Luccombe Hall

Shanklin Old Village is one of the most favoured spots on the Isle of Wight, a quaint old place on the east coast, with charming thatched buildings and a sandy beach below. And on the clifftop, at Luccombe Hall, there's a luxury, family-friendly holiday retreat to match, where the superbly sited hotel sits in its own gorgeous gardens, with sensational views out to sea. It's a family-owned business and service is spot-on – everyone agrees, nothing is too much trouble – giving guests a totally relaxed stay: in short, everything you want from a high-end holiday hotel.

There's a contemporary seaside vibe in the bright guest rooms, and all come with things like Smart TVs with streaming services, hairdryers and tea- and coffee-making facilities, plus there are interconnecting and bunk-style rooms available for families. But the most sought-after rooms, not surprisingly, are the ones with the most amazing views, and this is where it's worth splashing out. Upgrade and you'll get a sea-facing balcony, including executive suites with tonnes of outdoor space right above the beautiful gardens. Or maybe for the best of both worlds, book one of the three very smart garden rooms – set right by the swimming pool – which open out onto a cute private patio and sunken hot tub.

As for facilities, there's a second, indoor pool – both are heated – plus hot tub and sauna. It's a great place for younger children too, with indoor and outdoor play areas and a games room with pool table, air hockey and table tennis. When it's time for the beach, it's a short walk away through the old village, or you can head out along the island's coastal path – it's about an hour's walk to Ventnor, for example. As family-orientated places go on the Isle of Wight, it doesn't get much better than this.

In the end, though, it all comes back to those views – starting with breakfast in the panoramic Grand View Restaurant, which is a family-friendly venue for an early children's tea or dinner too. Couples can get more of a romantic vibe in the Conservatory, and you can always toddle down afterwards to the clifftop gardens and find a sheltered place to watch the boats go by. It's worth knowing that the adjacent Luccombe Manor is under the same ownership, as are the nearby Shanklin Villa Apartments, and all share the same leisure facilities, so wherever you stay, you can expect great views and top service.