Looking for the perfect place for a last-minute staycation? A hidden gem located at the picturesque Soar Mill Cove in stunning South Devon, the Soar Mill Cove Hotel is a boutique hideaway with a real family-run feel and the perfect place to escape the stresses of modern day life.
This charming hotel is just a stone’s throw from the trendy seaside town of Salcombe, nestled within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Special Scientific Interest (between Salcombe and Hope Cove), and overlooks the most dramatic seascape you could possibly imagine.
A small and intimate hotel with the bedrooms enjoying privileged views of the beautiful cove or the surrounding countryside, it’s the perfect destination for a romantic coastal break or a family holiday with your canine companion.
The Makepeace family have owned Soar Mill Cove Hotel for three generations and are now in their 45th year of owning the hotel having purchased it in 1978.
The hotel has an impressive history, as it was once the haunt of iconic British actress Audrey Hepburn and her Salcombe ‘in’ crowd, and the hotel was originally the officer’s mess for RAF Bolt Head and Spitfire Attack squadron of WWII.
Here are ten top reasons to book a stay this year.
Home from home feel: Laid back luxury at its very best
From the moment you arrive at Soar Mill Cove Hotel, you’re welcomed into an environment that perfectly balances luxury with a laid-back, home-from-home feel. The hotel is unpretentious and friendly, with its décor combining contemporary design with cosy, traditional touches to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The staff offer exceptional hospitality, going above and beyond to ensure that you feel instantly at home – so if you’re keen to indulge yourself with a luxurious getaway without the formalities often associated with high-end hotels, then look no further.
Family run
A family-run hotel for over 40 years, a sense of family is at the heart of everything about it. The hotel’s current owners, the Makepeace family, have a deep connection to the area and a passion for hospitality that is evident in every aspect of the hotel – maintaining the highest standards while creating a welcoming environment sets it apart from larger, more impersonal establishments. It’s the Makepeaces’ personal touch that really makes the hotel’s warm atmosphere, with guests treated as part of the extended family.
Remote location: Secluded and exclusive feel
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Soar Mill Cove Hotel is its remote and secluded location. If you’re looking for a peaceful haven away from the stresses and strains of modern life, where you can unplug and take a complete digital detox, then there is truly nowhere more perfect than here.
Tucked away in a peaceful valley between Salcombe and Hope Cove, the hotel is surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the South Hams, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the absence of nearby roads or urban noise means that the only sounds you’ll hear are the waves crashing against the shore and the birds singing in the trees.
Dog friendly
Soar Mill Cove has been voted by The Telegraph as one of the top 10 dog-friendly hotels in Devon – which is great news if a holiday doesn’t feel quite complete without your beloved four-legged friend. The hotel has a variety of dog-friendly policies and offers a range of amenities to ensure that canine guests are just as comfortable as their human companions. Dogs are welcome in many of the rooms, and the hotel provides dog beds, bowls, and even a special doggy menu.
The hotel even has a warm dog wash for muddy paws after a day at the beach, so there’s no need to worry about staying clean and every reason to enjoy walkies to the full. As well as being able to run free and enjoy the fresh sea air, there are miles of coastal paths and open fields in the surrounding areas of the hotel, making it an ideal destination for dog lovers and their adored pets alike.
Walker’s paradise
Located right on the scenic South West Coast Path, there’s an endless array of hiking routes to take advantage of during your stay at Soar Mill Cove, so it’s a real dream come true for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. Just steps from your accommodation, you can enjoy direct access to some of the most scenic walking trails in the country, and with a variety of different difficulty levels you’re just as likely to find one for a gentle stroll as you are a challenging trek. Taking you along the region’s rugged cliffs and overlooking spectacular sandy beaches and hidden coves, you’ll want to make sure to have your camera on hand to capture some of the highly Instagram-worthy views along the way. If you’re visiting the hotel alone or simply prefer guided walks to get the most out of the landscape and all it has to offer, then the hotel will gladly arrange you a walking tour that is personalised to suit your needs and tastes, with a knowledgeable local guide who will be able to impart their wisdom on the rich history and natural beauty of the area.
And of course, after a long day out exploring, where better to return to than the comfort of the hotel itself, where a warm welcome and a cosy atmosphere always await.
Family friendly
While Soar Mill Cove Hotel is undoubtedly the perfect choice for couples looking for a romantic break for two, it’s also well-suited to families, and offers a range of facilities and activities to keep children of all ages entertained.
For all the little explorers, there are eco-crabbing lines, buckets, and spades and the sandy beach is perfect for building sandcastles, exploring rock pools, paddle boarding and having a swim in the sea – and there’s also an outdoor play area within the grounds of the hotel itself, complete with swings and a climbing frame, where children can burn off energy while parents relax nearby.
Because the weather isn’t always on your side, there’s also a newly-renovated family room that’s nothing short of a godsend on rainy days, with a treasure trove of toys, games, and entertainment options for young travellers ensuring that children of all ages have a comfortable and enjoyable stay and ensuring boredom stays well and truly eliminated.
