Rooms

Three of the cottages sit side-by-side in a honey-stoned building facing the sea, all opening onto a sun-soaked, south-facing stable yard; Carmel stands on its own just up the hill. All share a similar turquoise-white colour scheme to match the coastal surroundings.

We adored Carmel (sleeps 6-8). It's the epitome of cosy country cottage, with stone walls, feature windows, exposed wood floors and heaps of original features. Downstairs there's a kitchen with church-like windows, a utility room, a living room with log burner, a separate dining room and a double bedroom with ensuite shower bathroom. Upstairs you'll find the master bedroom, a kids' room with three single beds (fourth available on request), and a second bathroom with a bath. There's lots of space outside too, with a terraced garden and a gorgeous terrace at the top with dazzling sea views.

With four bedrooms, Stable (sleeps 8) is the largest cottage, and the most modern too. You enter into an open-plan living/dining room with high ceilings, exposed beams, a log burner, lots of comfy seating and a long table for big feasts. Skylights, glass-framed doors and plenty of windows make it a light space. A well-equipped kitchen, a double bedroom and a shower bathroom sit at the back of the house, while the other three rooms (two double, one bunk) are upstairs. You also get prime use of the lawned garden by the car park. Note that dogs are not permitted in Stable.

The layout of Strawberries (sleeps 4) makes it popular with sets of couples and friends. Two double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms sit either side of a very light, open-plan kitchen/living/dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. One room can be set up as a twin if you're bringing children, and the bathroom is adapted for wheelchair users. No dogs are permitted, however. With views across the stable yard and an alfresco dining setup, it's a haven on a warm summer's evening.

Gorgeous little Hideaway (sleeps 2) is cute, quiet and perfect for couples. It's split-level, with the bedroom and bathroom downstairs and a very cosy open-plan kitchen/living room complete with log burner upstairs. But its piece de resistance is the hidden - and very spacious - garden and sun terrace with sunloungers facing the sea.

Features include:

• Hairdryer
• Washing machine
• WiFi

Eating

Every cottage has a well-equipped kitchen for rustling up meals. There's plenty of equipment for cooking, plus plastic cutlery for little ones. All except The Hideaway have dishwashers and washing machines.

For stocking up on supplies, there are Co-ops in Ventnor and Shanklin (5- and 12-minute drive respectively), plus a big Morrisons in Lake (15-minute drive). We'd recommend stopping en route from the ferry terminal so you don't have to head straight out again once you arrive. The island has lots of great farm shops too, so do call at these to pick up fresh, local produce.

Ventnor is gaining a reputation as the food capital of the island, so there are plenty of options for dining out - everything from quaint tea shops to fine-dining affairs. We went to The Spyglass and loved it so much we ended up going twice! It's got a big seafront terrace and lots of cosy spots for dining inside, plus regular live music. Seafood is the speciality around here; make sure you try crab pasties in Steephill Cove. If you don't want to stray too far, The Bonchurch Inn in the local village does good Italian food.

Features include:

• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• Hob or stove
• Microwave
• Oven
• Restaurants nearby
• Toaster
• Self-catering; restaurants nearby

Activities

• Explore the coastal path. Turn right and walk to Ventnor along the sea wall, or turn left and head towards Shanklin through an Area of Natural Beauty - said to be one of the best walks on the island.
  
• Spend a day in pretty Ventnor. Relax on the beach, explore its boutique shops, have a rest in a tea shop and stroll over to Ocean Blue Quay for freshly caught fish and chips.
  
• From Ventnor, continue for another mile along the Coastal Path to Steephill Cove, a hidden bay where crab and lobster is landed daily. Explore the rock pools at low tide, then head up the cliff to the pretty Botanic Gardens.
  
• Hike or drive up to St Boniface Downs, the highest point on the island, boasting panoramic views out to sea and towards the mainland, and lots of lovely walks.
  
• Explore Carisbrooke Castle, in the centre of the island, where Charles I spent his remaining days imprisoned during the Civil War.
  
• Rent bikes and follow The Cycle Track, which runs along an old railway track from Sandown to Newport, and continues to Cowes.

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Sailing
• Shopping / markets

Best Time to go

Our Top Tips

Location

The OceanBlue Coastal Retreats are in the small village of Bonchurch, near Ventnor, on the south coast of the Isle of Wight.

By Air:
There are no airports on the Isle of Wight; the nearest are Southampton, Bournemouth and Heathrow.

By Ferry:
There are frequent sailings from Southampton, Portsmouth and Lymington to the Isle of Wight; most take cars. Book early for the cheapest fares.

On the Island:
You'll need a car to get from your arrival port to Bonchurch, and for exploring the island. If you don't want to bring your own car, you could hire one - see our car rental recommendations. There are regular but slow buses from Ventnor to Newport and to Ryde (via Sandown).

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.