Right then: surf’s up in these breath-nabbingly picturesque locations, so enough of all that dreaming of lying around on sun-drenched double loungers on the beach. Dive into one of the active seaside retreats in this adrenalising Crème de la Mer-inspired collection, and you can expect to enjoy the trip of a lifetime…
WHERE TO GO
CORNWALL United Kingdom
With a milder climate than other parts of the country, sailing and surfing are king along this remote and beautiful coastline. And you’ll want an excuse to burn those calories – some of the best chefs are down here too. But it’s not all about the watersports – there’s plenty of action on terra firma, from clifftop walks to art galleries galore.
The Scarlet (right) is an eco-friendly hotel as full of hip as it is heart. At Mawgan Porth’s bay beauty, lashings of glass maximise the clifftop setting and sea-and-sand views, keeping the outdoors in. Luxurious but laid-back, 
every room of this green-hearted modern beauty comes with its own balcony or outdoor ‘pod’. Hotel Tresanton is a former yachting club situated on Cornwall’s often-overlooked southern coast, between picturesque St Mawes (above) and the rolling fields where public footpaths lead to Falmouth. With Olga Polizzi of the hospitality empire its owner, and her A-list clientele, little wonder it’s earned Halkin-on-sea caché.
WHAT TO PACK
Crème de la Mer’s Oil Absorbing Lotion
When you’re on the go and on the hoof, you want a day cream that is as hydrating for skin as possible without making you shiny, right? Feel fresh-faced thanks to Crème de la Mer’s reviving Oil Absorbing Lotion, which is the very best at helping you glow without appearing greasy. As ever, it works its magic thanks to the secret-ingredient Miracle Broth™.
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MORE PLACES TO TRACK DOWN ACTIVE ADVENTURES
CAPE TOWN South Africa
Glorious beaches and soaring mountains frame this vibrant city built along the edge of the Atlantic. Cosmopolitan and welcoming, visitors can join the sun-worshippers on its white beaches, head to a bar for the local tipple, a sundowner, at dusk, and dip into lively cafés and boutiques – all in one day. A short hop away and there is no shortage of excitement – from shark-diving to animal-watching on safari.
Atlantic House is a five-star guesthouse perched on the slopes of the Twelve Apostles in Camps Bay on the Atlantic seaboard. Beloved for having a private residence air rather than five-star swagger, 
it’s the kind of retreat those who’ve overdosed on flashy grandes dames might consider just the holiday tonic. Rodwell House is a beautiful Italianate mansion, designed by a property billionaire in the 1930s and boasting an incredible art collection and world-class wine cellar. It’s set half an hour from the madding crowds of Cape Town in coastal village St James (above) – perfect for lazy lunches and afternoons on the beach.
QUEENSTOWN New Zealand
While other South Island destinations exude a sleepy Kiwi charm, alpine Queenstown on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, operates at turbo speed. With more adventure activities on offer than you could shake a bungy cord at (this is where the elastic-banded sport was born), in winter it transforms into New Zealand’s most famous ski destination.
Azur Lodge (right) is an upscale boutique hotel with nine contemporary private villas set on a steep hillside two miles west of Queenstown. As the incredible, uninterrupted vistas of Lake Wakatipu, 
the majestic Remarkables range and Cecil and Walter Peaks might suggest, it’s ideal for active escapists. The bath views ain’t bad, either… The Spire is a sleekly designed sanctuary that is so cool and comfortable, it is in fact one of our top tips for New Zealand. An ultra-modern hideaway with 10 suites and the town’s only champagne bar, it’s the destination of choice for those with an eye for detail and an appreciation of stellar service.
NEW SOUTH WALES Australia
From the breathtaking national parks of the Blue Mountains to the spectacular subtropical hills of Byron Bay, NSW’s a beaut. Plan your action-packed trip wisely and you could be savouring sumptuous dining in Sydney one minute, going wild on Lord Howe Island and getting excited about where to dive or surf next.
Capella Lodge (right) on tropical Lord Howe Island is perfect for exploring this natural paradise, packed with rare birds, flora and fauna – especially if you like your eye candy in the form
of jagged mountains, turquoise lagoons and breathtaking coral reefs. It’s a dream spot for all things aquatic: swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking… Gaia Retreat & Spa is a luxurious and soothing sanctuary where you can revive your body, mind and spirit. Founded by Olivia Newton-John, this boutique retreat in lush valleys in the Byron Bay hinterland near Bangalow, offers a choice of holistic therapies and organic cuisine.
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SMITH SKINCARE TIP-OFF
The Oil Absorbing Lotion is fast-acting and matifying, no matter how hard you play – but if breaking a sweat is simply not your style, there are four other textures to choose from. Visit your nearest Crème de la Mer counter quick-smart, and you’ll get a free ‘Where Miracles Begin’ consultation, plus a 3ml introduction to a moisturiser of your choice*. Alternatively, enter ‘SMITH’ at checkout to receive a 3ml sample* of the new Moisturizing Soft Cream with your next online purchase from Crème de la Mer.
*One 3ml sample per customer, while stocks last. Offer valid until 30th September 2012.
