Some holidays are about adventure, some are about togetherness, and sometimes, if you’re lucky, you find a spot that manages to offer both, with a splash of wild beauty thrown in for good measure. That’s exactly what we needed this year: a break to recharge with the whole family away from our home in Essex, but including grandma, who lives away from us in Folkestone.
So instead of squeezing into grandma’s guest bedroom and dividing chores, we decided to treat ourselves, and her, to something special. We checked into Cabu by the Sea, an eco-friendly collection of luxury cabins just 20 minutes from Folkestone in the windswept, beautiful St Mary’s Bay. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Cabu is no ordinary seaside escape.
Boutique comforts with a seaside soul
Stepping through the doors of our two-bedroom cabin, the whole family slipped straight into relaxation mode. Cabu’s cabins are pure style-meets-cosy, reminiscent of a Shoreditch members’ club, but without the crowds or the fuss, a place where you can truly drop your bags, kick off your shoes, and breathe in that fresh sea air. The décor blends rustic Kentish charm with modern comforts: wooden floors, plenty of plush seating, stylish throws, and thoughtful eco-friendly details at every turn. We noticed right away there were no single-use plastics (so rare these days!), and all the kitchen supplies were sustainable.
The open-plan kitchen was decked out for proper family self-catering, including a full-sized fridge, wine cooler, and my personal delight, a proper butter dish. There was no hunting for teaspoons or wondering where to store things: everything screamed thoughtful comfort. A dining table meant we could all eat together and plenty of sofas to lounge on meant we could all chill together (even grandma, who declared the chairs as comfy as her own at home).
For sleeping arrangements, our eight-year-old daughter instantly claimed the top bunk, leaving her little brother bouncing excitedly below. We took the master double, which opened onto a generous deck running the length of the cabin, perfect for morning coffees as the bracing wind whipped over the dunes. Fluffy towels, cloud-soft dressing gowns, and beds that were perfect for kipping on after days at play completed the experience.
Central heating and a log burner kept us snug even when the weather turned wild outside. And yes, there was a TV, but, to the surprise of us all, it stayed mostly off. At Cabu, the outdoors draws you in, not the other way round.
Hot Tubs and heated pools
Of course, the highlight for all of us, adults, kids, and, secretly, grandma most of all, was the private hot tub. Each cabin’s tub is kept pristine, filled daily, and fragranced with gentle aromatherapy scents that drift through the cabin and invite you to relax. There is little more magical than watching wild rainbow skies and dramatic clouds over the bay while soaking in steaming, scented water.
But just as memorable as our spa-like soaks were the hours spent at Cabu’s heated outdoor pool and kids’ splash area. The communal pool is kept deliciously warm to 21 degrees, making it perfect for little ones and grown-ups, rain or shine. Our three-year-old plunged in fearlessly, with his big sister teaching him how to doggy paddle while grandma watched, G&T in hand, from the comfort of a sun lounger. What struck me most, as we swapped turns watching the kids, was the utter peace, you can chat with other families, or simply revel in the silence, broken only by the distant roar of the sea.
For those who fancy more adventure, miles of wild, windswept coastline are right at your cabin door. Beachcombing is a must and every day we brought back pockets of shells, pebbles, and even driftwood for crafting in the evenings. The weather can be wild in this part of Kent, but it lends the coast its drama. We saw rainbows slicing through sun and heavy sea mist, and on a clear day we all marvelled at the English Channel sparkling right up to the horizon.
The Cabu store and shared kitchen
Running out of supplies is never a worry at Cabu. The on-site store isn’t just practical, it’s pure temptation! From local produce to gifts for all occasions, we found all our self-catering needs met and then some. (Who knew heart-shaped goggles in every colour could cause such excitement?) The store also stocks a clever mix of essentials like toothbrush and swim trunks, and treats you never realised you needed until you’re here: freshly ground coffee, organic milk, and even ready-prepped pizza and BBQ packs for easy family meals.
Cabu’s communal Cabin Kitchen and sheltered BBQ area were a revelation. Evening feasts became an event, from sharing pizzas out of the huge wood-fired ovens to family barbecues (with veggie options and all the trimmings). We made new friends sharing s’mores and grilling marshmallows over crackling fires, while board games, giant Jenga, and ping pong tables kept everyone entertained. All of it is furnished with that distinctive Cabu flair: Scandi-inspired wood, nautical blues, and plush throws for chilly evenings.
Spa sanctuary: Serious pampering in the shepherd’s hut
Of course, even at the happiest family retreat, every parent needs a little ‘me time.’ Cabu’s Nature Spa, nestled in a cheery shepherd’s hut, proved the answer. Slipping away for a 75-minute Signature Deep Tissue Massage (£80) was a dream, my therapist expertly eased away travel tension with blended essential oils, leaving skin glowing and mind completely at peace. Other spa choices include:
Ayurvedic Massage (£65): A dry brushing and detoxifying experience, renowned for relaxing the mind and smoothing the skin.
