By Alaina Vieru
In a nutshell
A riverside hotel with plenty to offer boating types and land-lovers alike.
Where is it?
In the charming Dorset town of Christchurch, just 10 minutes from Bournemouth.
Best for
With all rooms facing the River Stour, six private moorings and a yacht cheekily named Nauti Girl at guests' disposal for private sailing, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the aquatic offerings. However, you'd be perfectly within reason to hole up in the bright, chic airy rooms and order room service, which comes from the same menu as the hotel's Tides restaurant.
Who goes there?
Along with plenty of loved-up couples, Girls Aloud has caught up on some R&R here.
Eating and drinking
Champagne seems to be a popular choice of drink here, and who are we to argue? Sip one while tucking into the restaurant's seafood selection, which predictably goes down a treat in this coastal community. Oysters or scallops with pork belly are a good choice, but we also recommend the melt-in-the-mouth rack of Wiltshire lamb. If the weather's nice, make sure to take your meal out on The Terrace overlooking the river.
Best bit
Sipping (what else?) champagne aboard the Nauti Girl while having a tasty lunch and touring nearby Cowes and Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.
Worst bit
Realising, while feeling the gentle waves of the yacht, that drinking all that champagne the night before probably wasn't the best idea.
Spa
The Spa at the Captain's Club Hotel is small but perfectly formed. Keeping in touch with the water theme, they use excellent products from marine-inspired brand Phytomer. We loved the skin-specific facials and that you can choose in 50, 75, or 90 minute increments depending on your time/budget. There are plenty of gentleman's treatments on hand as well, plus Fake Bake tanning and Leighton Denny manicures. After a treatment, relax by the soothing hydrotherapy pool and sauna.
Getting there
Rooms at the Captain's Club Hotel start from £169 room only and go up to £599 for The Club Suite which sleeps six. You can also find various special offers and promotions here. To make a reservation, ring 01202 475111 or email revenuemgr@captainsclubhotel.com.
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