Hotel Cary Arms & Spa (Torquay, United Kingdom)

With the personality and values of a traditional English inn and the luxurious style and facilities of a boutique hotel, the Cary Arms & Spa offers you a relaxed and modern getaway making the most of its sensational coastal location and breath-taking views. Set in a remarkable position overlooking Babbacombe Bay and miles of seascape along the Jurassic Coast, the inn and surrounding grounds have been sympathetically restored and remodelled under the close guidance of owners, Peter and Lana de Savary, to offer stylish and spacious accommodation designed to rival the best hotels in the country – the English Riviera reborn. The eight “New England” style guest rooms in the inn are chic and restful in muted coastal shades and feature stunning sea views, contemporary en-suite bathrooms and private sea-facing terraces. Adjoining the inn are two spacious suites with their own sunbathing terraces and fire-pits. A further eight new Beach Huts and Suites, which were completed in 2017, bring a fresh sophistication to the South Devon coast. The clean, elegant lines of the six duplex Beach Huts are partnered with bold-print fabrics and contemporary furnishings, reflecting the fluid lines and colours of the coast. Top international designs and artwork have been handpicked from Italy and France. Set only feet from the sea, each Beach Hut comes with a wide sun-bathing terrace, a luxurious sofa in front of a romantic fire and a huge mezzanine level bed with outstanding views out to sea. The two impressive Beach Suites suspended over the sea combine further exceptional facilities with privacy for the ultimate in romantic retreats. Five secluded Cottages ranging from two to five bedrooms provide a wonderful seaside getaway for families and friends travelling together. A short walk from the inn, each has secluded gardens and terraces with fire pits and three are dog friendly. The latest additions are Cove Cottage (sleeping 6) and Bay Cottage (sleeping 4) – converted from traditional fishermen’s homes, they provide enviable views and unrivalled comfort, just off the South West coastal path. Dining at the inn is relaxed and friendly. Daily changing menus from the talented local Chef Steve Poyner reflect his love of the area and the coast and country in equal measure. Provenance is key and local suppliers provide an abundance of excellent fresh ingredients. Expect superb Devon beef, Lyme Bay lobster and line caught seafood sitting along side delicious traditional English heritage dishes. Private groups are also welcomed to enjoy any of the superb dining locations – from the convivial atmosphere of the inn, to the beautiful conservatory, or from the al fresco Captain’s Table overlooking the bay to the romantic glass sphere “Pod”. The sublime Cary Spa sits above the inn, and boasts uninterrupted vistas of the unspoilt Jurassic coastline from a beautiful sun deck and a dramatic glass fronted hydrotherapy pool and relaxation room. Three treatment rooms, including a couple’s massage room, offer a range of treatments from leading marine-themed French beauty and skincare brand Thalgo. An innovative mood-enhancing aromatherapy light shower, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and a gymnasium are also available for rest and relaxation. Cary Spa not only offers guests tranquillity but an exclusive viewing of admired American Art illustrations, from Peter de Savary’s private collection. The Cary Arms & Spa is a place for all seasons and all ages. Young children are welcomed with their very own fishing net, bucket and spade for exploring the rock pools and four-legged friends are greeted with a doggy welcome pack. If arriving by boat, four overnight moorings are available. The South West Coastal Path is on the doorstep and offers access to an area ripe for discovery. The walking is superb, fishing trips, water sports (including some of the best diving in the UK due to the clear waters) and horse-riding can be arranged. Tennis and Teignmouth Golf Club are nearby. “It’s a beautiful spot… red cliffs and rocks with wooded hills like Italy and reminding one of a ballet or play where nymphs appear – such rocks and grottoes, with the deepest sea on which there was no ripple.” Queen Victoria, 1846.