I’ll level with you, I hate flying. So when my bestie suggested a staycation in Bournemouth for our annual holiday, I was delighted.

Just a three-hour car journey (or a two-hour train ride) from London, the seaside town is renowned for its seven miles of sandy beaches, microclimate of sunny weather, and energetic nightlife. And we couldn’t have chosen a better hotel than The NICI, the luxury resort perched on Bournemouth’s West Cliff, for getting the most out of our girls’ holiday.

Thinking of heading to the coast for your summer getaway? Read on for my honest review of The NICI in Bournemouth.

The NICI Hotel Review:

When we arrived at The NICI on a sunny afternoon earlier in the year, there was precisely one spot left in the car park – and it was a tight squeeze. Luckily, the easy-breezy valet offered to park my car for me, setting the tone for a carefree, indulgence-filled weekend.

The NICI has benefited from massive investment and reinvention over the past few years. In 2023, the hotel unveiled the results of its multi-million-pound refurbishment, featuring a 30m outdoor heated pool, an outdoor activity centre, and a brand-new luxury spa to boot. The result is an impeccably styled resort with a Miami beach club vibe, from the poolside drinks to the palm tree prints.

With 80+ rooms to choose from, we set up in a ‘Sea View Suite’ complete with a super king-size bed, an enormous power shower and bathtub, and a gorgeous balcony area. Unlike many rooms I’ve stayed in, the ‘sea view’ really lives up to its name.

On our first morning waking up in the hotel, we looked out to the sea and decided we needed to jump right in. After breakfast, we changed into our swimming costumes, packed up our towels and headed to the beach.