Overlooking a UNESCO biosphere, Saunton Sands Hotel may have the best beach location in North Devon. The beaches here are sought after by world-class surfers and people in the know, which seem to be mainly locals, Londoners, and people coming from nearby English counties, such as Wiltshire and Somerset. To be sure there are beach destinations in closer proximity to London, but on the Atlantic coast in Devon there are fewer crowds and the landscape is wilder. Whether traveling with family, friends, co-workers, or solo, this Conde Nast Johansen-awarded hotel is ideally located for a coastal getaway.
View from my room at Saunton Sands Hotel, North Devon.
Saunton Sands History
Saunton Sands Hotel opened in 1933 and due to its location, has seen a lot of history. During WWII, the hotel was commissioned by a military school for training. A walk along the beach reveals bunkers and other relics from the war.
Percy Brend purchased the property in 1977. The story goes that he had long wanted the property for nostalgic reasons—in his youth, he often brought his future bride to the seaside hotel for dinner and cocktails. The art deco exterior harkens back to an era of glamour making it easy to imagine the couple enjoying cocktails on the outdoor terrace or in the cozy lounge, an elegant area with velvet-covered seating.
Cabanas for rent at Saunton Sands.
Things To In The Area
Located just ten minutes from the town of Braunton, you’ll find independently owned restaurants, pubs, and shops. Don’t look for chain restaurants or fast food here. Instead, dine at the local George Inn or Squires for the best fish and chips in the county. Just a short hike from Braunton via the Southwest Coast Path is Croyde, another great beach town with a handful of quaint restaurants and pubs.
Nearby is the highly Instagrammable town of Clovelly, known for its steep streets and whitewashed doorways, though I thought the colorful doorways of Appledore were just as pretty. The Cornish border is just an hour and a half away (maybe less if it’s not a holiday weekend). We visited Tintagel, the legendary home of King Arthur, in Northern Cornwall.
Family Friendly Holidays
There’s no denying that is an ideal family holiday destination. Though I was traveling solo, I chose to stay here for the location, the gorgeous beach views, and the proximity to a friend I wanted to visit.
If a family holiday is in the cards know that the hotel offers free surf lessons, free board rentals, a game room, and movie nights. I think most adults would enjoy these activities too.
There are two heated swimming pools The indoor pool was very busy with both adults and kids likely because the outdoor pool was closed. Note that there were hours set aside for adults only.
Rooms
Saunton Sands has seventy-eight rooms and two suites in a variety of configurations: From suites with adjoining rooms for families, to sea-facing rooms with a terrace, to more affordable rooms with no view but with all of the amenities and services Saunton Sands Hotel is known for.
Sea-facing deluxe rooms have a balcony, mini bar, safe, and turn-down service. Other amenities include robes and flip flops, a Nespresso coffeemaker, and of course those beach views. While I loved having the sea view, since the hotel is located on the beach and you need only walk out of the hotel, in my mind every room is a beachfront room.
If you prefer a self-catering holiday there are eleven apartments available; all have access to the same hotel amenities and room service.
Dining At Saunton Sands
On-site dining is available for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea. There’s beachside dining available, but no matter where you chose to dine, you’re guaranteed a stunning view.
Breakfast is served buffet style with an option to order from a menu. Bread, pastries, yogurt, cereal, and most of the makings for a British breakfast are on the buffet.
The Beachside Grill has an eclectic menu with everything from risotto to sandwiches and small plates. This menu is available all day and for takeaway.
If you prefer indoor dining, lunch is served in the big dining room off the lounge, and on the terrace. The locally sourced food is delicious, Try the Scallops (fresh from Scotland). North Devon is also known for beef; to my surprise despite being a coastal destination Angus beef is raised in the area so do partake if you’re a beefeater. I’m from Texas and I can attest that the hamburgers are as good or better than anything I’ve had in my home state.
For dinner try the local haddock or sea bass fresh from the Atlantic or a Lundy Island lobster. I love fresh fish and had sea bass at least three times in five days!
Saunton Sands Hotel is also known for its considerable selection of fine wines with a list that is truly international and favors sustainable and organically produced wines.
Outdoor heated pool at Saunton Sands Hotel.
Source Spa
Source Spa has been rated AA Best UK Spa. In addition to a range of treatment options that utilize the latest LED light therapy, the spa offers manual lymph drainage, hot stone massage, and special event services. The spa has exclusive access to the rooftop deck with stunning views of the beach. There are also fitness classes and yoga classes on the lawn overlooking the beach.
Popular with families and couples, the hotel is also well-equipped to host small groups and corporate events. Today the hotel can rest on its considerable laurels, but it doesn’t. From the welcoming glass of sparkling wine to the doorman who always remembers you, old-school hospitality is alive and well at Saunton Sands.
Commitment To The Environment
In keeping with the pristine environment at Saunton Sands, the hotel has implemented several green initiatives. While many properties claim sustainability, Saunton Sands commits.
- Food waste is converted to power.
- 90% of waste is recycled thereby diverting it from a landfill.
- No plastic straws, plastic-free bags, reusing or recycling plastic where possible.
Other Amenities
There’s a small but well-kitted gym which I did use! Saunton Sands Hotel offers complimentary valet parking and two EV charging stations. Check rates directly with the hotel here
Getting there
You can fly to London then catch a connection to the Bristol airport. From there you’ll need to rent a car or you could take a train to Barnstaple. However, you will want a car so you can explore the area. If you’re already in the UK you can take a train to Barnstaple or Tiverton.
Check the latest rates at Saunton Sands Hotel.
