Devon is somewhere that just begs for relaxing breaks away. With its quaint villages, plenty of fresh air and some of the most beautiful views in the UK, it provides a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. and when you’re looking to relax and unwind, there’s nothing quite like a spa break to tick all the boxes. From the moment you arrive to the smell of essential oils and fluffy towels, you can feel your worries melt away. This is why when it comes to spa hotels in Devon, you are spoilt for choice.
There’s no better feeling than relaxing on your outside terrace wrapped in a fluffy white robe, feeling the country air on your face, your muscles relaxed from a massage, overlooking the rolling views beyond. We’ve put together a list of Devon hideaways that will guarantee the ultimate in relaxation, where you can leave your worries far behind.
From ultra-modern to historical, there is such a diverse range of spa hotels in Devon that the hardest part is selecting which to go to. Here are our picks that you don’t want to miss.
Bovey Castle
Say hello to a relaxing break away at Bovey Castle, based in Dartmoor National Park. Beautiful interiors, stunning views and incredible food await from the moment you arrive. The hotel has won many awards for its fine dining, customer service and overall luxury. It features 60 individually-designed bedrooms, 1 AA Rosette awarded Smith’s Mediterranean restaurant and a 3 AA Rosette awarded Great Western Grill. But best of all? The spa – you are looking into spa hotels in Devon after all.
The five-star Bovey Castle spa is called The Elan Spa. Here you can forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life, relax and unwind. Treat yourself to a bespoke treatment or take a dip in their indoor Art Deco swimming pool. A whirlpool, sauna and steam room is available for you to enjoy on your spa day or weekend. The views of Dartmoor National Park are just also unforgettable. Bovey Castle also made the list on our article on Dog-friendly hotels in Devon!
Where: Bovey Castle, Dartmoor National Park, North Bovey, Newton Abbot
Gara Rock Hotel
When looking for luxury spa hotels in Devon, you can’t not include Gara Rock Hotel. This luxury spa getaway has everything. From breathtaking views from the pool overlooking the sea, to an array of treatments you’ll find it all. Make the most of the facilities including an outdoor and indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. At the Wild Rock Spa, you can re-energise through their array of treatments or pamper yourself with a manicure.
In addition to the spa, there’s a 12-seater cinema room for you to catch some of the latest films in as well as the views from the restaurant as the sun sets below the clifftop. Their rooms are luxurious and uniquely designed with elegance and class in mind. We recommend you visit Salcombe to try their gin tasting or plan a walk through the many routes available.
Where: Gara Rock, Salcombe, TQ8 8FA, United Kingdom
Boringdon Hall Hotel
Looking to treat yourself? The 5-star Boringdon Hall Hotel is one of the more luxurious hotels on our list of spa hotels in Devon. The Gaia Spa at Boringdon features an indoor swimming pool, a hydrotherapy pool with an outdoor swim-through, experience showers, different sauna experiences, relaxation rooms, alfresco hot tubs and more. Treat yourself to the ultimate relaxation and indulge in one of their treatments.
Perfectly located near Plymouth and the picturesque Dartmoor National Park, Boringdon Hall Hotel boasts 42 lavish rooms, two restaurants (One being AA 4 Rosette restaurant Àclèaf), lounge areas and beautiful grounds for you to explore.
Where: Boringdon Hall Hotel, Colebrook, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 4DP
Salcombe Harbour & Spa
Salcombe is a lovely place to stay and it’s been made even more appealing due to the Salcombe Harbour & Spa hotel. Treat yourself to a spa weekend or stay for the week and enjoy everything that Salcombe has to offer. Enjoy a leisurely swim in their heated pool, then take a moment to switch off in their hydrotherapy pool. Sauna and steam rooms are available and their gym is well-equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment. You can also enjoy a variety of treatments at the Salcombe HarSPA, by spa brand Temple Spa.
With 50 boutique rooms and a location perched on the shores of the picturesque Salcombe estuary, it’s a hotel that you’ll find once you arrive, you never want to leave. During your stay, make time to dine in The Jetty, a seafood bar & grill with panoramic views. You can tuck into afternoon tea, breakfast lunch and dinner as well as enjoy an array of cocktails in the evening.
Where: Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa, Cliff Road, Salcombe, TQ8 8JH
Cary Arms & Spa
Devon is known for having incredible views and Cary Arms & Spa will not let you down. This luxury five-star hotel has a sea-facing spa with mesmerising views. The spa is equipped with all you need to unwind and forget about your everyday stresses. Not only does Cary Arms Spa have a waterfall hydrotherapy pool and relaxation room, but they also have a steam room, sauna and exotic showers for you to rejuvenate under. If you are a couple or want a treatment with a friend, one treatment room is for couples whilst the other is for solo treatments.
