Perched on high of the spectacular cliffs of the North Devon Coast, the Saunton Sands Resort can’t assist however beckon these looking for a luxurious seaside staycation – and with views like these, who wouldn’t wish to examine in for an evening or two of relaxation and leisure?
Overlooking Saunton Sands seaside – which simply so occurs to be probably the greatest within the UK – it has change into a well-liked selection for well-heeled {couples} and households alike, providing lavish lodging, a number of plush services, and decadent eating choices for all of the elements wanted for a memorable keep.
So for sure, I used to be happy to search out myself checking in for a weekend of relaxation and leisure earlier this month – and it actually didn’t disappoint.
Resort
Set above Saunton’s beautiful three mile seaside overlooking the pure surprise of the Braunton Burrows World Heritage Web site, the lodge’s beautiful location provides visitors one of the vital dramatic coastal views within the UK
An art-deco fashion lodge that enjoys an unequivocally privileged location, the Saunton Sands Resort overlooks a formidable 4 miles of sweeping sands and unspoilt dune. Braunton Burrows – this huge dune system – is part of the North Devon Unesco Biosphere Reserve, and should you’re in search of a few of the best possible coastal views within the UK, then they actually don’t get a lot better than this.
The lodge was initially designed to appear to be a cruise liner, first opening its doorways within the early Thirties by the Christie household, who constructed Glyndebourne at the same time. The Brend household later bought the lodge again in 1977, and it’s now a flagship lodge within the luxurious lodge group, having since undergone a formidable refurb with the addition of the brand new spa.
An excellent retreat for {couples} and households on the lookout for a conventional seaside getaway with slightly added luxurious thrown into the combo, the lodge will definitely attraction to those that can’t get sufficient of old-school grandeur, and is is an actual showcase for daring, shiny geometric carpets, glittering mirrors, gold accents and large, show-stopping chandeliers.
Service is the place the lodge actually excels. Saunton Sands is aware of what it does finest and sticks with it, which implies pleasant and attentive employees and the form of conventional lodge service we all know and love. It’s old fashioned, however completed exceedingly nicely, making each factor of a keep right here a pleasure, and their chattiness and humour is kind of the tonic. The well dressed and approachable doormen are an actual asset, and definitely make a pleasant change from the awkwardly attentive doormen usually current at different luxurious resorts!
Ready employees at dinner are slightly extra formal, however this works nicely contemplating the grander setting – extra on that later, once we get into the foods and drinks.
Rooms and suites
The lodge is house to 77 stylishly embellished rooms and suites in complete, in addition to 11 subtle (and dog-friendly!) self-catering flats
The lodge is house to 77 stylishly embellished rooms and suites in complete, in addition to 11 subtle (and dog-friendly!) self-catering flats, which implies there’s loads of selection relying on who you’re travelling with and what kind of getaway you keep in mind.
Most of the rooms supply beautiful ocean views, that are undoubtedly a spotlight, and likewise function plush and cozy beds, so that you could be sure of an excellent night time’s sleep. With the soundtrack of the waves lapping the shore on the seaside under, there’s no higher solution to drift off, and the cosy bedding and cozy pillows imply the one drawback you may need with the entire set-up is getting your self up and out within the morning.
The decor itself is pretty generic, however all rooms function en-suite bogs and include a number of useful facilities, together with free WiFi, an LDC TV with Sky Sports activities and Freeview, plus a Nespresso machine to make sure you may get that every one essential caffeine hit very first thing within the morning with out having to go downstairs. Additional luxuries just like the choice of aromatic toiletries, a delicate, fluffy bathrobe and matching slippers, imply that each factor of your keep looks like a deal with and that you simply’re being completely taken care of in each method.
The flats sleep between 4 and eight visitors and are absolutely geared up with sensible kitchens, spacious bedrooms and wonderful residing areas – some even have non-public balconies with unimaginable seaside views
The white tiled rest room was slightly bland however completely purposeful. General, rooms do considerably lack the non-public touches of a boutique mattress and breakfast, however for a reasonably sizeable lodge, they’re comfy and supply the whole lot you’ll want for an gratifying keep.
Should you’re travelling with household or just want to have loads of house to unfold out in throughout your getaways then choosing an condo is a superb selection. Should you’re feeling extravagant, then remember to examine in at The Penthouse or the 180° South, the place you’ll be able to benefit from the freedom of a self-catering keep, with your personal non-public kitchen and residing house, with out compromising on luxurious. You’ll be able to nonetheless use the entire lodge’s services while holing up in an area that sleeps between 4 and eight, relying on what number of of you there are in your group. It’s a fantastic answer should you’re travelling with youngsters and wish to convey their toys alongside, in addition to should you take pleasure in eating collectively as a household in full privateness – and can also be a romantic selection for {couples} who need their very own house (select an condo with a balcony and seaside view to essentially up the ante).
