Babymooning on The Island

There were no lepar colonies. Sadly we didn't spot any polar bears. There were bearded men to be found in their dozens, but none wearing loin cloths or surrounded by FedEx boxes. Instead we discovered beautiful beaches, cream teas and if heaven were a hotel, we found Hillside. *sigh*

This weekend we went on our babymoon. We had hoped to go on a european mini-break but my silly pelvis put paid to that. Instead we went to the Isle of Wight (which Husband insisted on calling 'The Island' in a hushed tone). The last time I was there was the summer of 1990 with the whole Elwick Clan. We stayed in a luxory static caravan and had a fab time swimming in the sea and running round Black Gang Chine. If memory serves that was also the summer we were almost barred for life from our English Heritage membership after a certain PC Sister managed to set the alarms off in Osbourne House. Ok 'barred for life' might be a slight exaggeration. But she definately knocked a picture and at least one uniformed man came running to see what damage a 6 year old girl could cause to a picture. How she got into The Force with such a hooligan background is beyond us all.

Husband and I were looking for a quiet break, one which didn't involve defacing national treasures. Our aims were simple: find a beautiful hotel, eat some nice food, enjoy one glass of good wine (ok, this was mine) and hopefully be lucky with the weather. And rather marvellously we scored top marks on all counts. The sun shone, I was fully sated and our hotel was glorious. At this point you should stop reading if you don't want to hear me gush about the amazing hotel.....


Hillside is a stunning huge old house which nestles in Ventnor's hills with views over the sea. We were initially drawn to it by Trip Advisor who rate it The Island's number one hotel and it is easy to see why. It was completely revamped last year by the current owners who have successfully created an air of comfy modern sophistication in a picturesque period house adorned with striking artwork. They have provided for all creature comforts from the divine bed, complete with perfect pillows, duvets and linen, to the bang & olufsson television. There's a communal news room with tv and all the papers, there's a living room with comfy chairs, chess board and open fire for those colder nights. If that isn't enough, there's also a conservatory and beautiful grounds to sit in and soak up the views and sunshine. Not to mention a French chef who serves up delicious meals and makes his own sausages. But what really makes Hillside special are the owners - Anna and Gert are warm and generous in their hospitality, but not overpowering. I had a genuine tear in my eye when I left - I have never felt so welcome and at home in a hotel before.

To sum up: fellow babymooners I recommend heading straight to The Island, but most importantly stay at Hillside.