Cary Arms & Spa — Baddacombe Beach, Devon

Visitors descend a cliff lane and dramatic views of the English Riviera unfold. Once ensconced in the cosseting welcome of Cary Arms & Spa – owned by Peter and Lana de Savary – you feel as though you’re in a Mills & Boon romance and Famous Five adventure rolled into one. Its delightful bedrooms, with echoes of New England style, are each supplied with a stick of rock on the snow-white pillows. Eat Devon beef and Lyme Bay lobster in the stone-walled bar, or on pretty terraces that hang over the bay. Bedrooms in the inn are sumptuous and seaside-fresh, while the beach huts and suites are beautiful and contemporary. Nine smart cottages sleep larger groups (including the latest addition, Foxes Walk, a real showstopper), each with their own gardens and sundowner spots. While you wouldn’t usually expect sybaritic luxury at a self-styled ‘Inn on the Beach’, there’s actually a state-of the-art spa with a hydrotherapy pool, steam and sauna, and holistic Gaia treatments. Romantic, family friendly, perfect for walkers and dog lovers, there’s something here for everyone. 

Doubles from £295 

+44 (0)1803 327110; caryarms.co.uk