Coast writer Richard Bryson explores this month’s hot hotel on the British coastline – The Harbour Beach Club in Salcombe.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ? The latest addition to Harbour Hotels’ upmarket collection of coastal retreats, this majors on its gorgeous location on Salcombe’s South Sands beach and a relaxed style. It’s family orientated with some of the suites featuring interconnecting family rooms while the sand and sea are just a few yards away.
At the same time the Beach Club caters for health and fitness followers with an indoor pool, sauna and steam room, treatment rooms and daily morning yoga classes just steps from the gently lapping waves. If getting to the south of France feels like too much hassle here is a good alternative as a beautiful beachside resort, especially if the sun shines.
WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE? There are 50 bedrooms and suites and none better than the penthouse, top floor ‘wing’ we stayed in. Harbour Hotels have an uncanny eye for details, making their rooms striking yet calming with colours and textures that meld the land and sea.
From our balcony, with outdoor seating, we had a glorious view of the bay – you can people or boat watch for hours. Many of the rooms face the sea and all boast inspired interior design.
The complimentary decanter of gin with tonics and Bramley toiletries are further treats.
HOW ABOUT THE FOOD? You can’t beat the restaurant and bar’s views of South Sands beach and the turquoise waters beyond. Local flavours stand out such as Dartmouth smoked salmon, Salcombe crab and Salcombe Dairy desserts. Indulgence is part of a holiday so may we recommend the sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel sauce. If you are out exploring the coves and feeling peckish the hotel provides picnic snacks to make sure you don’t go hungry.
We also got to eat out at the Beach Club’s sister hotel in the heart of Padstow where we savoured delicious prawns, monkfish curry plus hake with a crab crumb. It’s slightly more formal dining at the excellent Jetty Restaurant with a menu dominated by seafood.
ANYTHING ELSE WE SHOULD KNOW? Salcombe regularly features in lists of the UK’s most idyllic coastal resorts and has to be explored. You can take the South Sands Ferry from the hotel, or there’s an all-day electric shuttle service into the town. There are some lovely coastal walks so take your walking boots. Meanwhile, gin enthusiasts can learn how to distil their own bottle and create their own recipe at the nearby Salcombe Gin School.
Looking to be active and adventurous? At the hotel book in for wild sea swimming lessons, complimentary water sports lessons, paddle boarding or paddle board yoga and kayaking. Or why not embrace your inner artist and use the provided painting equipment to capture the local scenery?
WHAT WILL IT COST? Rates at Harbour Beach Club & Hotel start from £259 per night on a B&B basis.
HOW DO I BOOK? Go to www.harbourhotels.co.uk/booking/harbour-beach-club
