Dartmoor dream: Discovering an award-winning Devon spa hotel

Bovey Castle is one of those places that feels like a whole new discovery every time you visit. A dreamy, five-star destination nestled into the dramatic Dartmoor National Park, it's little wonder that it won the Gold Award in the Large Hotel of the Year category at this year's VisitEngland Awards.

Welcoming guests since 1930 when it opened as as luxury hotel and golf resort, the property was originally built in the 1890s as a lavish Neo-Elizabethan Manor House for William Henry Smith (later to become WH Smith and Viscount Hambleden) and his family to retreat to in the summer. In 1928 it was sold to the Great Western Railway who set about turning it into a golfing hotel.

Following its initial (and unsurprising) success, it's continued to expand and evolve across the years, and is now an expansive and enchanting retreat amidst the quiet of Dartmoor, beloved by everyone who visits and offering a wealth of different experiences to suit a variety of wants, needs, and occasions - but always in style.

The grounds and location

The surroundings really set the tone for your getaway. Set within 275 acres of Dartmoor National Park, the cinematic drama of Bovey Castle has made it a popular location for movies as well as memorable holidays. A Neo-Jacobean manor surrounded by sweeping moorland, manicured lawns and ancient woodland, it has been the location of two productions of The Hound of the Baskervilles and featured in Channel 5's Posh Hotels with Sally and Nigel.

The golf course and outdoor activities

The landscape is not merely a joy to behold, but also to spend time in, with a wealth of activities available. Chief amongst them is a round of golf, with an 18-hole championship course dominating the view, designed in 1926 by J F Abercromby. If that isn't your thing, you can also enjoy archery, air rifles, 4x4 off road driving, tennis, clay pigeon shooting, fly fishing, a walking tour of Dartmoor, carriage rides, and more.

The hotel and accommodation

Staying at Bovey Castle really is the best way to make the most of it, providing the time to explore the grounds, the hotel, and the views. There's a variety of options when it comes to accommodation, from opulent hotel rooms and suites, which are ideal for romantic retreats, to three-bedroom lodges set across the estate, welcoming small groups and families.

Spa and wellbeing

The Elan Spa is a treasure within the hotel - a chance to unwind come rain or shine. A favourite feature is the pool, which has views of the grounds and is beautiful for relaxation as well as family swims. It's accompanied by a whirlpool, sauna, steam room and there's also a gym. Adding to the experience are the treatments, which take you into a luxurious space where therapists use TEMPLESPA, Beauty Lab and Jessica Nails in a collection of holistic therapies that really do take you to the next level of relaxation.

Food and drink

Dining at the hotel is a treat. The spaces are opulent and immediately make you feel like someone special, and the hotel is brimming with awards for its culinary offering. There's the three AA Rosette-awarded Great Western Grill and Smith’s Brasserie restaurant, which also has an AA Rosette. Devon is naturally well known for its afternoon teas, and Bovey Castle has mastered that particular art. Then again, if you're staying in one of the lodges they can also make sure that it's fully kitted out with home-style dining and meal options with an award-winning twist.

A luxury retreat

Unquestionably luxurious, Bovey Castle has something almost whimsical about it. The location and architecture make you feel as though you have stepped into the pages of a novel - a world away from anywhere, and where every experience is one to be savoured. Whether you visit for the day or are lucky enough to have a couple of days to take it all in, you certainly feel as though you've had a proper rest when you've spent time here. One can only imagine that with the changing seasons there's always something enchanting to discover.