UK Travel Guide - Five of the Best South Devon Hotels

11th November 2008 - by Sandy Lee

Devon hotels where you can relax, indulge and unwind.

Buckland Tout-Saints Hotel

This beautiful 16th Century William and Mary manor house set in four acres of well-tended gardens and woodland near Kingsbridge provides an elegant rural retreat with award-winning cuisine. Head chef Callum Kier showcases some of the finest produce from South Devon with his modern British menu in the award-winning Queen Anne restaurant. Buckland Tout-Saint's 16 bedrooms are all individually styled, many with four-poster beds, and all have stunning views across the valley. A range of packages include driven pheasant shoots, pigeon shoots, clay pigeon shooting, fishing, horse riding and falconry can be organised for guests, and the international sailing centre of Salcombe is nearby.

Soar Mill Cove Hotel

If you want to feel the sand between your toes then the Soar Mill Cove Hotel will be ticking that particular box. This AA four-star Devon hotel overlooks an exquisite sandy cove that gives the hotel its name. All 22 rooms enjoy views of the Devonshire countryside and have French doors onto private patios. Enjoy a dip its indoor or outdoor pools, play tennis, relax in the spa or walk along the cliff top. In its award-winning Serendipity Restaurant, where local crab, lobster and beef are always available, Head Chef Ian MacDonald is famous for his delicious seafood dishes.

Thurlestone Hotel

Situated in a stunning coastal location near Salcombe, this four star Devon hotel set in 19 acres of sub tropical gardens has been owned by the same family for over 100 years and boasts extensive leisure facilities. These include a nine-hole golf course, an on-site Leisure Club with two swimming pools, sauna and spa, tennis, badminton and squash courts, snooker room and a fitness suite. Fine dining is available in the award-winning Margaret Amelia restaurant, or enjoy al fresco dining in the Rock Pool or Terrace areas, with stunning views over the magnificent bay. Alternatively, pop in for a pint in the 16th century Village Inn adjacent to the hotel.

Bickley Mill

If history is your thing then how about staying in a former flourmill that dates back to 1231? Bickley Mill, nestling in the quiet valley of Stoneycombe, has been recognised by Alastair Sawday's 'Special Places to Stay' and Visit Britain describes it as a "Restaurant with Rooms". This family-run establishment is renowned for its excellent food and has nine beautifully designed en-suite bedrooms. Chef Bill Gott has created a modern British menu with an international twist, sourcing ingredients from nearby farms. Eat in the Fireside Room, the Mill Room or the Panel Room. In summer, residents spill into the flower-filled garden to enjoy dining al fresco.

Dart Marina Hotel and Spa

Those seeking a luxurious riverside retreat will enjoy the Dart Marina Hotel and Spa on the banks of the River Dart. With its superb facilities including a state-of-the-art health spa with pool, this Devon hotel will appeal to the sybarite. Luxurious rooms and apartments, all with river views, are furnished with a palette of soft neutrals and all the trimmings you would expect from an AA four-star hotel. Enjoy fine dining at the River Side Restaurant or Wildfire Bistro, or enjoy a pint of local ale in their traditional Devon pub, The Floating Bridge. Work it all off with a walk round the narrow winding streets of Dartmouth with its stylish boutiques, shops and galleries.