Gara Rock
Gara Rock near Salcombe is the epitome of relaxed luxury (its website pronounces ‘We don’t do formalities, dress codes, or awkward silences’ – and thank heavens for that). With a rustic sensibility, panoramic sea views, sun-drenched terraces, and a beautiful spa (whose organic Apothespa products are made in Devon), this is the ultimate spot for barefoot rest and relaxation. Rooms are rustic and soulful, while the restaurants (one fine dining, one casual) leans into Devon’s abundant larder – with a side order of the most sensational views. Expect just-caught seafood and sun-kissed evenings overlooking the horizon. Book it.
Saunton Sands
For lovers of Art Deco grandeur and surf-lapped shorelines, North Devon’s Saunton Sands is a gleamingly white beacon of coastal sophistication (even the fastidious Poirot himself would doubtless approve of its immaculate symmetry). Overlooking one of the most magnificent stretches of beach in the UK, the hotel’s spa is second to none (think spa treatments from the exclusive IS Clinical brand, a state-of-the-art gym, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, thermal suites, tennis court), while the outdoor terraces are perfect for sundowners. Families, rejoice – this one’s as kid-friendly as it is chic. Book it.
Lympstone Manor
Chef Michael Caines’ country house hotel is nothing short of a gastronomic pilgrimage. Overlooking the Exe Estuary, Lympstone Manor’s vineyard, sumptuously appointed rooms, and exceptional tasting menus make it a must for foodies who like their luxury served with a side of fine wine. Prefer to go more rustic? Book into one of the shepherd’s huts in the woods. Sublime in every way. Book it.
Burgh Island
This iconic Art Deco retreat, set on its own tidal island, is a time capsule of glamour. Arrive via sea tractor and step into a world of Gatsbyan glamour, all black-tie dinners and clinking champagne coupes. The rooms are named after its many stellar former guests – Noel Coward and Agatha Christie amongst them. The latter was, in fact, so taken with its situation, that she set And Then There Were None here. Intrigue and glamour are the order of the day. Book it.
Gidleigh Park
For those who like their luxury with a touch of cosy woodland seclusion, Gidleigh Park, ‘on the bubbling upper reaches of the River Teign’ is utter perfection. Nestled on the edge of Dartmoor, its Tudor-style charm, famed Michelin-garlanded restaurant, and enchanting gardens make it an absolute fairytale of a hideaway. Traditional in all the very best of ways. Book it.
Hotel Endsleigh
As part of Olga Polizzi’s collection, Hotel Endsleigh is housed within a former fishing lodge surrounded in spellbinding Humphrey Repton-designed gardens. Overlooking the Tamar Valley, its impossibly elegant interiors and wisteria-clad walls make it a dream for romantics. Think wallpaper and floral upholstery – but executed in exactly the right ways, without a sniff of twee. Once again, Polizzi shows us how its done. Book it.
The Pig at Combe
The Pig hotels are synonymous with hyper-local dining and bucolic charm, and Combe is no exception. Tucked away in an Elizabethan manor, this retreat offers walled kitchen gardens, roaring fires, and a menu dictated by the day’s foraged finds. Robin Hutson proves that, yet again, his touch is unerring as his chain shows no signs of offering up diminishing returns. Book it.
Bull Inn Totnes
If your idea of luxury leans towards the boutique and the organic, The Bull Inn in Totnes is unequivocally for you. (Not for nothing is it owned by Geetie Singh-Watson, pioneer of the UK’s first-ever organic pub). Sustainability sits at its heart, with a farm-to-table ethos and rooms that feel like artists’ sanctuaries. Expect organic beers, organic veg food – and the most beautifully pared-back yet seductive rooms (you can even book into a four-bed self-catering apartment if you’re travelling with a big family or friends). Book it.
