The ocean waves have been calling my name. Eventually, I decided on a Bournemouth escape.

I simply wanted to read my book on the train for a couple of hours of English countryside, stay somewhere lovely and get some of that Vitamin Sea.

I spent hours researching, reading and re-researching seaside retreats that were less than two hours from London, had a touch of solace, sandy shores (none of this pebble business) and a hotel with a balcony where I could listen to the waves.

Job, done.

Booking one of the Bournemouth Grand Dame hotels that line the East Cliff, I prayed for a bit of sunshine and managed to luck in with the weather gods.

I honestly don’t know very much about Bournemouth, and if I’m being brutally honest I still don’t. What I do know is that there are miles of golden sand, you can walk through tropical gardens, surf breathtaking coastline and enjoy panoramic views from the clifftops.

If fancying a party atmosphere, the cosmopolitan town centre comes alive long after the sun has gone down. There are hundreds of restaurants, cafés and bars to choose from and an array of theatres or cinemas including the theatre set up by Mary Shelley, Frankenstein’s author.

I didn’t utilise any of those (even though my friend kindly gave me a mega list of recommendations for quirky cafes and restaurants that I should try.)

Nope. I kept away from the crowds on a weekend jolly (top tip – walk away from the Bournemouth pier – even just a 5-minute walk will pay massive dividends), plugged my music in and soaked up the sunshine.

Once I’d had enough of that (read: got a little thirsty) it was just about time to check-in and jump into my swimsuit for a long soak in the hot tub and a refreshing dip into the hotel pool.

Pure bliss.

And at the end of the day, I found a cosy spot to read more of my book and watch the twilight gently deepen.

Do you ever have times where you just want to relax? And then feel guilty. And then throw all of your cares out the window?