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UK heatwave screams “trip to the seaside”, and what better
place to take your bucket and spade than the breathtaking sands of
South Devon’s Salcombe. Set just a stone’s throw away from South
Sands beach is the new Harbour Beach Club hotel – not to be
mistaken for its nearby big sister, the Salcombe Harbour Hotel
& Spa. Backed by verdant valleys and craggy cliffs, it promises
a genuinely slow and secluded escape. Outside, the sleek,
three-storey glass and cedar facade appears somewhat intrusive to
its tranquil surroundings, but step inside and you will enter into
a canvas space detailed with art deco design.

Upon arrival (or you can choose to be chauffeured from the
station), you’ll be welcomed by a cheerful team, who can give the
lowdown on boat trips to town and the must-try fudge flavours. The
next bit, we imagine, will look like gawking at design details, or
slapping on the factor 50.

Rooms

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – sea air is the
secret to sleeping like a baby. Forget your lavender spray and
white-noise playlist, Harbour Beach Club’s 50 rooms and suites just
entered the chat. Minimalist and airy, each room has a playful
touch with flourishes of mustard, chocolate and olive coloured
detail. We love the elevated super-king beds; partly for the
obligatory summersault it entices, but largely for the half-moon
wicker headboards, plush cushions and ready-to-snuggle wool throws.
It’s the details, however, that truly create that home-from-home
vibe – a collection of books centred around sea themes and a sofa
big enough to comfortably fit a family of five. Fashionistas will
appreciate the built-in wardrobe space and art-lovers can admire
the quirky abstract prints. Bathrooms are made complete with
Italian terrazzo tiling, matte-black taps and refillable Bramley
toiletries.

What’s for breakfast?

Is it an unwritten rule to make breakfast a five-course meal
when you’re staying in a hotel as dazzling as this one? Find a
banquet-style table spilling with flaky pastries, fresh fruit, oats
and jugs of juice. After piling your plate taller than a skyscraper
(and juggling back to your table without dropping half the
contents), order the poached eggs and smashed avocado on sourdough
– some might call it basic, others know it gets the job done. An
impressive list of herbal teas are on hand to kickstart the
digestive system.

How about lunch and dinner?

Some hotels have multiple restaurants, many offer a different
dining space for each meal of the day, but not at Harbour Beach
Club. One restaurant, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows and
wrapped by sea views, hits the spot. Decorated with herringbone
flooring, rattan chairs, woven lights and terracotta-washed walls,
feasting feels intimate and exclusive. Outside, a terrace peppered
with parasols promises to add a dose of vitamin D to your
order.

As tempting as it might seem to order the entire lunch menu,
hold off – you’ll be grateful for the extra space at dinner. Arrive
anytime between 12pm – 3pm, for a Devon crab sandwich, which, in
our opinion, is best enjoyed with a side of halloumi fries drizzled
in a tomato pesto. If you’re trying to behave yourself, there’s a
crispy summer salad on standby.

Dinner tastes like tiger prawns, peppery squid, burrata
mozzarella and a platter of mussels – and that’s only half the
starter menu. While you’d be hard pressed to find a bad seat, we
recommend making a reservation to avoid missing out on the seafood
linguine – it’s known that half of Salcombe pops in for a plate.

Is there a bar?

Yes, you’ll find the small and stylish set-up just behind the
reception area for a post-beach beverage or a pre-dinner tipple.
Our order? The pineapple daiquiri.

Amenities

There’s not much this place doesn’t offer – hold your breath.
Start your stay with a trip to the state-of-the-art spa, with a
suntrap terrace, sauna, steam room, extra-large indoor pool and a
Jacuzzi housed in its own room. Treats include the spa’s signature
marine massage, and a glass of fresh lemon water from one of the
poolside dispensers.

If you’d prefer to skip past pumping weights in the gym, there
are plenty of restorative options to choose, including: sunrise
yoga sessions on the beach, wild swimming, coastal hikes and
wellness sessions. Don’t miss: 3pm on the terrace, when a trolley
of ice creams are carted out. When in Devon…

How about their green credentials?

Trophy-worthy. The beautifully presented restaurant and bar menu
is packed with seasonal and locally sourced produce. Before you
order, browse the classics to find a selection of dishes carrying
the title “Room to Reward”. This initiative donates 50p from every
purchase to Room to Reward, a charity that gives dedicated
volunteers the chance to enjoy a getaway in an unsold hotel
room.

What about accessibility?

There are three sea-facing rooms that have been designed to
cater for those with mobility issues. The location, as breathtaking
as it is, isn’t ideal for whizzing around – narrow lanes included.
Head to the front desk and the team will sort transfers or,
alternatively, organise complimentary ferry-ride tickets into town.
But be warned: should you wish to head out for the evening, 10pm is
your final return call for transfers, otherwise you’ll face a hilly
hike back to base.

What’s the crowd like?

Put it this way: you’ll want to whip out your best garms while
staying here. Expect to brush shoulders with an effortlessly
elegant crowd – the sunnies and bouncy blow-dry for breakfast sort.
The hotel welcomes all ages and has interconnecting rooms
available, but with such a remote setting, we suggest it is best
enjoyed as a long weekend with your main squeeze.

Things I should know

Gin lovers will delight at the complimentary decanter of
Salcombe Gin. As the sun begins to set, an ice bucket and sliced
grapefruit will arrive at your door. You’ll find us on our private
terrace, glass in hand, drinking in sweeping views across the
bay.

Within a short walk I can find…

Bo’s Beach Cafe. Situated directly opposite the hotel,
this unassuming den is spot-on for top-notch grub and good vibes. A
favourite among sunset-seekers, thanks to its wooden slipway
overlooking the gin-clear waters. Head over for 7pm when speakers
are blasting singalong classics and cool kids are scoffing
wood-fired pizzas. Insider tip: water babies should slip next door
to Sea
Kayak Salcombe, where paddleboards are available to hire.