The NICI is the latest addition to Bournemouth’s West Cliff offering guests ‘the opportunity to experience a taste of Miami without the jetlag’ – and the airfare! Conceived by Harbour Hotels founder Nicolas Roach, whose portfolio of upscale properties across the south of the UK has redefined the local hospitality scene, THE NICI is a luxurious reincarnation of the iconic Victorian Savoy hotel, which closed its doors in 2020.
Hotel
When you first arrive at THE NICI there’s an instant sense of exclusivity with some serious Miami vibes, which starts with a valet service that wouldn’t feel out of place in South Beach. That’s where the luxury and sense of effortless cool starts and continues at every corner and corridor of this beautiful newly-renovated establishment.
As you enter the hotel the décor screams Miami with playful takes on Art Deco, featuring crisp pastels and tropical motifs mixed in with typical shapes and architectural features. The space is light and airy with the reception area flowing effortlessly into the open plan bar and restaurant.
Room
The Miami theme continues through all of the 80 plus rooms, which range from cosy doubles to family rooms and incredible sea view suites. All rooms offer large king-size or twin beds, private minibars, air-conditioning and private bathrooms with showers, with baths depending on the room choice. THE NICI is one of those places that you feel has thought of everything right down to the small details to make sure guests have everything they need and more.
All rooms and suites are designed to feel fun and contemporary, yet relaxed and comfortable. From the mattresses, Malin + Goetz amenities and plush bedding to the luxurious fluffy towels and bath robes, everything just makes you feel pampered and cosy and upping the comfort and convenient levels.
One of the exceptional aspects of THE NICI is how well equipped it is for families, but without it being obvious. Family rooms have separate bedrooms, each with their own flat screen TV, for children and adults so that all members of the family can enjoy the space, which we loved just as much as our children, and both rooms access the same bathroom, so the layout has a great balance.
Food
The South Beach Restaurant and Bar is open for relaxed all-day drinking and dining with a diverse menu for all times of the day. The restaurant has an elevated view out onto the outdoor swimming pool and beyond that the English Channel. The space has all the versatility for whatever the season, and although this was a winter visit you can imagine the entire rear of the space opened up and connecting the inside and outside in the summer months.
We dined in the restaurant for both dinner and breakfast. At dinner, the restaurant had a great vibe with an extensive and delicious cocktail menu – everything has been so carefully thought out. Guests can indulge in the likes of lobster, grilled whole lemon sole, porterhouse steak or firm favourites like fish and chips or scallops, while desserts include the delectable sounding likes of chocolate nemesis cake and Lang’s rum roast pineapple tatin.
Breakfast was just as mouth-watering, offering everything you could ever wish for, from pancakes to continental croissants with all the detox berries and superfoods you could want.
Spa
For those looking to experience some serious rest and relaxation THE NICI doesn’t disappoint. The brand-new spa facilities are stunning and serve as a cosy cocoon of indulgence and comfort – the spa has to be one of the chicest I’ve ever been to.
There are eight treatment rooms and an 18-metre indoor pool and, of course, a steam room and aromatherapy sauna to complement the stunning relaxation room with crystal-charged loungers. For anyone looking to up the pace, there’s a small yoga studio and a fully equipped gym. The spa also catered for families, allowing children to enjoy the pool for two hours each day – which make this hotel the perfect destination come rain or shine.
To do
All guests have full use of the facilities throughout the hotel and here they’ll find an in-house cinema and games room, with video games, books and board games, all styled and designed to be practical but aesthetically pleasing. There’s also an activity area in the garden which includes an outdoor ping-pong table, lawn croquet and various outdoor games to keep the entertainment levels high, while a visit to the outdoor pool is a must on warmer days. To top things off children under 12 stay and dine for free during the school holidays, which means there’s more disposable income to spend on some of the brilliant attractions in and around the area.
Another huge benefit to THE NICI is its proximity to some of the UK’s biggest attractions including everything that the Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast has to offer and the UNESCO World Heritage site and award-winning New Forest National Park. However, you don’t need to venture far for natural beauty, the hotel has direct beach access to what’s been rated as the fifth best in Europe and among the top 25 in the world.
In a nutshell
The NICI is a gem on Bournemouth’s central West Cliff neighbourhood. With its stunning Miami styled décor, luxurious spa and stunning outside space it’s a hotel that makes you never want to check out. So much so, we’ve already booked to go back!
Factbox
Rooms from £175 per room, per night bed and breakfast.
Address: West Hill Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5EJ
Phone: 01202 014112
Email: bournemouth@thenici.com
Website: www.thenici.com
All imagery courtesy of THE NICI
