IF you haven’t heard of The Nici – pronounced “Nicky” – where have you been? Because this art-deco, Miami -inspired hotel opened in 2022 and brings a serious dose of cool to England’s south coast. Its chic-as interiors are super- Instagrammable – rooms are fresh white with bold, palm-print textiles and brass lighting, while ice-cream pastels, glitterballs and eye-catching artwork adorn the communal areas. But really, it’s the outdoor heated pool that steals the show.
I had worried I didn’t have the statement swimwear (or body) to match the 30m stunner. But people aren’t judging – they’re just here to have a good time, and they’re all ages, too. READ MORE TRAVEL NEWS Fun and games As well as the beautiful pool, there’s a dinky cinema showing four films each day and a petite playroom with table football, giant Jenga and board games.
Some rooms come with hot tubs, while others have freestanding baths – bag one with a sea view and you’ll wake up thinking you’re in the South of France ! Of course, once we venture down the zigzag path to Bournemouth’s seven miles of golden sands, there’s no mistaking we’re in Blighty. But my kids Poppy, five, and Raffy, three, joyfully build sandcastles before we play crazy golf at pirate-themed Smugglers Cove on the seafront, while daredevils fly down the zipline from the top of the Victorian pier. Most read in Best of British A family ticket for 18 holes costs £33 ( Smugglerscoveadventuregolf.
co.uk ). We l.