Just under two hours out of London, exquisite new holiday retreat Cabü by the Sea can be found mixing up its own special blend of chill at St Mary’s Bay in the Romney Marshes…
Comprised of a small squad of newly built design cabins, each unique in size and style, the wildflowers & wild rabbits anointed plot is cleverly arranged to give an immediately calming sense of quiet and privacy.
Our first night was an invited press stay and we paid for our second night's stay...
In addition to the cabins, there is a blissfully perfect pool, bikes for hire, a barbecue & dining space, brunch wagon and little shop in reception. And up a few steps on the edge of the complex is the sea. The sea.
There are so many details I absolutely loved about Cabü. The cleverly stocked shop at reception: from oat milk, hummus & crisps to olives, cereal and cute kids’ toys (and more to come, I’d told) was brilliant for anything we had forgotten! And so easy for Gus to run across to by himself to ask for some milk and rice crispies for breakfast and put it on our bill – he loved doing this! A moment of glorious perceived independence while I could keep an eye on him through the cabin windows… Plus an emergency kite when I realised I’d left ours behind lol!
Our cabin was a gem! With a sweet little kitchenette thoughtfully kitted out with everything you would need for a few night’s easy meals, plus my favourite Falconware Enamel crockery – everything prettily positioned and every angle a photo just waiting to be taken.
A beautifully laid out sitting room with wood burner and oversized armchair, light flooding in the Crittal doors (with the smoothest, wind-immune opening motion btw!) subtly & soothingly scent from the wood flooring and panelled walls.
The two bedrooms were equally perfect – a queen double for us, and sweet small little bunkbed for Gus. With stripy robes and sink your head in with joy Soak & Sleep pillows and duvets made for curling up in in real comfort, which always takes holidays feels next level for me! And I loved the neat little bathroom – with Dr Bronners soap and Who Gives A Crap loo paper. Perfect choices!
Cabin life can feel extremely appealing when so well done! Our cabin was closer to the complex entrance and main road than the others, but while being aware of it, the proximity didn’t really interfere with the sense of holiday peace that overcomes you once you’re in. And there’s a strong sense of the other guests just getting on with their own thing and leaving your to yours, which I absolutely love!
The heated swimming pool was a fantastic focus for Gus – despite the cabins being fully booked, there was never more than one to two other families there whenever we went – everyone’s day unfolding at languorously different paces. When I did have the chance to chat to other guests, the resounding response was that they were planning or wishing they could book a few days more. Which is exactly how we felt!
Cabin life simplifies life – yes, there’s wifi but you feel inexplicably remote and removed and not at anyone’s behest. The daily routine is gloriously reduced to meals and pool time, a walk along the beach…
We did go for a little explore our first afternoon. Gus, to our surprise, falling asleep in the car, so we stopped near Dungeness for fish & chips, explored the beach and then took a ride on the 15 gauge (ie. super cute mini!) Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Light Railway steam train. Excitement levels all round were pretty high for this mini train with its associated local & visiting fan club, and it was the perfect interlude to our little life hideaway back at Cabü…
We stayed two nights (the first complimentary, the second I paid for) and we could have easily stayed for more in the glorious end of July heat!
We left (to spend a night at the nearby Port Lymphe, fyi for animal lovers!) all agreed it had been the perfect start to the summer hols!
See more at cabu.co.uk & book online here.
All photos my own and taken on Olympus Pen E-PL9 & OMD EM10 iii.
