The English Riviera snakes its way around the south Devon coast, idyllic coves and beaches giving way to pretty fishing villages. It a place where time often seems to stand still; the pace of life is a little slower, and visitors are transported back to childhood holidays. The painted beach huts and palm trees, the English Riviera Global Geopark and the heritage steam railway running from Paignton to Kingswear, makes for the most enchanting of British holiday destinations.
Cary Arms & Spa is owned by Peter and Lana de Savary, and occupies a sheltered, beachside location on Babbacombe Bay. Guest Lucy Davenport, who won her stay in a competition with Lily & Ribbon, describes the moment of her arrival:
“The winding road down to Cary Arms and the view of the bay immediately made us switch off from the London pace. On arriving we were welcomed by Lisa and her team and instantly made to feel comfortable. It was evident that our enjoyment was paramount to them.”
ROOMS AT THE CARY ARMS
The Cary Arms’ eight sea facing bedrooms have all been designed by Kathleen Fraser, and they encapsulate the charms of seaside living. Walls are bright white, there’s plenty of natural light streaming in through the windows, and the striped fabrics have a definite nautical feel. If you do want to go all out on the beach theme, you can even opt for one of the chic — and remarkably luxurious — beach huts which look out across Lyme Bay towards Portland Bill.
All of the room options at Cary Arms are spacious, and ours had an extensive private deck outside. I can imagine sitting out here with a book and a glass of wine on a summer’s evening, but even on a blustery winter’s day, it’s a stunning spot to stand a while and stare out at the ever enchanting sea.
There are plenty of thoughtful touches in the rooms. We were treated to homemade sloe gin, and it was the perfect nightcap after a day of coastal walks.
DINING AT THE CARY ARMS
Head Chef Steve Poyner is passionate about local produce and committed to bringing the very freshest seasonal dishes to the Cary Arms’ dining tables. He’s sought out the best suppliers in the West Country, buying his seafood from Brixham, meat from Marldon and Shaldon, and fruit and vegetables from nearby Honiton. If you are concerned about your food miles and their environmental impact, you’ll really appreciate Steve’s philosophy and and efforts.
The menu is constantly changing depending on the availability of ingredients, but whatever you choose will invariably be delicious. Winter highlights have included poached River Exe mussels in a white wine, shallot garlic, and cream sauce, Devon crab and crayfish cocktail with melba toast, and pan seared Brixham scallops. Seafood lovers are particularly well catered for, and the chances are that you’ll be looking out at the sea as you dine.
FACILITIES AT THE CARY ARMS
Cary Arms’ glass fronted spa is one of the hotel’s major attractions. Your attention will initially be grabbed by both the sea views and Peter de Savary’s private collection of American art illustrations, but as you unwind in the sauna, waterfall hydrotherapy pool, or steam room, you will quickly find yourself transported to another world. The Thalgo spa treatments include anti-ageing facials, tailored body massages, and a variety of wraps and rituals. The therapists typically use marine based beauty products, in keeping with the hotel’s beach theme.
Find out more information on Cary Arms & Spa (enquiries@caryarms.co.uk), a de Savary Hotel. Rooms from £245 B&B
Sophie Ibbotson is an entrepreneur, writer, and lover of wild places. She’s the author of five Bradt Guides, including the first guidebook to South Sudan, and provides tourism development consultancy through her company, Maximum Exposure.
