Miami Vibes, Dorset Shores: The NICI’s Standout Style

Sarah Highfield visits Bournemouth’s brightest new hideaway offering Miami‑inspired flair mixed with seaside sophistication

A seaside revival is reshaping the UK coastline, where once faded promenades and sleepy beach towns are being transformed into chic, design-led destinations. With a new wave of boutique hotels, creative dining, and elevated experiences, the British seaside is firmly back in style. Leading the charge is The NICI in Bournemouth, setting new standards with its vibrant aesthetic, luxury amenities, and effortlessly cool coastal vibe.

First impressions unpacked

Pulling up to The NICI on Bournemouth’s West Cliff, expect to be greeted by salty sea air and a bold, pastel‑hued façade that sets the tone for what is inside: a lively, Miami‑meets‑English‑seaside retreat. Inside, the lobby is kitted out with tropical prints and fun pieces of art, which leads you through to South Beach Restaurant & Bar, with its floor‑to‑ceiling windows and views out towards the stunning swimming pool and ocean.

Rooms and suites

The hotel boasts 88 rooms and suites. Walls are pristine white, punctuated by palm‑leaf motifs and gold accents that nod to Art Deco. Standard doubles feel spacious, with king‑size beds wrapped in crisp linens, big desks, and marbled wet rooms. Upgrade to a suite and you will find freestanding baths, separate living areas and private balconies with sea (highly recommended) or garden views. Some have in‑room hot tubs or retro outdoor sun terraces that rival boutique beach clubs. Even the most modest rooms feel considered with thoughtful touches such as a Nespresso machine, USB charging ports and blackout curtains, ensuring your comfort is never compromised. Also worth highlighting is that The NICI is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your four-legged family members too.

Dining experiences

The NICI’s main restaurant, South Beach Restaurant & Bar, overlooks the pool terrace, serving light coastal fare: prawn and crayfish cocktail, Isle of Wight tomato salads with basil oil, and inventive cocktails that lean on local spirits. For something more intimate, Old Harry Rocks offers Mediterranean‑inspired cuisine in a driftwood‑clad dining room, complete with sea‑glass chandeliers. Think oven roasted king prawns, heritage tomatoes, and monkfish goujons with a citrus herb mayonnaise. Service is attentive without being overbearing, and menus evolve seasonally to reflect the best of South Coast produce.

Play and unwind

The NICI’s facilities blur the line between resort and urban hotspot. Outside, a 30‑metre heated pool, lined with loungers and cabanas, evokes the golden age of South Beach. While inside at The NICI Spa, you will find an 18‑metre pool, hydrotherapy pool, aromatherapy steam room and sauna; perfect for both serious spa‑goers and those seeking laid‑back R&R. Treatment rooms offer everything from deep‑tissue massages to LED‑light therapy and CBD‑infused rituals. A 24‑hour gym is stocked with Technogym machines, while the cosy cinema room and dedicated kids area keep guests of all ages entertained.

Final thoughts

From the moment you arrive until the minute you reluctantly check out, The NICI delivers luxury that feels playful, polished, and accessible. It succeeds in reimagining the classic British seaside hotel for today’s discerning traveller; offering standout design, excellent service, and a wealth of on‑site experiences. Whether you’re basking on the terrace, pampering in the spa, or stopping by for some delicious food, The NICI has it all.

Seaside essentials

  • The Saint + Sofia Heidi Basket Bag is spacious, lightweight, and effortlessly stylish, making it a go-to for carrying all your beachside essentials.
  • The Martinique swimsuit from BAÍAH combines chic, flattering design with high-quality, quick-drying fabric ideal for beach-to-bar transitions.
  • No seaside trip is complete without Archies arch-support and shock absorbing unisex flip flops.


Further information – https://thenici.com/

About the author
Born in Hong Kong and based in London, Sarah Highfield is a travel and lifestyle writer. Follow her
travels on Instagram: @SarahHighfield.