West Wittering Bliss: Your Dream Family Beach Retreat Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, because we’re about to dive headfirst into West Wittering Bliss: Your Dream Family Beach Retreat Awaits! and, let's be honest, it's a whole lot more than just a hotel. It's an experience. And I'm going to tell you, warts and all, what to expect.
First Impressions & The Big Picture
Okay, so, the tagline is pretty ambitious, right? "Dream Family Beach Retreat"? But honestly, after a week spent there, I'm starting to believe it. It's not a perfect resort – and honestly, who wants perfect anyway? – but it’s got that elusive vibe. You know, that feeling of happy chaos, salty air, and kids building sandcastles like they're constructing the pyramids. I saw this, felt this, so this hotel review is going to be more than words on paper, it is going to be reality.
Accessibility: A (Mostly) Smooth Ride
Right, let's rip the band-aid off early: Accessibility. This is a HUGE win for West Wittering Bliss. They've put some serious thought into this. Wheelchair accessible is a big checkmark, and from what I saw, it's not just a token gesture. Ramps are well-placed, and it seemed genuinely easy to get around. The elevator? Actually works. They even have a Facilities for disabled guests label. That’s a seriously good start. And while I didn't personally need it, I saw several families using them, and they seemed genuinely comfortable, which is way more important that simple access.
The Tech Stuff: Wi-Fi & Internet – Does it Even Work?
Okay, let's be real. In this day and age, good Wi-Fi is practically oxygen. And West Wittering Bliss doesn't disappoint. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a life-savor. I, of course, hit that button immediately, as soon as I had a chance to connect my phone (I am one of those people, yes). Not just that, but Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas – all covered, from what I could see. This is not a place where you'll be fighting over bandwidth with your kids, or where you get frustrated and have to spend the summer at a library or something. It’s a win.
"Things To Do" – More Than Just Building Sandcastles
Okay, so besides the obvious "beach" thing (which is, you know, the point), there’s a surprising amount to keep you occupied.
- Fitness center: Basic, but functional, and I’m a gym rat, okay? And even I was impressed. It's not the mega-gym you might find in a city, of course, but enough to keep you from completely turning into a beach potato.
- Pool with view: And I'm not talking "generic hotel pool". You can see forever, the ocean is right there next to you, and it's all really pretty. It's especially great during the sunset time.
- Spa/Sauna, Steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage: Okay, now this is where things get interesting. I'm not usually a spa person, but after a week of chasing kids around, I basically needed a massage. And it was glorious. Seriously, the best I’ve had in ages. So, if you're looking for a little "me" time, absolutely do it. The Sauna and Steamroom are a welcome addition.
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind (and Sanitizer)
In the world we live in, Cleanliness and safety are paramount. And, thank GOD, West Wittering Bliss takes this seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sterilizing equipment: Check, check, and triple-check. I felt safe. Seriously. Even in the common areas.
- Hand sanitizer is everywhere, which is great.
- Hygiene certification: Yes, this is a great sign so you know things are really being taken care of.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I liked this, as it showed they care.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Yes, I saw them and I saw what they did.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: This is a must.
- Safe dining setup: This is important
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yes, please!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun
Okay, this is where things get delicious… and potentially dangerous for my waistline.
- Restaurants, Bars, and a Poolside bar: The restaurants are amazing. Great food, and good service. The bar is perfect to let loose. I was impressed with the Poolside bar.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, Buffet in restaurant: Okay, so the buffet is a beast. But a good beast. Plenty of options, from the standard Western breakfast to some surprisingly tasty Asian breakfast dishes. My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, ate enough to feed a small village.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Bottle of water, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant - You'll be happy with this!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
It’s the little things that make a trip, right? West Wittering Bliss gets it.
- Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping: Okay, this is all great! Really great.
- Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Safety deposit boxes, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events: This is what you get
- Cash withdrawal: Good.
- Check-in/out [express]: Easy peasy!
- Contactless check-in/out: Perfect!
- Convenience store: Yeah!
- Doorman: Amazing!
- Food delivery: Great.
- Invoice provided: Very professional.
For the Kids: Keeping the Little Monsters Happy
Okay, the most important thing: Family/child friendly is a HUGE yes.
- Babysitting service: If you have one of those nights where you REALLY need a break, it’s a lifesaver.
