Spotlight on Source Spa and Wellness at Saunton Sands Hotel

As the ocean opens up in front of you along a road that hugs the cliff face, Saunton Sands hotel appears as if out of nowhere. Resplendent on a perch above the beach, the hotel is contemporary inside but gives hints of a bygone era with art deco features peppered across it.

The hotel

On the North Devon coast, Saunton Sands Hotel sits pride of place above the beach. A contemporary hotel, its white exterior and tidy grounds house comfortably styled rooms and suites. Get one with a sea view and you’re in for a treat. There’s something blissfully refreshing about waking up to see the sea.

The spa at Saunton Sands Hotel

The Source Spa is a new addition to the hotel, launched in September 2018.A three-floor haven of soulful tranquility, it’s ultra modern and makes the most of the views wherever possible. Level one is complete with an array of facilities including a marine-inspired thermal suite with a salt inhalation steam room, a Finnish aroma sauna, an ice fountain, a contrast shower and a sea water vitality pool surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and an Atlantic view.

On level two you will find six large treatment rooms including a double suite with views of the beach. Therapists continue the luxury wellness experience with a fusion of the spa’s own natural Source Spa Collection treatments as well as those from Kerstin Florian, Jessica Nails and innovative cosmeceutical skincare brand; iS Clinical. Level three is all about relaxation: head for a post-treatment sleep on the rooftop sundeck or in the relaxation room on the comfortable loungers. Either way you will be greeted by the sensational sight of the ocean and golden sands.

The restaurant

The restaurant has an old school sense of grandeur about it. High ceilings and large windows welcome in lots of natural light and those impressive sea views once again. You could almost fancy yourself as Agatha Christie concocting stories of Poirot as you sit sipping your morning coffee. In the evening, while dressing up is by no means a prerequisite, there’s a tantalising temptation to do so. The restaurant has two AA rosettes to recommend it, and specialises in British classics. There’s also an abundance of space for teas, coffees and drinks throughout the day, all capitalising on - you guessed it - sea views.

The location

Saunton Sands Hotel is situated overlooking the beach it is named after, and is surrounded by the World Heritage Braunton Burrows (sand dunes home to a large number of rare plants and animals). So the views really are exceptional and the hotel is designed to enjoy them. Carefully considered design means that the double treatment room in the spa has a wide vista of the beach. Many of the rooms have sea views, as do the restaurants. There is even the option to have breakfast, lunch or dinner close to the sand on select days at the Beachside Grill.

The verdict

While there’s a sense of old school elegance at Saunton Sands Hotel, the overriding feeling is one of a relaxed, warm welcome. The location is very much a dominating feature of the hotel, setting the scene for afternoon teas and strolls on the sand. It’s somewhere that families with slightly older children would enjoy, particularly in the summer. Couples can relax for a few days in quiet companionable contemplation. And friends will love a meaningful opportunity to spend time together.

Top tips for visiting Saunton Sands Hotel

• If you’re staying for a few days, don’t limit your experiences to the hotel itself. Go for a walk, go surfing or bodyboarding. Try water sports like sailing locally or head to the inspiring Lundy Island on the beautiful MS Oldenburg.
• Spend a full day in the spa. It isn’t huge, but it deserves to be experienced at a leisurely pace and really celebrated for the attention to detail that’s been lavished upon it.
• Book a room with a sea view. It will mean you never want to get out of bed, but the sea and sky will be the best wake up call you’ve ever had.