Checked into the ‘English Med’s’ best wine hotel — didn’t want to leave

Metro Checks In to a landmark seafront villa in the ‘English Med’ that serves delicious food alongside stylish accommodation.

It’s 5pm on an autumnal Friday and I’ve swapped the village pub for a library.

Sliding ladders lean against floor-to-ceiling shelves. Through an elegant arched window, I have a clear view of the ocean.

Only, instead of books, I’m surrounded by 1,100 bottles of wine: the carefully curated collection of Ashley and Tom Fahey, proprietors of The Terrace Rooms & Wine Hotel.

It is, without a shadow of a doubt, the most beautiful boutique hotel I’ve ever stayed in.   

Location, location, location

The design and vibe make this place feel like a high-end corner of London.

But I’m in Ventnor, on the Isle of Wight, a charming seaside town that’s fast emerging as a culinary hotspot.

It’s also known as the English Mediterranean thanks to the unique microclimate and villa-style architecture.

The Terrace is the perfect example of this namesake: the Italianate-inspired mansion is the first building you see as you descend the zig-zag hill towards the seafront. 

From inside the glass-fronted pergola, there are panoramic views of the English Channel.

Vibe check

I’m here during shoulder season, when the relaxed island pace becomes even slower.

My partner, Jacob, and I are staying in ‘The Annex,’ the largest bedroom available, which sits alongside the main house with a private entrance.

It has unobstructed views of the sea and ample space to relax.

The other five suites are just as special — and all have their own USPs.

Room 3, for instance, features a free-standing roll-top bath perfectly positioned right by the window.

A treat for the taste buds

As soon as the clock strikes five, we make our way to the ‘library’ for a wine tasting. These take place seven nights a week and are included in every booking.

For 30 minuts, owner and self-taught chef Tom talks passionately about the wine of Provence, Bordeaux, Australia and Argentina, while we sip and listen.

Ashley and Tom were recently ranked #12 in the 2025 Harpers Top 50 Sommeliers, for good reason. 

We reconvene at the table at 7pm for the star of the show: The Terrace’s prestigious ‘Friday night dinner.’ 

These are offered to guests at £80 per person. Pay an extra £50, and they throw in the wine pairing. It’s expensive, but it’s a real treat.

As a wine hotel, it’s designed to be a one-of-a-kind experience, and The Terrace knows its crowd.

The majority of guests I speak to tell me they’re here for a special occasion and are happy to splurge for the night. 

Over the course of two hours, Tom whips up a mouthwatering five-course tasting menu — all handpicked to complement this evening’s wine selections.

I devour everything from grilled bream and smoked aubergine to venison and honey tart. The wines go down a treat, too.

A community affair

Aside from the cheese and charcuterie boards available daily between 12 and 7pm, The Terrace only offers meals on Fridays. 

However, their dinner packages encourage you to experience the island’s vibrant foodie scene.

The hotel partners with multiple restaurants, where staff make reservations for guests based on their palettes.

‘If our guests wish, we can help them choose wines to go with their meal,’ Ashley tells me.

It’s easy to see why The Terrace has been named Best B&B in the UK by the Good Hotel Guide and gained a place in the Top 50 Boutique Hotels.

As staycations go, it’s one of the most relaxing yet sophisticated I’ve ever experienced. I’ll most definitely be back.

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