10 Best Luxury Hotels in Devon by the Sea
Ever found yourself yearning for an escape, one where the sea and sky stretch out before you as far as the eye can see, framed by the elegance of a luxurious seaside hotel?
A place where the air tastes salty and time flows as leisurely as the gentle surf washing onto the shore. If you’re nodding along, then a luxury seaside escape in Devon might just be the panacea to the humdrum of routine life.
Devon, with its stunning coastline, picturesque towns, and a wealth of luxury hotels, is the perfect destination to experience English seaside living at its finest.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of the top luxury hotels in Devon, each unique in its charm and offerings.
Let’s set off on this exciting journey and unveil the crown jewels of Devon’s luxury seaside retreats.
10 Best Luxury Seaside Hotels in Devon
1. Bovey Castle
Let’s set the stage with Bovey Castle, a hidden gem amidst the verdant Dartmoor National Park. This early 20th-century country house is a testament to the grandeur of yesteryears and offers a breathtaking panorama of Devon’s untouched beauty.
This stone-built manor, which conjures up images of a bygone era, is framed by well-manicured lawns and vibrant flora. The rooms here, resplendent with period decor, rich drapery, and majestic fireplaces, emanate an old-world charm that’s seamlessly intertwined with the comforts of modern luxury.
As you sip on your afternoon tea in the Great Western, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, don’t forget to steal a glance through the panoramic windows for a mesmerizing view of the rolling moorlands and the River Bovey.
2. Imperial Hotel, Torquay
Next, we bring you the Imperial Hotel in Torquay, a seaside town known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters. This Victorian-era hotel, perched high on the cliffs, offers a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the English Riviera, creating an ambience that’s nothing short of royal.
In the Imperial Hotel, luxury seeps from every corner, be it the sumptuously furnished rooms, the elegant dining rooms offering exquisite sea-view, or the lavish spa offering rejuvenating treatments.
The food here is a culinary extravaganza, with the Regatta Restaurant serving dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, with an added twist of international flair.
With the palm-studded seafront merely a stone’s throw away, a stay at the Imperial Hotel is akin to a rendezvous with luxury amidst the lap of nature.
3. Gara Rock Hotel
As we move further along the coast, the Gara Rock Hotel in East Portlemouth presents itself as a beacon of luxury and serenity. This modern coastal retreat is perched high on the cliffs, offering an uninterrupted view of the wild waves crashing against the craggy shoreline.
This is not just a hotel, but a tranquil sanctuary where every room is a window to the boundless azure sea and the golden sandy beaches below. The minimalistic, earth-toned decor of the hotel perfectly complements the untamed beauty of its surroundings.
The in-house restaurant, which follows a farm-to-table concept, offers a gastronomic journey of the freshest local produce. With an indoor cinema and a heated pool at your disposal, Gara Rock is a paradisiacal blend of comfort, luxury, and breathtaking views.
4. Cary Arms & Spa
On the southern coast of Devon, you’ll discover the charming Cary Arms & Spa nestled in the picturesque Babbacombe Bay. This boutique hotel offers luxury in its purest form, creating an intimate and idyllic setting against the backdrop of dramatic cliffs and the lullaby of lapping waves.
The unique New England style beach huts and suites, perched right on the beach, offer a chic, seaside sophistication, tastefully decorated with nautical elements.
The hotel boasts an exquisite spa, the glass facades of which allow you to soak in panoramic sea views while you indulge in a therapeutic massage.
The Cary Arms is a gastronomic delight as well, with a menu inspired by the bounty of Devon’s farms and fishing harbours, turning each meal into a memorable dining experience.
5. Burgh Island Hotel
Travel back in time with the iconic Burgh Island Hotel, an art deco retreat on a tidal island in South Devon. Known for its old-world charm, this 1920s hotel is only accessible by a sea-tractor during high tide, adding an extra layer of excitement to your stay.
The hotel, frequented by famous guests like Agatha Christie and Noel Coward, holds within its walls an ambience of vintage allure. Each room is unique and retains its original charm with art deco furniture, offering magnificent views of the sea or the Devon coastline.
The Pilchard Inn, an on-site pub dating back to 1336, and the formal dining in the Grand Ballroom make every meal feel like a special occasion.
6. Lympstone Manor
Let us now guide you towards Lympstone Manor, an exquisite Georgian mansion overlooking the Exe Estuary. The Manor is more than a luxury hotel – it’s a celebration of fine dining and the beauty of Devon’s coastline.
The interiors are tastefully decorated, with each suite being inspired by the bird species found in the estuary.
The Manor takes pride in its Michelin-star restaurant, where renowned chef Michael Caines presents a creative blend of British classics and modern cooking techniques, using local, seasonal ingredients.
With its private vineyard and tasting room, Lympstone Manor offers a distinct blend of luxury, gourmet dining and a unique wine experience.
7. Watersmeet Hotel
A little further north on Devon’s coastline, you’ll find the charming Watersmeet Hotel. It’s a place where rugged cliffs meet the untamed waves of the Bristol Channel, a place where the grandeur of nature is harmoniously blended with the elegance of a bygone era.
A private stairway leads you down from the hotel grounds to the sandy beach below, a seclusion that adds to the charm of Watersmeet.
The hotel’s rooms, each meticulously designed, offer a serene view of either the landscaped gardens or the azure sea.
With an award-winning restaurant that serves delicious meals crafted from local produce and two heated pools that overlook the ocean, Watersmeet is a delightful seaside retreat that offers a memorable and relaxed luxury experience.
8. Hotel Endsleigh
Nestled in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, Hotel Endsleigh offers a unique blend of countryside luxury with a dash of coastal charm. This Grade I listed historic house, once a fishing lodge, is now a hotel that exudes rustic elegance.
Each room in the hotel is a testament to the Georgian era, boasting original wooden furniture and hand-painted wallpaper. The 108-acre garden, designed by the celebrated landscape gardener Humphry Repton, offers panoramic views of the River Tamar and the surrounding parkland.
The dining experience at Endsleigh is a symphony of traditional and modern cuisine, with ingredients sourced from the gardens and the nearby sea.
A stay at Hotel Endsleigh is like stepping into a historical painting, where luxury lies in the quiet charm of its timeless elegance.
9. Saunton Sands Hotel
Overlooking miles of pristine sandy beaches, Saunton Sands Hotel offers the quintessential luxury beach holiday. With art deco elegance, the hotel ensures a chic stay with an extensive selection of rooms and suites that offer stunning sea views.
The interiors are beautifully done with a light and airy decor that complements the beachside setting. The sea-view restaurant serves delicious dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the terrace is the perfect place to relax with a drink in hand while taking in the mesmerizing view.
In addition to its stunning location, Saunton Sands provides an array of facilities including a state-of-the-art spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and a tennis court. The hotel is also a gateway to explore the North Devon coastline, the Braunton Burrows UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and nearby golf courses.
10. Gidleigh Park
Our coastal journey through Devon’s luxury accommodations concludes with Gidleigh Park, a Tudor-style country house nestled in a secluded Dartmoor valley. This luxury hotel offers a mix of countryside charm with a close proximity to the Devon coast, making it the perfect ending to our list.
The rooms at Gidleigh Park are decorated with antique furniture and original artworks, and many offer stunning views of the hotel’s private gardens or the wild Dartmoor landscape.
The dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary, with a two Michelin-starred restaurant serving an innovative menu that focuses on locally sourced ingredients.
Whether it’s a game of tennis, a fishing session in the river Teign, or a stroll through the extensive grounds, Gidleigh Park leaves no stone unturned in offering a truly luxurious experience.
