A ferry ride across the Solent, the Isle of Wight may take a little extra effort to reach, but the payoff is well worth it. Not only is it one of Britain’s sunniest pockets and home to the iconic Cowes Week sailing regatta, but you’ll find stunning coastal walks and plenty of royal heritage, making it the UK’s hottest summer escape, in every sense of the word.
Cowes, its maritime darling, is now home to a seriously stylish stay. Meet Foresters Hall, a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse turned boutique hotel that blends British heritage, modern art, and cinematic flair. Behind the refresh are husband-and-wife duo Peter Sussman and Sara Curran, both TV and film producers (The Favourite, The Night Manager, Schitt’s Creek), who purchased the former North House in 2023. The couple brings thoughtful detail and major creative energy to every corner of this 14-room hideaway.
Perched on a quiet street in Cowes’s old town, Foresters Hall has the soul of a private home and the polish of a design-forward inn. Interiors channel a warm contemporary-classic aesthetic: think Chesterfield sofas, roll-top tubs, brass fittings, and moody blue walls paired with pale Georgian bones. Wooden floors, vintage light fixtures, and plenty of natural light round it all out. It’s also a mini-gallery. Works by Alex Katz, Annie Leibovitz, and Josef Karsh (hello, Ray Bradbury) hang throughout, all from the owners’ personal collection. The showstopper? A Lisa Ridgers split-canvas poppy painting sourced just down the street at Cowes Gallery.
The curation of artwork and tactile materials makes a big impression – it’s rare to see a boutique stay where the visual storytelling feels this personal rather than performative. That said, some public spaces (like the bar and library) could use a touch more warmth or layering to match the bedrooms’ charm. These 14 individually designed suites feel like staying in a chic friend’s coastal retreat. Many overlook the harbour or the terraced garden; all are outfitted with British-designed furniture, plush blankets, and Roberts radios. Bathrooms feature Cowshed amenities, GHD hair tools, and a few rooms boast freestanding soaking tubs. The hotel’s south-facing courtyard is the ideal spot for a sunny afternoon, with loungers and a saltwater swimming pool framed by a white picket fence and bold outdoor mural, The Diver, by artists 3D Joe & Max. Guests can borrow pastel-hued Foffa bikes to explore Cowes or ride along the coast.
The Brasserie, an on-site restaurant, is the latest outpost from the local favourite, the Smoking Lobster group. Menus lean Mediterranean with an island twist, incorporating seasonal produce, fresh seafood, and handmade pasta. The wine list is curated by Wine Therapy, a boutique shop just around the corner. A cosy bar and library are perfect for an aperitif or breakfast, which includes a buffet spread and à la carte hot options, such as Eggs Benedict.
While the restaurant holds its own with bright, fresh flavours, service can lag during busy stretches, and a bit more cohesion between the food and the hotel’s stylish identity would elevate the whole experience.
Outside the hotel, the island delivers in spades. Visit Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s holiday home, for a royal deep-dive into 19th-century life. Hike the lush gorge of Shanklin Chine down to its vintage arcade-lined beach or ride the chairlift at Alum Bay to see the iconic chalk stacks known as The Needles – extra points for taking the boat tour right up to the lighthouse.
Fast Facts
Location: Cowes, Isle of Wight, England
Rating: Four-star (but feels five-star in style and service)
The Vibe: Stylish Georgian townhouse with a warm soul, curated art, and a cinematic backstory.
Food + Drink: Mediterranean-inspired fare from Smoking Lobster’s Brasserie; seasonal menus with local seafood and handmade pasta.
Amenities: Saltwater pool, sunny courtyard, restaurant, bar, library, complimentary bikes
Our Favourite Thing About the Hotel: The personal art collection, from Alex Katz to Annie Leibovitz, woven into every room.
What’s Nearby? Osborne House (Queen Victoria’s summer retreat), Shanklin Chine, and The Needles via chairlift and boat.
Any personal neighbourhood recs? Pop into Cowes Gallery to see (or buy) local works like the Lisa Ridgers painting featured in the hotel’s lobby.
Rooms: 14
Pricing: From approx. $382 per night, including breakfast.
Closest Airport: Southampton Airport (then a short ferry ride across the Solent)
