Heaven in Devon - Harbour Hotels opens its first Resort Hotel

Following on from our news earlier this month about the opening of Harbour Beach Club & Hotel on South Sands Beach, Salcombe, we can now reveal that it's open! Customers can enjoy a little piece of heaven in Devon at this first resort hotel for the chain.

This year-round beachside retreat is home to 50 chic bedrooms and suites, including a penthouse suite, an all-day dining restaurant boasting magnificent views, a beach bar offering a laid-back vibe and it provides access to an array of water sports and local experiences.

Nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, every element of Harbour Beach Club & Hotel is inspired by its surroundings – with many of the hotel's bedrooms boasting seaside views and balconies overlooking the banks of the Salcombe Estuary.

Helmed by head chef Daniel Jones, who worked at Gidleigh Park and St. Mellion Estate, among other renowned venues, Harbour Beach Club restaurant is set to serve up delicious culinary specialties with local flavour combinations weaved throughout. With floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the picturesque coastline and bring the outside in, it's the perfect year-round dining hot spot, whatever the season. By day, guests can enjoy delicious breakfasts and lazy lunches on the panoramic outdoor terrace, while sipping on cocktails coupled with fresh seafood dinners by night. Highlights of the menu include grilled native lobster, goan masala, oysters and dressed salcombe crab. Those with a sweet tooth can please their palates with a sea-salted caramel delice dessert served with Salcombe Dairy ice cream, a glazed lemon tart or a selection of fine local cheeses, chutney and biscuits.

Complimentary ice cream from Salcombe Dairy made with the freshest Devonshire milk, indulgent double cream and unsalted butter, will be served to hotel guests on the terrace every afternoon. An exclusive ice cream flavour has even been specially created for the hotel – combining golden pieces of salted honeycomb with rich, creamy ice cream.

There's a range of watersport activities available to guests on the hotel's doorstep including stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking on the glistening waters of South Sands beach, while exploring the many hidden coves and secret inlets of Salcombe. The hotel offers an all-day shuttle service to its sister property, Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa, where guests can make full use of its spa and dine at The Jetty restaurant.

For those looking to explore the estuary, the South Sands Ferry runs daily from the foot of the hotel and allows visitors to enjoy a picturesque trip to Whitestrand in the centre of Salcombe. Early risers can also enjoy beachfront yoga classes, the perfect setting to meditate to the sound of lapping waves, before a refreshing swim. Guided running sessions and hikes along the coastline of sublime cliffs, picturesque beaches and island-dotted vistas, will also be on offer. Staff will be on hand to recommend the best hikes and beaches in the region and can provide gourmet picnic hampers on request.

Working in collaboration with Salcombe Distillery Co, those looking for a more experiential stay can learn how to distil their own bottle of gin and create their own gin recipe at the nearby Salcombe Gin School.

Providing a relaxed coastal feel, the light airy rooms and suites are decorated with soft furnishings, woven headboards and natural hues reflecting its natural surroundings – with all the little thoughtful touches you would expect from a Harbour Hotel, including complimentary gin & tonic from Salcombe Distillery Co, chocolates from Salcombe Dairy and Bramley all-natural toiletries. Some of the suites feature interconnecting family room options allowing parents to keep an eye on their children while enjoying some time to themselves whilst the signature penthouse, home to three bedrooms, three bathrooms, two balconies and a separate dining area, is the perfect option for larger groups. Boasting a soothing oceanic backdrop, the hotel's impressive spa will open later in the year with an indoor pool, sauna and steam room, complete with five treatment rooms to recharge and reconnect. Guests are invited to treat their minds, bodies and souls with marine-inspired treatments exclusive to Harbour Hotels and experiences by TEMPLESPA as well as innovative fitness workouts.

Rates at Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa start from £340 per night on a B&B Basis, To book, visit www.harbourhotels.co.uk