Cary Arms & Spa isn’t just about the spa, its other selling points are the fine dining restaurant, the stunning rooms (we recommend one of their beach huts!) and the hotel’s location. There are plenty of walks for you to venture on as well as Babbacombe’s sun-trapped beaches.
Where: Cary Arms & Spa, Beach Road, Torquay, TQ1 3LX
Northcote Manor
Located in the countryside of North Devon, is a peaceful getaway known as Northcote Manor. Northcote Manor is known to be a destination you can find peace and tranquillity, whether that be when you pamper yourself at the spa or relax in the natural beauty of the Taw Valley. Just as you would expect from a luxurious spa, Northcote Manor includes an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, state-of-the-art gym and three relaxing treatment rooms. Temple Spa products are used throughout the spa and all treatments are designed to include natural ingredients and skilful therapeutic techniques.
The charming Georgian hotel features 16 rooms, designed to complement the charisma of this manor house which was built in 1716. It regularly receives positive feedback, being named the number one hotel in Burrington. If you get the chance, make sure you dine at their 2 AA rosette restaurant for unforgettable food.
Where: Northcote Manor, Burrington, Umberleigh Bridge, EX37 9LZ
Thurlestone Hotel
Whether you are looking for a spa day, a spa break, a weekend away or a mid-week break, the Thurlestone Hotel offers the ideal escape away from everyday life. When it comes to spa hotels in Devon, the Thurlestone Hotel is well respected and one that you can’t just go to once. Based in South Devon, the Voyage Spa facilities are modern and luxurious, with three beauty therapy rooms, an indoor pool, a sauna, a steam room, a laconium, a hydrotherapy pool and a fitness suite.
Upgrade your visit with a treatment from one of the expert therapists at the spa, including organic treatments like seaweed therapies, massages and more. Using Decleor as their product of choice for treatments, you can also purchase many items from the range in the spa shop. Once you’ve done relaxing, don’t forget to explore the local area. South Devon has many beautiful sandy beaches as well as quaint seaside towns for you to enjoy. Dartmoor Zoo is only a 30-minute drive away, or if you enjoy your gin, Plymouth gin distillery is a must.
Where: Thurlestone Hotel, Parkfield, Thurlestone, Kingsbridge TQ7 3NN
Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa
Another hotel based in Salcombe is on our list of spa hotels in Devon you should visit. Unplug yourself from everyday life and transport yourself into a world of relaxation at Harbour Beach Club hotel and spa. Enjoy a gentle swim in their 12-metre indoor pool before soothing your body in the hydrotherapy pool. If the weather is right, the outdoor terrace is ideal for getting some sun before cooling off in their indoor relaxation room. If you want to get a sweat on first, sign up for a class or visit Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa’s state-of-the-art gym.
No break away is complete without a massage, so melt away your stresses with one of the many on offer. A blend of holistic therapies with modern-day techniques enjoy unique treatments that use only the purest natural ingredients.
Where: Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa, South Sands, Salcombe, TQ8 8LJ
Ilsington Country House & Spa
The Ilsington Country House & Spa is a family-run hotel with a well-respected reputation, having earned several awards for its excellence. It was recently awarded 2 AA rosettes for its fine dining restaurant as well as being featured in the good hotel guide and gaining a four-star rating by the AA. From the moment you arrive at the hotel, staff will be attentive, making sure you had a wonderful stay.
When heading to their spa, relax in the soothing hydrotherapy pool before immersing yourself in the indoor pool. Relax in the sauna and steam room before cooling off under the Kubel dusche’ – an elevated bucket of cool water that tips on you when you pull the lever. Their treatments are conducted with techniques inspired by Tibetan practices. High-end products are used throughout and the spa itself is just as luxurious!
Where: Ilsington Country House & Spa, Ilsington Village, Ilsington, TQ13 9RR
Lincombe Hall Hotel & Spa
The Lincombe Hall Hotel & Spa ticks all boxes when it comes to spa hotels in Devon. The hotel is located in Torquay and comes with a host of accolades and awards. The restaurant has been awarded an AA rosette and the spa was awarded 5 bubbles under the Good Spa Guide.
The excellent location is just next to the beaches of Torque and only a stroll from the Torquay marina. It’s also 15 minutes away from the Elephant, a one-star Michelin restaurant. There are plenty of walks to venture on as well as activities to do, we recommend kayaking!
