As 2021 draws to a close, make sure to start the new year right by indulging in a little R and R at one of the county’s beautiful spa hotels – the perfect way to ensure a calming and relaxing transition into 2022.
Whether you want something modern and classy or something indulgent and extravagant, you’ll find the perfect spa hotel right here in Devon. While traditionally a trip to the spa has always been a luxury, these days it is more accessible, with a variety of hotels offering treatments and stays to suit a wide range of budgets, so everyone can enjoy some pampering and prepare themselves for the new year.
One place that has an abundance of spa hotels to choose from is the English Riviera, which thanks to its mild climate and palm trees is a great choice for an end of year get away. One option in this region is the Cary Arms and Spa in Babbacombe on the outskirts of Torquay. The Cary Arms offers a very special holiday, it has all the personality and atmosphere of a traditional English inn with the facilities and luxuries of a boutique hotel, plus some picturesque scenery overlooking Babbacombe Bay. The spa faces the sea, giving you some incredible views as you relax in the waterfall hydrotherapy pool and there are an abundance of treatment rooms, including a couples’ treatment room. The Cary Arms doesn’t just use the sea as a backdrop, the treatments harness the riches of the sea, which has amazing healing properties.
Image: Cary Arms and Spa
Nearby in Torquay is TLH Leisure Resort where you can choose from a host of different hotels and self catering apartments all on one site with outstanding facilities and nightly entertainment – no matter what time of year you visit. The resort’s Aztec leisure facilities includes indoor pools, sauna, spa and steam room as well as a fully equipped gym and a haven of treatments. If you like the idea of being in Torquay with its popular sea front and bustling town centre, you might also want to check out the Imperial Torquay, which has a commanding cliff top location overlooking the coast. This Victorian era hotel offers breath taking views and spectacular leisure facilities. A host of treatments are available and there are opportunities to relax in the swimming pool, jacuzzi or spa.
Another option is the Headland Hotel and Spa which is situated in one of the most picturesque parts of town. Their Hydro Spa consists of three hydrotherapy swim spas, a hot tub, steam room, sauna and gym plus a range of beauty treatments to really get you set up for the new year. Once you’re relaxed and ready to face the day, be sure to visit the Romanoff Restaurant and enjoy a real culinary experience with some amazing views across the Torbay.
It isn’t just Torquay which is home to amazing, relaxing spa hotels. The Palace Hotel and Spa is in neighbouring Paignton and can be found along the Esplanade, directly opposite the seafront and just a short walk from the charming town centre. The hotel is home to the Genisis Health Suite, which is free for all guests to access. The hotel regularly offers special breaks and offers including themed mini breaks for the Christmas and New Year period, so it is the perfect place to unwind ready for 2022.
Image: The Palace Hotel and Spa
Outside the English Riviera in the south Devon region, there are a host of contemporary and historic hotels offering everything from informal treatments to full on luxury. One well known hotel in Kingsbridge, on the outskirts of Salcombe is Thurlestone Hotel. This hotel has been family run for over a century, so you know you are in good hands. With exceptional service and hospitality, the hotel even offers dog friendly accommodation! The spa and leisure facilities include indoor and outdoor options, including pools, beauty rooms, saunas and tennis courts as well as a nine hole golf course which is open all year and free of charge to hotel guests.
Located near the Dartmoor National Park is Ilsington Country House Hotel and Spa, which gives the impression of being a real rural get away whilst only being four miles from an A road – it is easily accessible without sacrificing on the tranquillity of this area of Devon. The hotel is located within 10 acres of private land, perfect for a relaxing walk to compliment your time in the spa with one of the onsite therapists. The award winning spa is beautifully furnished, complete with all the latest equipment and facilities, including a kubel dusche – an elevated bucket of cool water which tips on you when you pull a lever! Not much more bracing than that!
For an impressive and imposing stay with an amazing atmosphere, head to the Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa on the outskirts of Plymouth. The Elizabethan architecture houses a 5* luxury manor house and spa. The Gaia Spa offers guests luxury wellness facilities including a Finnish sauna, crystal salt steam room, aromatherapy steam room, laconicum, herbal sauna and shower experiences. This is on top of the 12 dedicated treatment rooms, including two double rooms, deep relaxation room, beauty salon and champagne services to make it a real special experience. Guests using the facilities can also experience the Spatisserie restaurant, so you don’t have to leave the relaxing atmosphere of the spa and outdoor relaxation areas.
Image: Boringdon Hall
At the other end of the county in North Devon is Highbullen Hotel Golf and Country Club. All the rooms have been fully refurbished and the impressive historical atmosphere makes it a wonderful place to stay. The hotel has a number of facilities, including a spa, gym, tennis court and golf course, with themed breaks surrounding the golf and tennis available. It’s the perfect destination for anyone wanting to restore, relax and refresh. The facilities includes a heated indoor pool stretching over 20m with a panoramic view of the Exmoor National Park. The gym has a variety of machines and equipment as well as the only kinesis one machine in North Devon. With beauty treatments, personal training and gym sessions with fully trained instructors, truly giving you a chance to reset.
Find more spa hotels and other options across Devon here.