Food and drinks
The Eating Room – which holds two AA Rosettes – is reasonably a grand affair, and is headed up by head chef Mathias Oberg, whose CV contains many appointments in Michelin-starred kitchens throughout the globe
Should you’re a foodie, you then’ll be glad to know that the lodge is house to some glorious eating choices of its personal, so should you’re planning an autumn break and don’t fancy heading out within the rain and wind to hunt out a restaurant for dinner, you then’re in luck!
The Eating Room – which holds two AA Rosettes – is reasonably a grand affair, and is headed up by head chef Mathias Oberg, whose CV contains many appointments in Michelin-starred kitchens throughout the globe, so you already know earlier than you even sit down that you simply’re in good arms. The restaurant’s mouth-watering superb eating menu relies round solely the best and freshest native, seasonal produce, and you may take pleasure in dishes just like the seared scallops with lemon gel, broad beans, candied peanut crumb and confit lemon zest for starter; the half lobster in thermidor butter for most important and the decadent chocolate panna cotta for dessert while taking in beautiful views down over the UNESCO dunes and seaside under.
The lodge’s bar, which has just lately undergone one thing of a refresh, is the place to be, and provides a fantastic choice of wines, cocktails and different favourites that you would be able to loosen up with in a comfy alcove
Breakfast can also be served right here on this expansive house, comprising a formidable buffer choice overlaying the whole lot from West Nation sausages, grilled again bacon, mushrooms and hash browns – together with poached eggs, which might be cooked to order – and all the same old continental choices you’d count on, together with recent fruit, cereals and pastries.
And the lodge provides a decadent afternoon tea menu right here for quintessentially British deal with, comprising a choice of tasty finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with oodles of jam and cream, and quite a lot of different tempting truffles and pastries – all washed down with a selection of luxurious teas from all over the world.
The lodge provides a decadent afternoon tea menu right here for quintessentially British deal with
Down on the Beachside Grill, in the meantime, it’s a extra informal and family-orientated possibility while nonetheless specializing in high quality elements. In the summertime, having fun with a leisurely lunch or dinner exterior on the terrace is a completely gratifying expertise, but it surely’s not fairly the identical expertise within the autumn and winter. However, dishes like steak grilled over open flames, gourmand burgers, charred beef salad, jumbo shrimp open flame grilled sandwiches and seafood linguine nonetheless promise to go down a deal with.
Fancy a drink? Then the bar space, which has just lately undergone one thing of a refresh, is the place to be, and provides a fantastic choice of wines, cocktails and different favourites that you would be able to loosen up with in a comfy alcove. Assume plush velvet sofas and loads of crops and foliage to convey slightly little bit of life into the house – it feels fashionable, stress-free, and the proper place to hang around at any time of day.
To do
The lodge’s Supply Spa and Wellness zone is a haven of tranquility the place you’ll be able to absolutely loosen up and unwind
The lodge’s Supply Spa and Wellness zone is, as you’d count on from an oceanfront resort, a haven of tranquility the place you’ll be able to absolutely loosen up and unwind, with services together with a marine Thermal Suite with a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the Atlantic ocean. There’s a wide array of completely pampering spa remedies to select from, and a rooftop solar deck the place throughout the hotter months, you’ll be able to loosen up and luxuriate in these awe-inspiring views. There’s additionally a health centre, absolutely geared up with state-of-the-art machines and free weights, and a timetable of train courses that visitors can e book themselves in for all through their keep.
The lodge is the proper spot for watching storms, sunsets and surfers – though it could possibly get slightly windy up on the cliff at instances. The Saunton Sands championship hyperlinks golf course is subsequent door, should you fancy taking part in a number of holes, and close by, there are many stunning coastal walks to take pleasure in. Should you’re the watersports kind then remember to head all the way down to the seaside and catch some waves. The surf spot of Croyde is just below 5 miles away, and Braunton (simply two and a half miles away) provides an excellent vary of retailers, cafes and eating places.
The closest prepare station is at Barnstaple, a 20-minute drive away.
Saunton Sands Resort is a flagship of Brend Assortment
In a nutshell
Anticipate old-school luxurious and exemplary service at this beachside retreat. The jewel within the Brend Assortment crown, the privileged location and breath-taking views will fairly merely take your breath away. So should you’re within the temper for a memorable autumnal seaside getaway, then look no additional.
Saunton Sands Resort is a proud member of Meals Drink Devon, a group curiosity firm with a give attention to high quality, sustainability and provenance. It’s dedicated to growing the county’s profile, each nationally and internationally and represents a membership of Devon’s main foods and drinks producers, retailers, hospitality venues and associated companies devoted to serving up the perfect produce from the county. Meals Drink Devon’s intention is to help and promote its members and lift Devon’s culinary profile as a complete. Look out for the inexperienced coronary heart emblem which is carried by over 350 producers and companies throughout Devon.
Factbox
Double rooms from £198 in off-season; and from £298 in excessive. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi. With full use of the services and an unbeatable coastal location, the ocean view rooms are actually value the additional few kilos.
Handle: Saunton Rd, Braunton EX33 1LQ
Cellphone: 01271 890212
Web site: sauntonsands.co.uk
All imagery credit score: Saunton Sands Resort
