The seaside town of Torquay has a long history of attracting holidaymakers for wellness by the water.
With an international harbour, palm trees lining the roads, and easy access to some of the UK's most beautiful beaches, it's little wonder that Torquay is a holiday hotspot.
South Devon is renowned as home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. Serene sands, rocky outcrops, secluded coves, historic viaducts, elevated cliff tops, and rock pools that are perfect for crabbing are all ripe for exploration. Across the South Hams you are spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches. From Oddicombe Beach to Anstey's Cove near Babbacombe, Meadfoot Beach to Torre Abbey Sands - Torquay's main beach, known for its red sand.
Devon is a truly special place when it comes to nature and wildlife. The landscape is spectacular from coast to country, creating beautiful natural habitats in which wildlife thrive. Tor Bay itself is frequented by bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises, which you can see from the cliffs at Berry Head. You can also book wildlife cruises with local companies to get out on the water for a different perspective.
Don't forget to take the time to wander around the town. Head to the seafront and stroll along the palm-lined promenade to Princess Pier. Built in 1890 it's the perfect place to gaze out to sea and watch the boats bob by. A stroll to Torquay Harbour & Marina is also part of the experience - a haven for more than 1000 yachts on the north shore of Tor Bay, it's one of Devon's busiest ports.
The South West Coast Path is one of Devon's great assets, and from Torquay there are plenty of stretches to enjoy. Start in Torbay and head inland to the River Dart, take a town and country walk with breathtaking views over Galmpton Creek, or hike from the Ness headland, planted to mark Queen Victoria's coronation, through the RSPB Nature Reserve at Labrador Bay.
Devon has a rich history, complete with smuggler's tales and novel inspiration, so a spa stay here is the perfect opportunity to find out more. The region has even been named a Global Geopark for its geological, historical and cultural heritage. For example, the 'Queen of Crime', Agatha Christie, was born in Torquay and many of her books are set in the surrounding area. You can tour Kents Cavern - Torquay’s prehistoric caves, and a UNESCO site with spectacular stalagmites, stalactites, and calcite formations. You can even explore beautiful nearby properties, such as Greenway on the banks of the River Dart, once owned by Agatha Christie and her husband archaeologist Max Mallowan.
For those who want a spa break with access to both urban entertainment and coastal calm, Torquay is a fantastic opportunity to have it all, with spa hotels in the town as well as the surrounding area to choose from.
This 19th century Victorian hotel hugs the beautiful South Devon coastline, meaning you’re never far from a sea view. With a gym, tennis courts, and an indoor pool and Jacuzzi, time spent at the leisure club and spa is relaxing and fun. It’s your holiday, so treat yourself to a sumptuous ESPA massage or facial, or top up your beauty routine with a Jessica manicure and pedicure.
A pristine manor house surrounded by elegantly manicured gardens, Lincombe Hall Hotel and Spa in Torquay is south Devon’s adult-only hotel for stress free indulgence. Perfect for babymoons, intimate celebrations or simply just because, the hotel is a short walk from Torquay marina where you can stroll by the water, or a short drive to the pristine beaches of the South Hams. Meanwhile, dining is an exercise in local specialties, from cream teas to seafood, and the spa is the pièce de résistance - sparkling new and with everything you could hope for.
The Aztec Spa, which is part of this leisure resort, offers many different spa packages, from a one day visit to an overnight spa break including accommodation and a treatment. The spa itself is designed following a laid back Mayan style, with enjoyable spaces for relaxation, treatments and swimming facilities. Therapies on offer include Elemis facials, scrubs and massages, which sit alongside OPI manicures and pedicures. There’s also a spa gift shop where you can purchase beauty products and spa vouchers.
Lorrens Ladies Spa is a unique, women-only spa destination offering rest and relaxation on spa days and breaks, with contemporary accommodation and all meals included within your stay. With a range of facilities to help you relax and unwind, they offer a collection of therapies including Thalgo and AromaWorks face and body treatments, as well as the famously popular Universal Contour Wraps.
Beautiful South Devon is the setting for this homely hotel, which is an ideal getaway for groups of friends looking for some relaxation and leisurely fun. Nestled between two golf courses, its idyllic setting is perfect for indulging in some spa time and this hotel has plenty of impressive facilities to enable that. The Rasul mud experience is fun and relaxing, as is a dip in the pool and some Jacuzzi time. There are four treatment rooms, offering lovely massages and facials from BABOR.
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