Southsands Hotel, Salcombe

After reading lots newspaper reviews I was keen to try South Sands Hotel. The huge appeal for me is the proximity to the sea and the lovely contemporary feel.

I booked through i escape which offered a discounted winter rate - always nice!!

We were delighted with our room, called Dragon class. It had lovely views of the sea which we enjoyed lying in bed or the comfy armchairs. A large slipper bath in the bedroom was a luxurious treat and the bathroom was beautifully designed and finished with a powerful rainfall shower. Molten Brown lotions and potions are a nice touch too. The bed was large, we lost each other for a while! Good quality bedlinen made it very comfy. 

The breakfast was fantastic on some days, not so on others. There was some confusion about what was on offer. The full English breakfast was self service from the buffet one morning, but unfortunately it was a little cold and eggs had to be ordered separately from the kitchen, which was not made clear by the waitress. Hence, eggs arrived freshly cooked 10 minutes after we had chosen a plate of food from the buffet.  One mornings there was no buffet and menu only... The final day we ordered fish dishes from the menu that were nicely cooked. A good selection of fruit, yoghurt and croissants were available though not readily refilled.

We enjoyed a meal in the restaurant on our first evening, which we felt was well cooked and flavorsome. The second evening we shared a plater in the bar with a glass of wine, which was also very pleasant.

So all in all a good experience, we would go back with another offer. I'm not sure I could pay full price for this room, as wonderful as it is.

We loved the location and the beach, walking everywhere was a joy, we didn't use the car once.

The deco was very much to my taste, using contemporary and quality fabrics and furniture, while keeping comfort as a priority. We liked all the handmade touches too. The wonderful spiral staircase  created by a local blacksmith, is well worth a peek!

Salcombe to Bolt Head coastal path walk.

A perfect winters' walk.

South Sands

Could you ever get board of listening to the sounds of the waves as you drift off to sleep and waking up to this view every morning?

Why I love the UK coast in Winter

Waterproof coat, hat, scarf, gloves and walking boots on, ready for a winter wander along the coastal path. No need for suncream or worries about being eaten alive by bugs! Beaches are empty, towns and villages are quiet and there is a feeling of stillness before spring time awakens the sleeping beast.

The downside is a lot if things close up for winter, but as long as there is a welcoming tea shop or pub that has a roaring fire or welcoming smile then all is just fine with me.

Today was no exception, and our welcoming refuge from a winter shower was The Victoria Inn in Salcombe. Greeted by a bubbly landlady, we had a lovely meal, and great local ale (according to hubby!). A good local pub!

Salcombe

My day in images

1. View from my bedroom window
2. View from Salcombe
3. View on the path back to South Sands
4. Sunset on South Sands beach

Our perfect day.

Early Sunday morning is such a perfect time to travel the M5 down to Devon. Today was a perfect frosty winters morning, with the sun streaming into the car all the way.

Following the sat nav we arrived at South Sands Hotel along what we called the scenic route!

We love the hotel; staff excellent, lovely design, clean and the best bit, right on the beach. As I write this evening I can hear the waves lapping on the beach, even with the windows closed!

Good night from a very happy and relaxed Mr and Mrs!

OS Maps

I love maps. I will happily study an OS map for my bed time read. More so when we have a trip planned. The map is purchased if it's an area new to us, or I hit the book shelf to find our well used old copy.

I can spend hours planning coastal walks, the perfect ones involve a big circle, not having to drive anywhere from where we are staying, and a pub or tea shop along the way.

There has been many occasions when traveling around hubby casually says " I wonder what that is over there?" in reply I sprout out all the information he needs just from my research reading an OS map.

So my problem at the moment? I can't sit in bed reading the map for our next trip. It's a surprise for hubby, and it will give it away when he reads the title on the lovely pink fold out map!

It's booked!

2013 is here and we need a break to look forward to during the first few weeks back at work. It's a surprise for my hubby, he knows we're off, but no idea where...