Overnight Stay at Spitbank Fort Accommodation in Portsmouth
In the heart of the Solent, off the coast of Portsmouth, England, lies a unique and exclusive destination - Spitbank Fort. Originally designed in the 19th century as a defense fortress against the French, it has now been repurposed into a lavish luxury hotel, offering a one-of-a-kind getaway experience[1].
This circular Victorian fortress, less than 50 meters in diameter, houses nine luxury bedroom suites, three restaurant areas, and three bars, making it an ideal island retreat for discerning travellers[1]. The transformation of this historic sea fortress into a luxurious hotel has earned Spitbank Fort a reputation as a standout example of Victorian sea forts reimagined as high-end accommodations[1].
The hotel's unique charm lies in its rich history, which includes service as a defense base during both World Wars, an illicit tourist attraction, and a venue for illegal raves in the 90s[2]. Today, Spitbank Fort caters to a different crowd, offering a Yogagise package that includes yoga sessions with a breathtaking view of the ocean[1].
Yoga enthusiasts and beginners alike can enjoy the yoga sessions led by Sarah Highfield, a skilled and intimate yoga teacher, in the Crow's Nest, a modern extension boasting floor-to-ceiling windows[1]. Each room in the fort offers its own unique personality, with touches like a hole in the floor covered by a porthole for fishing[1].
Guests can also indulge in a variety of unique experiences, such as a hook and ring challenge, rooftop firepit, champagne sabrage demonstration, and fishing through portholes[1]. The fort's central courtyard is adorned with quirky furnishings and antiques, while the Victory Bar showcases antiques and luxurious furnishings, including a WWII gas mask and handwritten officer's letters[1].
The tranquility of the ocean surrounds Spitbank Fort, yet it remains within sight of the mainland[1]. Despite its isolated location, guests can enjoy a return boat trip as part of their overnight experience, which includes a five-course dinner, two yoga sessions, and a full Fort breakfast[1].
It is important to note that the writer's stay at Spitbank Fort was provided on a complimentary basis, and all words and opinions are their own[1]. However, as of August 2024, the Spitbank Fort hotel has closed and the fort was recently sold[3].
Despite its temporary closure, Spitbank Fort remains a testament to the beauty and versatility of Victorian sea forts, offering a glimpse into the past while providing a luxurious and unique vacation experience[1][2].
References: [1] Spitbank Fort. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.spitbankfort.co.uk/ [2] Spitbank Fort: The History. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.spitbankfort.co.uk/history/ [3] Spitbank Fort closes after being sold. (2024, August 1). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-62545357
- For those seeking a fusion of wellness and travel, Spitbank Fort offers a unique Yogagise package, providing yoga sessions with stunning ocean views and a chance to relax in luxurious home-and-garden settings.
- A stay at Spitbank Fort, complete with its antique-adorned Victory Bar and quirky central courtyard, promises a taste of opulent travel lifestyle and a peek into the past, surrounded by the tranquility of the ocean.
- Despite its temporary closure, visitors can appreciate the fort's transformed existence from a defense base to a high-end hotel, showcasing the potential for reimagining historic structures like travel accommodations, home-and-garden spaces, and food destinations.