- Kids facilities, Kids meal: My kids loved the food- more than just "kid food”.
- Access: Amazing.
Rooms: Where You Actually Sleep (Hopefully)
Okay, let’s talk bedrooms.
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning: (Essential!)
- Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: All this means that rooms are great and comfortable and what you would think of.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
- Airport transfer: Convenient.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Parking is a breeze.
- Taxi service, Valet parking: You have options!
My Quirky Observations
- The "Proposal spot". I saw this. I'm not sure if it's actually used, but it was cute.
- The staff. Everyone was friendly and helpful. You could tell they genuinely care about making your stay pleasant.
- The noise levels: My room was quiet, which is super important with kids.
- The "Shrine": Yes, there is actually a shrine on site. I really didn't expect that!
The Tiny Imperfections
Look, nothing's perfect.
- The pool could get crowded at peak times. But hey, we're on a beach!
- The coffee shop could be a little slow during breakfast rush.
My Verdict:
West Wittering Bliss isn’t just a hotel; it's a memory-making machine. Yes, it's a little pricier, but you get what you pay for
Ski-In/Ski-Out Luxury! Stunning Winterberg Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! We're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, salt-and-sand-filled world of a family beach retreat in West Wittering. Prepare for a schedule that’s less "precision Swiss watch" and more "slightly soggy map found in a puddle of melted ice cream." Here we go… (and remember, this is real life pretending!)
BD Family Beach Retreat: West Wittering - A Week of Sand, Sunburn, and Sibling Squabbles (and hopefully, some actual relaxation!)
Day 1: Arrival of the Clowns and the Quest for Wifi
- 10:00 AM: The Great Packing Panic Begins. "Mommm, where's my inflatable unicorn?!?" (Cue a primal scream from yours truly, followed by the frantic rummage of a suitcase that looks like it exploded). Dad’s humming “On the Road Again,” blissfully unaware of the impending chaos.
- 11:00 AM: The Car Tetris Game. Attempt to cram a week's worth of clothes (half of which will be forgotten), beach toys (90% will be lost), and enough snacks to feed a small army into the car. Successfully. Barely.
- 12:30 PM: Road trip from hell… I mean, adventure! (Traffic is a beast. Children are asking "Are we there yet?" every three minutes. I think the phrase "Are we there yet?" deserves its own spot in the Oxford Dictionary.)
- 2:30 PM: Arrival! The rental house… It looks charming in the pictures. Reality? Slightly less charming. But hey, there's a sea of a view from the kitchen window. That's a win. The kids immediately discover all the worst places to hide, and also all the best places to make a mess.
- 3:00 PM: Unpack. Or what's left after the snacks. Wifi hunting. This house has a ghost of it's own (I suspect a very slow one), its signal is weak and probably needs a seance to get any good.
- 4:00 PM: Beach reconnaissance! (Finding the beach seems to be a mission). First impressions? Glorious! White sand, bright sun, but winds that could strip paint… and did, literally, strip the paint of my car door.
- 5:00 PM: Attempting the beach. The kids' enthusiasm is infectious, the sea is cold. Sandcastles are built. Sandcastles are destroyed (by the waves? By the kids? It's hard to say…). I get a face full of sand thanks to the wind. Dad takes the kids to a ice cream shop (genius move).
- 6:30 PM: Dinner (fish and chips, because obviously). The best fish and chips but definitely a mistake to try and eat in your car (sand, everywhere!)
- 7:30 PM: Bedtime routine. (Lullabies, books, and the usual negotiation skills. Some of the kids get to sleep).
- 8:30 PM: Wifi still sucks. Crack open a bottle of wine. I'm too tired to go anywhere right now. The sunset is gorgeous, though. And I definitely need the wine (for the "sanity" of course).
Day 2: Sunscreen, Seaweed, and Sibling Rivalry – The Unholy Trinity
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast chaos. Cereal spills, arguments over the last banana, and a sudden realization we forgot the milk (facepalm).
- 9:00 AM: Beach Day! We're pros now, kinda. Load up the beach gear, sunscreen application (the annual battle).