Crystal Rose Facial (£65): A pampering ritual using Himalayan salt, rosehip oil, and quartz rollers, a blissful treat for tired faces.
Therapy slots can be booked in advance or after you arrive, making it easy to fit in some pampering while your partner, kids and grandparents wear themselves out in the pool or playroom!
Wildlife wonders: Port Lympne Reserve
No family holiday here is complete without a visit to nearby Port Lympne Reserve, Kent’s largest and wildest animal park and a must for young (and not-so-young) animal lovers. We booked one of their acclaimed safari experiences, where you jump aboard a jeep with one of the reserve’s expert rangers and rumble through open parkland straight out of an African adventure.
The highlight? An unforgettable chance to hand-feed giraffes, their long necks swooping gracefully above us as the kids giggled with glee. Our guide was a fount of stories, he helped us spot black rhino grazing, point out zebra and wildebeest, and explained the centre’s vital conservation work. The drive itself is an adventure, with rolling hills and big Kentish skies making it feel wonderfully wild.
Animal encounters here go beyond spectating: the ‘behind-the-scenes’ tours and feeding sessions are intimate and immersive, with friendly staff patiently answering curious children’s questions (and more than a few of mine). There’s plenty of time built in for photos and exploring, and they make the seriously slopy reserve more buggy (and, crucially, grandparent) friendly.
Beyond the safari, Port Lympne is home to tigers, gorillas, and even black bears, with play parks and picnic spots throughout. Don’t miss the on-site restaurants and, for the truly adventurous, glamping and treehouse stays within the park itself.
Folkestone Triennial: Art and adventure on the seafront
Our second day took us back towards Folkestone for the internationally renowned Folkestone Triennial, this is a summer-long art festival that transforms the whole town into a creative wonderland (and on till October 19th 2025 this year) If you think art festivals aren’t for kids, think again: the atmosphere here is friendly, lively, and packed with activities for families.
Pick up a free festival map (in print or online) and set off on your own art treasure hunt. Installations spill out along the beach, up to the leafy parks, and over the town’s famous white cliffs. The artworks come in all shapes and sizes, some bright and bold, others quietly tucked into secret corners or even peeping out from the tide.
This year’s theme, ‘How Lies the Land?’, asked artists to explore the ground beneath our feet, its history, its scars, and what the future might hold. Our children marvelled at enormous sculptures and interactive sound pieces, while Grandma and I enjoyed discussing artwork that explored climate change, migration and even what it means to belong.
Workshops dotted across the festival offered hands-on making, storytelling and even guided family tours. Toddlers, and their grown-ups can all find something to spark their curiosity. For snacks, there’s the colourful Harbour Arm, lined with stalls from gourmet doughnuts to Kentish ice cream. Take a breather and soak up views of fishing boats and tidal pools between art stops.
The best part? Everything is designed for accessibility with step-free paths, helpful stewards, and programmes available in easy-read versions, ensuring no-one feels left out, however they travel or explore.
Eco-Credentials: Conscious comfort by the coast
It’s easy to feel good about a Cabu break, knowing sustainability is at its heart. From the plastic-free policy and eco toiletries, to the use of recycled and green energy and efficient heating, every detail is planned to protect this precious dramatic coast. You’ll find wildlife-friendly planting, responsible recycling, and an authentic sense of place in everything from furnishing choices to the food in the shop.
The verdict: A home from home (with a little luxury)
Cabu by the Sea is more than a place to sleep, it’s a reset button, a chance to reconnect as a family, to let kids run safely free, and to slow down with grandparents and grown-ups alike. It offers all the warmth of a home, but with gentle indulgences and none of the chores. From rainbow-hunting after a storm to fireside board games, dawn walks in wild sea air, and the delicious sleep that comes with a day well spent, we returned home truly relaxed and deeply reconnected.
CABU BY THE SEA: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Where: St Mary’s Bay, Romney Marsh, Kent. ~20 min drive from Folkestone
Accommodation: 1, 2 & 3 bedroom cabins (all with kitchen, WiFi, log burner, some with hot tub & balcony)
Family-Friendly: Bunk beds, travel cots, highchairs, kids’ pool, games & toys, dog-friendly options
Food: Onsite shop, pizza and BBQ packs, cabin kitchens, communal BBQ & kitchen area
Spa: Deep tissue and Ayurvedic massage, facials in a shepherd’s hut (from £65)
Activities: Outdoor heated pool, beachcombing, shell collecting, board games, art & craft nights
Nearby: Port Lympne Reserve (Safari & close-up animal experiences), Folkestone Triennial, Dymchurch funfair, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch steam railway
Eco-Credentials: Plastic-free, sustainable amenities, recycling
Best deals: 4 nights for the price of 3 throughout autumn/winter/spring; January “half price” sale; weekends from £597 for a 1-bedroom
Find out more: https://holidays.cabu.co.uk/cabu-by-the-sea