Every year, Tatler’s Travel Editor Delilah Khomo compiles the top 101 hotels in the world, discovering the smartest, most glamorous destinations in every corner of the globe, suitable only for the most discerning of travellers. In these troubling times, hotels that go above and beyond to match opulence with authenticity, kindness and spirit are the future of travel. Whether they shine for their authentic commitment to the locale, their eco-sensitivity or for enabling us to look anew at the familiar, these are the shining stars of 2021. From this list, Tatler crown the very best, honouring them with a Tatler Travel Award rosette.
This year the “Best Hotel with Heart” goes to The Pig at Harlyn Bay.
The stardust that sets The Pig hotels apart is the owner Robin Hutson, whose award-winning ‘restaurants with rooms’ concept has completely changed the face of the British hotel scene.
The real magic lies in Hutson’s generosity of spirit, which is channelled into campaigning on behalf of the hospitality industry, championing local suppliers and producers, and finding exceptional staff. The Pig at Harlyn Bay exemplifies his understanding of how a good dose of tradition and history mixed with fantasy are vital in creating the dream country house hotel.
In the sensational restaurant, the chef does miraculous things with vegetables from the garden, not to mention a memorable star dish of grilled turbot and triple-cooked chips. Another highlight is the Lobster Shed restaurant, where long, languid lunches of fresh lobster are fuelled by chilled sparkling English Pinot Noir rosé from the nearby Camel Valley vineyard.
Then there are the dreamy interiors conjured up by Robin’s wife Judy, whose sense of pure understated glamour and rustic refinement pervades. Original plasterwork combined with panelling and masonry creates a backdrop for vintage, found and custom-made furniture, all set against a seductive colour palette of grey, purple and blue. The world would be a better place if the Robin Hutson method became the new normal.
Double, from £150.
For more information and to book: thepighotel.com.