Once you are done exploring, unwind and find some peace in Lincombe Hall Hotel’s spa. Take a swim in the 15m lap pool, before settling and floating in the hydro pool. Switch between the Scandinavian sauna, aromatherapy steam room, Himalayan salt room and if you’re feeling brave enough, the ice room. If you enjoy a workout, the gym is well equipped for you to get a sweat on. Lincombe is all about luxury and uses Temple Spa products throughout.
Where: Lincombe Hall Hotel & Spa, Meadfoot Road, Torquay, TQ1 2JX
Woolacombe Bay Hotel
The Alchemist Spa at The Woolacombe Bay Hotel is a place to escape when looking to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s a unique spa that is bringing the next generation to North Devon. Lose the tired sensation that everyday life brings and book yourself into a treatment to feel refreshed and revived. Only natural products are used and British brand Natural Spa Factory is one of them. For your treatment, a tailored approach takes place, inspired by the seasons and derived from nature. Inside the spa, make the most of its luxury facilities. These include a heated pool & hot tub, thermal suite, copper tub room, rasul room, optimist room, outdoor pool, plunge pool and more.
No trip to Woolacombe Bay Hotel would be complete if you didn’t take a moment to explore the coastal walks, enjoy lunch at the beachfront, go rock pooling, horse riding and take a hike to the waterfalls. As well as all of this, be sure to catch a film at the on-site cinema.
Where: Woolacombe Bay Hotel, North Devon, UK EX34 7BN
Highbullen Hotel
Escape the pressures of real life at the 125-acre estate of Highbullen Hotel in North Devon. While you wouldn’t visit this hotel purely as a dedicated spa break due to the fact they don’t offer treatments, there are still some fantastic spa facilities and many other points to this hotel that make it ideal for a relaxing break away. The spa includes a sauna, steam room, heated 20m indoor pool and hot tub, ideal for relaxing.
This idyllic country house offers a range of luxury accommodations, from standard rooms to suites. Each room is inviting, full of charm and furnished in an 18th-century periodic style. Two restaurants are on site, for casual dining and fine dining. If you get the chance and are looking for a treat, we highly recommend eating at The Devon View Restaurant. Highbullen Hotel has plenty to offer with a 9-hole USGA specification golf course, tennis courts, croquet, fishing and shooting as well as hiking routes nearby.
Where: Highbullen Hotel, Chittlehamholt, Umberleigh Bridge, EX37 9HD
Saunton Sands Hotel & Spa
The Spa at Saunton Sands Hotel is known as the Source Spa and Wellness. Spread over three floors, this is the ideal place to restore your body and mind, before heading back to the real world. Easily one of the top spa hotels in Devon, the Source Spa offers all your favourite treatments as well as having modern-day, luxurious spa facilities, these include a salt inhalation steam room, Finnish aroma sauna, ice fountain, contrast shower and marine vitality pool with a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the Atlantic ocean. Saunton Sands Hotel & Spa also boasts a rooftop relaxation room and sun deck that you do not want to miss. When it comes to swimming pools, two large heated pool’s inside are out are there for you to take a dip and a leisurely swim in.
Outside of the hotel’s spa facilities, they have an award-winning 2 AA Rosette restaurant, a state-of-the-art gym, tennis courts and offer surfing lessons. Being child friendly, there is a supervised playroom with two hours of free childcare per day for under eleven.
Situated in North Devon, Saunton Sands Hotel has won several awards, promising to offer you a lovely break away, no matter your situation.
Where: Saunton Sands Hotel & Spa, Saunton, Braunton, EX33 1LQ
Woodbury Park Hotel
The Woodbury Park Hotel is situated in Exeter, the heart of the picturesque Devon countryside. Surrounded by beautiful countryside land, Woodbury has plenty of beautiful walks for you to venture on as well as an 18-hole golf course and tennis courts. The spa has a large indoor swimming pool, perfect for a leisurely swim before relaxing in the hot tub. Make sure you have time to take a dip in the hydro pool and unwind in the sauna and steam room.
The Woodbury Park Hotel Spa uses Elemis products for its treatments. Examples include the Elemis pro glow facial, Elemis body treatments, pure massage, Jessica nails, waxing and tinting & tanning.
Where: Woodbury Park Hotel and Spa, Woodbury Castle, Woodbury, Exeter, EX5 1JJ
Have you visited any of these spa hotels in Devon before? Which one is your favourite and why? Will you be visiting any of the others soon? Are there any spa hotels in Devon that you think we should add? Let us know in the comment box below.
