Escaping to Southampton’s luxury Harbour Hotel for a soul-soothing winter reset

We delve into the continued popularity of staycations, exploring the idea of finding breaks that allow us to step away from our busy lives without travelling too far – maximising relaxation time with minimal effort.

With the pace of everyday life, it is increasingly important to find a way to escape, even just for one night: to reset the mind and body, and to reconnect with loved ones.

Our explorations take us to the Harbour Hotel in Southampton, the flagship hotel and spa of the renowned group. The super-yacht-inspired hotel is set just moments from the city centre beside the beautiful Ocean Village marina – wonderfully convenient for a quick getaway. The chain is known for its elevated experiences: stylish accommodation, vibrant restaurants and bars, and premium spa and wellness facilities.

My sister and I arrived ready for a long-awaited girls’ weekend and were instantly greeted by the warm reception team. They took the time to explain everything we needed to know, including the complimentary access to the spa – music to our ears.

As we step into the room, a sense of opulence washes over us. Our gaze is instantly drawn to the view of the harbour – there is something deeply calming about being near the water, instantly relaxing the soul and refocusing the mind.

Thought has been put into every detail: the elegant décor, the luxurious Bramley toiletries, the fluffy dressing gowns waiting in the wardrobe, and the tantalising complimentary gin we immediately poured to toast the start of our stay.

Even the coffee machine is a welcome addition, serving an excellent cup. A decaf option is included too – ideal for those of us who can’t risk caffeine after noon without counting sheep all night!

Once refreshed, our thoughts turn to the spa and a little pre-dinner unwind. We don our robes and matching slippers and cautiously step out of the room in search of the HarSPA. We soon find there was no need to be timid though, as we greet fellow guests in their matching attire. A short stroll and a lift ride later, we emerged directly into the spa reception, feeling a sense of relief that they even considered our modesty when designing the hotel.

The HarSPA has a collection of treatment rooms with an array of tempting therapies on offer, from massages and body scrubs to skin-boosting facials. You can also burn off life’s stresses in the fully equipped gym or, like us, head straight for the pool area with every intention of doing absolutely nothing.

On a crisp winter evening, the pool is pleasantly warm, making it easy to slip in and enjoy a gentle paddle – to help us feel we’d earned dinner. Once suitably satisfied with our “efforts”, we moved on to the jacuzzi, letting the heat and bubbles work their magic on tired muscles.

Feeling completely relaxed, we ventured to the steam room and sauna, allowing the warmth to work its wonders before wrapping ourselves back into our dressing gowns and settling on a couple of sun loungers on the outside terrace. There, we soaked up the opulence of the location, guessing who might own the impressive boats moored up in the marina.

Before leaving, we discovered the relaxation room – do not miss it. With plush beds and a refreshments station stocked with water, teas, and a coffee machine (fast becoming my new obsession), it is the perfect sanctuary for a quiet moment of reflection.

Back in the room, it’s time to shower and get ready for dinner. The thoughtful touches continue as I step beneath the oversized rain shower, spending far too long letting the water cascade over me, mentally planning a bathroom renovation just to experience this every day.

Having glammed ourselves up, we headed upstairs to HarBAR on 6th, thrilled that everything on this trip was mere moments away – making high heels suddenly a much more reasonable idea. Alternatively, guests can dine downstairs at The Jetty, depending on their mood.

Stepping out of the lift into the restaurant, we were met with a lively atmosphere, ambient lighting, and a festive flourish of Christmas décor. Seated beside a floor-to-ceiling window, our appreciation of the marina view only deepened.

With a crisp glass of rosé in hand, we browsed the carefully-curated menu – varied without being overwhelming. Having worked up an appetite in the pool, we committed wholeheartedly to an indulgent three-course dinner.

To begin, flying the flag for the vegetarians, I ordered the burrata served with caramelised fig and a honey–pistachio crumb. The creaminess of the cheese was a delightful contrast to the tart sweetness of the chutney and the earthy richness of the fig, taking the taste buds on a journey. 

Carnivores, fear not — my sister had you covered with the crispy pork belly accompanied by Asian slaw and smoked chilli jelly. The pork had just the right kick of heat, balanced beautifully by the fresh, crunchy slaw — a perfect medley of flavours, and just the right size to whet the palate before the mains.

As the mains arrived the aroma of the pumpkin sage tortellini was deliciously tantalising, served with walnut butter and fried sage every bite was an explosion of flavour, magnified by the softness of pasta in contrast to the crunchier sweetness of the caramelised nuts. This dish felt like indulging in refined comfort food. 

Feeling inspired by our stay next to the water my sister ordered the grilled stone bass accompanied by cherry vine tomato ragout, new potatoes, drizzled with avocado oil. The fish was beautifully cooked and was wonderfully flakey, with the creaminess of the sauce created a rich satisfying dish.

Briefly questioning if we had room for dessert, but secretly knowing there was no way we could resist, we surrendered to temptation. The naughty but nice rich chocolate tart, was pure decadence sending the taste buds into overdrive. Whilst the honeycomb parfait offered a lighter option but still worked it’s magic on satisfying the sweet craving.

Alongside dessert we sampled a couple of cocktails, their choices cater to all palates including a speciality menu designed to showcase Mermaid Gin. I don’t think you can go too wrong with what you order, but I highly recommend treating yourself to the Cherry Poppins – a delight in a glass.

Beyond the evening’s festivities, it’s worth noting that HarBAR on 6th offers far more than dinner and cocktails. By day, the bar area buzzes with relaxed sophistication, perfect for lingering over a leisurely Afternoon Tea complete with delicate pastries, warm scones, and savoury bites. Come the weekend, the kitchen turns its attention to hearty Sunday roasts — think generous cuts, crisp roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and rich gravy, all served with a sense of occasion. Whether you drop by for a casual lunch, pop up for pre-dinner drinks, or settle in for slow, indulgent weekend dining, the venue caters to every mood and moment.

As dinner drew to a close, we faced a tough decision: step into the bar area and enjoy an extra cocktail (or two), where you can immerse yourself in the music and lively atmosphere. Or retreat to room and snuggle down to watch a Christmas film… whatever your vibe is there is no wrong answer.

For me, the choice was easy. Having tested the bed earlier and discovering it felt like sinking into a warm, comforting hug, I could practically hear it calling my name. I was here to reset, and a good night’s sleep after an evening of relaxation was exactly what I wanted. 

As I curled up beneath the duvet and took in the twinkling reflections across the harbour, a profound sense of calm washed over me. You would never believe you were in the heart of a city. Everything felt serene.

After a restful night’s sleep and a coffee in bed, we made our way back to HarBAR on 6th for breakfast. The continental spread catered for every taste – pastries, fruit, cereals, cheese, yoghurt pots… I could go on! 

The cooked options were equally impressive. The vegetarian breakfast was generous and full of flavour, while the smoked salmon and scrambled egg bagel delivered a beautifully balanced classic.

Back in the room, we reluctantly finished packing. Our only regret? Not staying longer.

If you are looking for a taste of luxury, this is the place to go. Whether it’s for a romantic break or a getaway with friends and family, the hotel offers a perfect setting to unwind and recharge. A night away should be an unforgettable experience, and this is precisely what they have created, with an emphasis on thoughtful, lifestyle-led luxuries that elevate every moment. From the sumptuous spa to the beautifully considered rooms, it encourages you to slow down, savour the surroundings and truly switch off.