 The Isle of Wight has to be one of our most exclusive holiday destinations. Just last year, Bruce Spingsteen, Noel Gallagher and even Stevie Wonder crossed the world's most expensive strip of water (so rumour has it) to reach our very own near tropical Isle. The Island is around 23 miles across at it's widest point and with it's very own favourable microclimate can be easily explored by horse, bike or on foot. Public transport on the Island is excellent and it's almost impossible to get lost. Almost.
What to See:
The great thing about the island is that there is so much to see, these are my highlights for a "grown-up" weekend.
Osbourne House- Queen Victoria's county pile, fully open year round to visitors. Lovers of architecture will appreciate the Cubitt designed residence and stunning location in East Cowes that reminded Prince Albert of The Bay of Naples. The grand interior complimented by priceless art and antiques is a history buff's heaven.
Carisbrooke Castle- Located near to Newport, Carisbrooke dates back to The Middle Ages and famously imprisoned Charles I prior to his grisly execution. Don't miss seeing the donkeys at The Well House who still work the wheel (thankfully in 10 minute shifts) for the tourists.
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary- In case you needed another fix of Donkeys! based just outside of Ventnor and relies on donations from visitors so be sure to stop off.
The Needles- synonymous with the Isle of Wight (and the "Howard's' Way" opening sequence) is a must. If you brave the chairlift made sure you enjoy an afternoon tea at Marconi's tea rooms. There are nearby shops to visit including the Alum Bay Glass store selling beautiful pieces.
The isle of Wight Pearl Centre at Brighstone- perfect for Christmas shopping and with a fantastic cliff top cafe serving delicious Totland Bay crab sandwiches.
Where to Stay:
Sentry Mead is a five star guesthouse located in Totland Bay and just a few minutes walk from the beach. The hotel has eleven superbly appointed bedrooms named after each of the bays of the island. All benefit from luxurious bed linen, WiFi, bathrooms stocked with Gilchrist & Soames cosmetics and flatscreen digital TVs.
 The hotel serves delicious light bites and has a fully licensed bar; tea coffee and home made fudge are also in plentiful supply all day long. The meal to make time for at Sentry Mead is breakfast, even if that sounds strange you won't be disappointed! The hotel has won numerous awards for its simply outstanding breakfasts which are possibly the best on the Island. Guests can enjoy anything from smoked kippers to locally baked ham and eggs to a fresh home made croissant;all to be enjoyed with speciality teas, coffee or even a bottle of champagne. Adelle Davis told us that we should "breakfast like a King" and Sentry Mead certainly advocate this! Enjoying a relaxed breakfast feast certainly makes a change from the stale pain au chocolat and overpriced coffee that forms the the staple part of breakfast for many of my fellow commuters.
The immaculate grounds of Sentry Mead are the perfect place to enjoy breakfast on a fine day and also allows guests to truly appreciate this most interesting building. The property is a stunning Victorian villa with gothic accents, it bears a striking resemblance to buildings designed by Alfred Waterhouse famous for the architecture of London's Natural History Museum. Sadly, there is no absolute proof that Alfred designed Sentry Mead, only plans from 1891 signed by someone with the same surname but different initials. Highly coincidental I think.
The Island has both rural and coastal countryside and is a rambler's paradise. If like me, you prefer to walk with a four-legged friend bring them along for Sentry Mead is dog friendly and extremely welcoming to our canine companions.
Sentry Meade has been run by Sarah and Jean-Pierre since 2005, a charming couple with exquisite taste and who tick every box on my list of perfect accommodation requirements.
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