Tucked away in the east of East Sussex is a little pocket of luxury and wellness. It’s called The Gallivant, and it’s just feet away from the sand dunes and almost endless beaches of Camber Sands, and less than 10 minutes’ drive from historic Rye.
Cool seaside chic
The Gallivant feels effortlessly stylish and very elegant. It’s seaside chic at its best and from the moment you arrive, you’re seduced by a combination of soft sofas and lighting and a bar that is laden with local wine.
Framed vintage swimming costumes speak of heritage whilst luscious planting in the restaurant gives it an exotic and botanical feel. Seaside gardens and outdoor seating under a pergola feel like they breathe relaxation into your very being. And there is an air of calm and just the right hint of luxury.
The cabin-style rooms are as stylish as the rest of the hotel and open out onto a little terrace. Meanwhile, the team at The Gallivant has thought of all those little details that make a stay so special: spare wellie boots (and not just any wellie boots – Hunters, no less), raincoats, beach bags and sunglasses, a “recovery station” at breakfast complete with Bloody Marys, a library, sleepy tea for bedtime and pillow spray, local chocolate and Sussex gin for any late night munchies and hedonistic planting that transports you straight to the Mediterranean.
Head to the cabin under the roses
Make sure you’ve booked yourself in for a treatment in the Bamford Cabin once you’ve arrived. You’ll find it in the coastal garden, covered in roses and filled with natural and organic Bamford products. There is a whole host of treatments on offer from facials to massages, and by the end of the afternoon, the cares of the world should be a thing of the past.
Seaside living
Next head to the bar for your sundowner before dinner and then it’s time to eat. This is a restaurant that takes local produce seriously. Their wine menu is a joyous celebration of local wines and drinks, and 90% of their fruit and vegetables are grown with 20 miles. They list their local suppliers and then tease you with a menu that is both interesting and sophisticated but not overly fancy or fussy. Think Rye Bay brill, aged ribeye, mushroom schnitzel and remoulade, burnt Basque cheesecake and Gallivant ice cream. Washed down with Sussex wines, of course.
Then before you turn in for the night or sink into your roll-top bath, you should just have time to head to the beach with your sunset Drinks in the Dunes hamper. Choose from cocktails, mocktails or hot toddies – all of which come with a beach blanket, glasses, and cool bag. It’s a short stroll to the sand dunes where you can watch night fall over Rye Harbour in the distance.
Before you leave
You may be ready to explore the rest of the area, like the beach at Camber Sands, Rye or Winchelsea or keen to try some water sports and kite surfing, but before you leave, stretch away the last of any stresses with morning yoga in the calming yoga studio. Or if you’re in need of that Recovery Station, you’ll find it in the breakfast bar along with a breakfast tray of granola, fresh fruit and yoghurt, toast or perhaps a bacon brioche roll before you hit the road.
The Gallivant has made it their mission to make people happy and create memorable moments, and they have gained some very notable accolades. In 2024 alone, they have been named by Condé Nast Traveller in their “Best Weekend Breaks in the UK and Ireland”, as well as by the Times in their top 20 “Best Places to Stay in the UK”, by Elle as one of their “Best UK Staycations For 2024” and by House and Garden in their “Where To Go For a Weekend Break If You Love Interiors”.
Accolades aside, The Gallivant is definitely one of those places in Sussex that you’ll want to put on your “Must Visit” list and then visit again, and again.
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