Summer 2010 sees the much anticipated opening of South Sands Hotel, an ultra chic new 22-bedroom property located on the beach in a horseshoe bay, just outside picturesque Salcombe in South Devon.

Salcombe may be one of Britain’s most treasured seaside spots however, until now, its lack of stylish hotels kept this unspoilt pocket of English coastline exclusive to home owners and their lucky guests.  South Sands now raises the bar by introducing elegant design, exceptional cuisine and affordable luxury for discerning guests looking for an unpretentious beachside retreat. 
Nantucket meets Devon, the hotel has a New England feel to its interiors but with a deep-rooted sense of place, showcasing the very best of local craftsmanship and artwork, with a nautical theme woven throughout. 

The Bedrooms are named after classic boats – J-Class, Dragon, Yawl, Enterprise and Optimist – and offer tranquil views across the bay and fresh elegant decor, inspired by the sea.  Crisp colour schemes of brilliant whites, azures and corals are complemented by seascape artwork and driftwood furnishings all sourced from local suppliers.  Heavy textured curtains subtly accentuated with rope-effect ties, port-hole features in bathrooms, hand carved seabirds and shell ornaments are all delicate reminders of the hotel’s coastal location and Salcombe’s maritime history.  A sumptuous Honeymoon Suite, with twin freestanding slipper baths overlooking the sea, provides added romance for couples.

Five 2-bedroom Beach Suites offer spacious accommodation (for up to six people) and expansive entertaining areas for maximum privacy; ideal for longer stays and larger parties of friends or family.  The Beach Suites have panoramic views across the sea with generous living and dining areas, all with balconies or private terraces. Guests can opt for self-catering or dining at the hotel’s highly acclaimed restaurant.  South Sands will happily have Beach Suites stocked in advance of arrival or advise on local suppliers and nearby farmers markets.

South Sands is proud to be working in partnership with celebrated local restaurateur and seafood maestro, Mitch Tonks, of the award-winning Seahorse in Dartmouth and Rockfish sister restaurants in Dartmouth and Bristol.  Tonks has worked closely with the restaurant team to create a menu inspired to offer diners the very best produce, supplied locally from sustainable sources, and executed with simple perfection.  His love of seafood, and determination to position South Devon as one of Britain’s gastronomic hotspots, results in an inspiring but honest restaurant concept that is already placing South Sands on the foodie map as a destination restaurant.  Signature dishes include: scallops roasted with garlic and herbs; Devon crab salad; linguine with local lobster; whole sea bream “al cartoccio” with rosemary, chilli and olive oil; pork belly with gooseberry, elderflower and ginger; sea bass fillet with a feta, walnut and mint pesto.  The wine list has been compiled by local Master of Wine, Liam Stevenson, to include a thoughtful selection of wines that complement the menu’s clean flavours and simplicity. 

The restaurant’s glass fronted concept and waterfront location offers unbeatable views and a terrace for al fresco dining.  Weekend brunches are already becoming a favourite with hotel residents and locals gathering for hearty breakfasts, signature Bloody Marys and South Sands Coolers for sessions that linger well into the afternoon. 

South Sands is lucky to have a dynamic team of staff – all local and fiercely passionate about the area – to offer intuitive yet unobtrusive service that is similar to staying at an impeccably run private home.  The ambience is relaxed, informal and unpretentious with weekending urbanites mingling with active families and local diners to create a buzzing atmosphere that leaves guests booking their return stays as they check-out.