites, or head to Gusbourne, for a tour through the verdant vines. Across the street from the Gallivant is Camber Sands beach, a dune-studded shore with long grass and golden sand. Learn to kite-surf, windsurf, horse ride and fish; the hotel can help with equipment hire. Ramblers can ramble along the High Weald Landscape Trail and 1066 walk, which both start at Rye. Take a brisk walk through Romney Marsh (around an hour's drive away) and Dungeness Nature Reserve, which has bird-watching shelters and leads to a pebbly beach. Rye is a great spot to pick up antiques, tuck into fine Sussex dining and down a pint of local ale.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
