Le Grand Hotel des Bains & Spa, Locquirec, Brittany, France - Explore & Book
"Some hotels have setting, some have style, this has both in bucketfuls. Its position overlooking the turquoise Baie de Locquirec, in Brittany’s westerly province of Finistere, is breathtaking, and either side of the rocky point you have no fewer than 9 sandy beaches to choose from. French film-buffs might recognise the large, turn-of-last-century hotel: it was the setting for a 1970's Carry On-style film, before becoming a rather crusty spa resort. It was taken over by the dynamic Dominique van Lier, editor of Belgian interiors magazine Eventail, who stamped the place with his impeccable New England-meets-Swedish-Gustavian style. Bedroom walls were panelled and painted in soothing moss and fern greens, floral fabrics were replaced with stylish checks, and the austere refectory transformed into an oasis of apricot and white. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxed, both inside the hotel and its marine spa, and in its seafront gardens, which include an exquisite lime-tree alley. The service is immaculate without pretension. The cuisine is both beautifully presented and delicious, with an emphasis on seafood – rightly so given the location. A great place to recharge the batteries for families and couples alike. Highs Great massages, hydrotherapy and beauty treatments in the marine spa, plus a sauna and a hammamThe garden is picture-book perfect, full of climbing rose bushes and hidden spots to curl up and take in the panoramic view of the coastThe 18-metre indoor swimming pool offers stunning sea viewsThere’s no road between the hotel and the sea, ensuring total tranquillityThe luminosity of the light, especially outside summer, draws artists, photographers and writers Lows Despite Dominique’s artistic touch, the corridors still feel a bit institutional and some of the bathrooms are a little datedSome bedrooms lack sea views; Standard rooms are distinctly smallYounger, more dynamic types should note the emphasis is on peace, and the clientele can be olderLight sleepers should avoid the church-facing rooms because of the bellsA little pricey; you're paying for the hotel's heritage and the peaceful location" - Clare Hargreaves