- 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Beach Bliss! Building sandcastles, (attempting to) swim in the freezing sea (I swear these kids are polar bears in human form), chasing the waves. There's a moment of genuine peace when I watch them, building a sandcastle together. It’s perfect. Then the arguments start again. Apparently, one of them stole a seashell.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch on the beach. It was going so well! Sand-covered sandwiches, salty crisps, and seagulls that are basically aerial pirates.
- 1:30 PM: Attempt to actually RELAX. Sit back, read a book… splat! A rogue wave decides to target me. Now I'm soaked, sandy, and grumpy. I am covered in seaweed. The kids are finding it hilarious.
- 2:30 PM: Ice Cream – a necessity after being waterboarded by the sea.
- 3:30 PM: Walk the beach. Collect shells. The kids are arguing about which ones are best.
- 4:30 PM: Back to the house. Showers. The constant battle against sand.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Burgers. Burgers make everyone happy.
- 7:30 PM: Another bedtime routine. This time, slightly easier. Maybe the sea exhaustion has kicked in.
- 8:30 PM: Stargazing on the beach. We build a bonfire (with adult supervision, of course). Marshmallows, stories, and the quiet sound of the waves. Perfect.
Day 3: Discoveries and Disasters
- 9:00 AM: A visit to the National Trust.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM: A walk along the coast.
- 12:00 AM: Lunch at a Pub.
- 1:30 PM: Back to the beach! The tide is out.
- 3:00 PM: Discovering sea life. Crabs, jellyfish, and other creatures of the sea.
- 4:00 PM: A disaster! One of the children, for some reason, tried to build the sandcastle too close to the sea. It collapsed, with everyone inside.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner.
- 7:30 PM: Another bedtime routine.
- 8:30 PM: Game night, because the Wifi is still doing its snail impersonation.
Day 4: The Great Wittering Windstorm and the Quest for Indoor Fun
- 9:00 AM: The wind has picked up, and it's brutal. Beach plans? Scrapped. My hair is permanently windswept though.
- 10:00 AM: Indoor survival mode activated. Board games, puzzles, a movie marathon. The kids rediscover the joy of playing with each other (for about 10 minutes). Then, the arguments intensify.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch inside. Soup and sandwiches.
- 1:00 PM: A trip to a local toy shop and buying a beach game to play on the beach.
- 2:00 PM: A short walk along the coast.
- 3:00 PM: Hot chocolate and reading.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner.
- 7:30 PM: Another bedtime routine.
- 8:30 PM: Watching a movie.
Day 5: Sand, Sunburn, and the Great Wave Debacle
- 9:00 AM: Sunscreen, repeat, repeat, repeat. And find the beach.
- 10:00 AM: Beach time! Boogie boards, frisbees, sandcastles, and laughter… until…
- 12:00 PM: The Great Wave Debacle. One of the younger ones gets knocked over by a wave and starts bawling. It turns out, they're fine, just a bit scared. The older one thinks this is the funniest thing in the world.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch picnic.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the beach! Play again, a lesson learned.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the house.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner.
- 7:30 PM: Another bedtime routine.
- 8:30 PM: Relaxing.
Day 6: The Farewell Feast and the Quiet Before the Storm (of Packing)
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast!
- 10:00 AM: Last beach trip!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch.
- 1:00 PM: The packing must commence!
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant.
- 7:00 PM: Watching the sunset.
- 8:00 PM: Last bedtime routine.
- 9:00 PM: Finishing the packing.
Day 7: Departure - The Calm Before the Storm
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: Final house check, a small panic about forgetting something.
- 11:00 AM: The car!
- 12:00 PM: Goodbye, West Wittering!
- **1:
West Wittering Bliss: Your Dream Family Beach Retreat (Maybe!) - FAQs, with a Healthy Dose of Reality
Okay, spill the beans... is West Wittering *actually* bliss?
Alright, let's be honest. "Bliss" is a strong word. It's more like... *mostly* blissful, with pockets of sheer, utter chaos. Think idyllic beach scenes interspersed with meltdowns over dropped ice cream cones and sand *absolutely everywhere*. You know, the good stuff. I mean, the *sunsets*? Seriously, they'll knock your socks off. But you'll probably be so busy wrestling a rogue beach umbrella or scraping grit off a toddler's face to *actually* appreciate them. Still, it's a good vibe. A *very* good vibe.
