Jez and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary last weekend, staying at the beautiful La Rosa Hotel in the east coast seaside town of Whitby.

I’d heard about the eco-friendly La Rosa Campsite in Yorkshire from one of our web design clients, ecoescape, but later came to learn that the folks who created the kitsch camping experience are now running a hotel by the sea.

La Rosa’s ethos is low impact and ‘make-do-and-mend’, furnishing the caravans in their campsite and the rooms in their hotel with antique and second hand furniture. Down to the tiniest detail they have carefully chosen pre-loved trinkets and decorations to create a wondrous world in which to escape.

In keeping with La Rosa’s green and gentle vibe, low odour paints and vintage wallpapers have been used throughout the building and lovingly restored items are brought back to life.

The tea room downstairs houses a display cabinet filled with mementos, books, figurines, puppets, dolls and photos inspired by the Whitby Museum. Above the cabinet hangs a huge flag declaring “Our true intent is all for your delight” and I believe them!

Each of the 8 hotel rooms (there is also an apartment called The Crow’s Nest) are given a different theme, including ‘Lewis’ (a nod and a wink to one of the hotel’s previous visitors, Lewis Caroll), ‘Saloon’, ‘Caravan’ and ‘Arabesque’. We stayed in the Arabesque room which was truly romantic and, as they describe, like being inside the genie’s bottle.

Hand made, natural toiletries are provided in the bathroom and for breakfast a picnic in a basket is delivered to your door. It’s these well though out touches, friendly and relaxed service and quirky surroundings that make La Rosa so special.

Next time you’re looking for some “Victorian Seaside Fun” book into the lovely La Rosa Hotel.

Check out their website at www.larosa.co.uk