A spectacular beach
One of the most obvious highlights of Soar Mill Cove Hotel is, of course, its proximity to one of South Devon’s most beautiful beaches. Soar Mill Cove Beach is a secluded, sandy bay surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush green hills, and is the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the sea during the warmer months. It’s still just as beautiful in autumn and winter, too – just pack some wellies, wrap up warm and prepare for a blustery beach walk to blow away the cobwebs, listening to the invigorating sound of the waves as they crash against the shore.
The beach is just a short walk from the hotel, so it couldn’t be more convenient if you’re keen to spend your days enjoying the sand and surf. The clear, shallow waters are ideal for paddling, and the beach’s secluded nature means that even in the height of summer, it remains a peaceful and unspoiled haven.
Rooms with views
At Soar Mill Cove Hotel, every room is designed to maximise the stunning natural surroundings, with many offering breathtaking views of the sea or the surrounding countryside. Spacious and elegantly appointed, they are kitted out with all the modern amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel, with crisp cotton sheets and snuggly pillows guaranteeing a great night’s sleep. There’s nothing quite like drifting off to the gentle sound of ocean waves, and floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies mean you can fully appreciate the beauty of the location during waking hours. There’s a coffee machine in each room, which means you can enjoy an early-morning cup out on your terrace as the sun rises over the ocean for a truly magical start to the day – or you can pour yourself a glass of wine from the mini bar and enjoy a romantic aperitif at sunset instead.
As well as its hotel rooms, there are also two luxurious self-catering villas set within the grounds of the hotel offer breathtaking ocean views of their own, which can accommodate six to eight guests individually or combine to sleep 12. They’re ideal if you’re travelling with a larger group of family or friends and want some extra privacy, or fancy doing some cooking and entertaining in the comfort of your own space.
Fantastic food and drink
Dining at Soar Mill Cove Hotel is a culinary experience not to be missed. From high teas to fine cuisine, head chef Ian MacDonald prides himself on cooking with the best seasonal, local produce around to tempt every taste, and the restaurant holds two coveted AA Rosettes in a testament to its stand-out cuisine.
From the succulent seafood caught just off the Devon coast to the tender meats and organic vegetables from nearby farms, the menu changes regularly to reflect the seasons, ensuring that every meal is a celebration of Devon’s rich culinary heritage – and there’s also a meticulously-curated wine list featuring a selection of fine wines so that you’ll always be able to find the perfect pairing for your dish of choice.
To give you a taster of what’s on the menu, sumptuous main courses like the pan roasted lamb rump with roasted garlic mash, tender stem broccoli, confit onion and redcurrant jus or the grilled halibut served over a sweet prawn and coconut Thai curry and sticky rice are mouth-watering options that are certain to please – or you can opt for a real British classic like the Salcombe ale battered cod with hand cut chips, garden peas and homemade tartare sauce for a comforting and homely meal that never misses. Be sure to save room for dessert, too, because the smashed lemon pie, banana split and chocolate brownie sundae are all gluttonous choices that are sure to delight anyone with a sweet tooth.
For a more casual dining experience, guests can enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace or a light snack in the lounge, all whilst taking in the stunning coastal vistas. This is the very definition of a restaurant with a view, and the finest example there is.
A haven for wellness
A rejuvenating place to escape for a wellness break that will invigorate and recharge, Soar Mill Cove Hotel offers a range of wellness facilities designed to help you unwind. The hotel’s spa features a heated indoor pool, sauna, and a range of treatment rooms where you can enjoy your choice of indulgent treatments – from massages and facials to body wraps. It’s a great place to retire to after a strenuous hike to soothe aching muscles, or to simply relax, and offers a serene and tranquil environment where you can completely switch off.
The hotel also offers yoga classes and wellness retreats throughout the year, so if you’re looking to go all in on wellness and immerse yourself in the restorative power of nature then this is the place to do it.
LLM award winning
This glorious hotel was voted as the UK’s best beach and coastal hotel by LLM readers back in 2018 – a prestigious award that is given to only the very finest hotels in the world.
Every year, our expert judging panel shortlists up to 30 nominees across 26 different categories, which are then voted for by our readers over a four-month period, and Soar Mill Cove’s win shows that you don’t have to be a billion dollar travel company to offer your customers a luxury and personalised service. In fact, guests can enjoy this one without even leaving the UK, and it continues to be one of our favourite spots for a luxury staycation in 2024.
Factbox
Address: Soar Mill Cove, Malborough, Salcombe TQ7 3DS
Phone: 01548 561566
Website: soarmillcove.co.uk
Win an overnight stay with dinner at Soar Mill Cove – plus a Salcombe Brewery tour and beer bundle
Fancy winning yourself a coveted stay at this show-stopping South Devon hotel? We’re currently running a competition giving you the chance to do just that. Find out how you can enter here.