What's the best time to visit West Wittering? Don't tell me "summer," everyone says that.
Right, right. Summer's a no-brainer. You'll be battling for space with approximately a million other families. The parking situation? Don't even ask. My advice? Shoulder season. May or September. The water's still (relatively) warm-ish, the crowds are thinner, and the light? Magical. We went in late September last year, and it was *perfect*. Except when a rogue wave nearly took my youngest, little Timmy, out to sea. (He's fine, now... mostly.) Also, pack layers. The weather's as unpredictable as a toddler's mood swings.
Is it dog-friendly? Because, well, Fido needs a holiday too.
Yes! Yes, it is! On certain areas of the beach, anyway. (Check the signs *before* you let Rover loose, or you'll get a right telling off.) Just be prepared for a bit of… well, dog-induced chaos. Muddy paws, sandy noses, the occasional rogue… you know. But honestly, seeing a happy dog bounding through the waves is just pure joy. (We once had a sausage dog steal a whole *sausage roll* from a picnic. It was glorious. And slightly disgusting.) My point is, dogs are part of the experience. Embrace it!
What's the parking situation *actually* like? Because I've heard horror stories.
Oh, the parking. Sweet Jesus, the parking. During peak season? It's a battle. A brutal, Darwinian struggle for a small patch of asphalt. Get there early. Like, sunrise early. Or cycle. Or, and this is my personal favourite, hire a taxi and *let someone else deal with the madness*. It's worth the extra cost for your sanity, trust me. I've seen grown men weep over a lack of parking spaces. And I’ve been there. I've wept, too. My advice? Plan for it to take longer than you think. And bring snacks. Lots of snacks.
Okay, what about food? Can I get a decent coffee and a non-cardboard sandwich?
Alright, listen up, because this is important. The cafe situation is... improving. There's usually somewhere to grab a decent coffee. But for food? PACK YOUR OWN. Seriously. Picnics are king. Sandwiches, crisps, fruit, the works. You'll thank me later. Last time, we were forced to buy pre-made sandwiches, and they tasted like… well, I think they'd been sitting in someone's glove compartment for a week. My youngest, bless his heart, still ate them. Said they tasted “beachy.” (Kids. Bless 'em.) So yeah, pack your own. Trust me, you can thank me with a nice cold beer on the beach.
Are there lifeguards? (My kids are... adventurous.)
Yes! Thankfully, yes. Lifeguards are on duty during peak season, which is a huge relief. Still, keep a close eye on your adventurous little ones. The sea can be unpredictable, tides change, and currents can be sneaky. I remember one time, my eldest, Lily, decided she was going to swim to France (she was seven). The lifeguard whistled, and brought her back. I'm sure other kids were equally entertaining. Don't rely *solely* on the lifeguards, but they're a massive help and a welcome presence.
What activities are there to do besides... you know... being on the beach?
Well, let's be frank: It's the beach. The *beach*. The clue is in the name! But... if you *must* tear yourselves away from the sand, you can often find things to do. There's windsurfing (if you're brave -- or slightly mad), paddleboarding, sandcastle competitions (brutal, I've seen small children *cry* over a crumbling turrets in those), and generally just running around (at least, that's what my kids do!). The Witterings themselves are lovely villages, with cute shops and cafes. You can always explore Chichester (a short drive) and visit the cathedral or the theatre. But honestly? The best activity is probably just relaxing, burying your feet in the sand, and listening to the waves. That's how you find the bliss.
Tell me about the sand. Is it good sand? Is it like, soft and... blissful?
The sand... ah, the sand. Okay, here’s the honest truth: It's *mostly* good sand. It's fairly fine, it's golden, and it's perfect for sandcastles (if you're *very* good at building sandcastles. I, personally, am not). But... there's always a "but," isn't there? Sometimes, and I mean *sometimes*, there's a bit of seaweed. And the wind. Oh, the wind! It can whip up the sand into a frenzy, which isn't ideal when you're trying to eat a sandwich. Last time, it felt like a sandblasting experience. I was picking sand out of my ears for days! My youngest had a sand-filled nose, which caused... (we won't go into the gory details). So, yes, the sand is good. But be prepared for the occasional assault.
Any tips for surviving the inevitable "sand-everywhere" situation?
