Devon is known for its South West Coast Path, its historic sites, its literary inspiration and its local food and drink. Following a year where all we could do is dream of travel, it’s little wonder that sun, sea, surf, and seafood of the South West is capturing the object of the nation’s wanderlust. Encapsulating all the best bits of this beautiful part of the UK, and more, here the Good Hotel Guide shares ten of their top luxury hotels in Devon.
The Horn of Plenty, Tavistock
A luxurious and romantic country house hotel, the Horn of Plenty sits in a glorious position on the border of Devon and Cornwall. Overlooking the famous Tamar Valley, it has views stretching towards Kit Hill and Bodmin moor. It is a four-star hotel that provides peace and luxury all in one place. Spend days walking around the elegant gardens, staying in sumptuous style and dining on award-winning food made from local ingredients.
Lewtrenchard Manor, Okehampton
Lewtrenchard Manor is a family run hotel in a secluded corner of dramatic Dartmoor. In a setting that’s virtually untouched by development, the hotel combines heritage, luxury accommodation and countryside tranquillity. Beautifully decorated, it’s awash with oil paintings, stucco ceilings and antiques, making it the ideal setting for romantic weekends filled with fresh air and good food.
South Sands, Salcombe
This coastal boutique hotel could not be closer to the beach. Practically in the sand, it overhangs the water at high tide, and sits just outside the famous sailing town of Salcombe (stroll around the coast or catch the South Sands Ferry into town). Stylish and relaxed, it’s filled with natural light and takes in the sea views wherever possible. It’s indulgent, but it’s also a place where families and dogs enjoy spending time. For seaside holidays with a luxury twist, this place is hard to beat.
Southernhay House, Exeter
An exquisite boutique hotel on a quiet street in Exeter, Southernhay House is a feast for the senses. Small and perfectly formed, the Georgian hotel is immaculately decorated with antiques and rich colours. Staff are friendly, the food is exceptional and the atmosphere invites guests to lounge about and drink coffee all day. Everything down to the little details is done with care, including individual continental breakfast platters and small bags of local fudge in your on arrival.
The Pig at Combe, Honiton
The Pig at Combe is known for its food, but everything at this hotel is delicious. A honey-coloured Elizabethan country house, it sits amongst rolling Devon hills. Its curated rustic style is a trademark of The Pig brand, while the grounds hold the key to the superb dining experiences. It has three walled kitchen gardens and is dedicated to using local produce like Devonshire cheese and locally reared meat from Honiton.
Burgh Island Hotel, Bigbury
Burgh Island is a unique 1930s experience on a private island off the coast of Bigbury on Sea. Connected to the mainland by a tidal strip of sand, you are escorted to their hotel on their bespoke sea tractor. The hotel has been both inspiration and haven to the good and the great over the years – it even inspired Agatha Christie to write famous stories including Poirot. Very much a place to dress up and celebrate, dinner is a formal affair, and the authentic Art Deco glamour remains intact.
Glazebrook House, South Brent
Head through the looking glass and you will find yourself at Glazebrook House – an Alice in Wonderland-inspired hotel that’s both luxurious and whimsical. Set in peaceful, secluded grounds in rural Devon, inside it’s a feast of artfully chosen British revival décor including handcrafted furniture, eye catching 3D effect marble tiles and intriguing vintage and retro curios. It is somewhere to treat someone you love.
Lympstone Manor, Exmouth
Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines, took on a once rundown property in the Exe estuary and has turned it into one of the most highly acclaimed country house hotels in the UK. Unsurprisingly, food is very much at the heart of the experience, but so too is wine, especially since it added its own vineyard to the grounds. There is a sense of old-world glamour as you sip gin, tea or coffee in your elegantly appointed bedroom and take in the views of the Devon countryside.
Kaywana Hall, Kingswear
Like no bed and breakfast you have ever stayed in before, Kaywana Hall is a mid-century style architectural marvel, complete with a Hockney-esque outdoor pool. Contemporary and stylish, guests stay in suites that are detached from the main house so there’s a superb sense of privacy during your stay. Spend your time enjoying the quiet or a stroll to the ferry and over to the historic seaside town of Dartmouth to explore the boutique shops and cafes.
Salcombe Harbour Hotel and Spa, Salcombe
From the nationwide Harbour Hotel brand, Salcombe Harbour Hotel and Spa enjoys one of the best locations in the famous sailing town of Salcombe. The location is well known as a holiday hot spot, and given the natural beauty of the area, it’s no surprise. Couple that with the style of the hotel, its elegant Jetty Restaurant, courtesy of award-winning chef Alex Aitken, and its position overhanging the estuary, and you quickly fall in love.
