The concept of luxury travel is still in its infancy in the sleepy towns that line the north coast of Devon. For most Brits, this is a place you go for the great outdoors, not the sleek accommodation. But that is fast changing, and Chalet Saunton is leading the way.
Just a four hour drive from central London, Saunton and its surroundings are close enough for a weekend getaway, but far enough to get a sense of space, serenity and nature.
The coastline is completely wild, with rugged cliffs looming over crashing waves and never-ending golden sandy beaches. It is beautifully untamed and unspoilt – a vast contrast from the perfectly manicured parks and symmetrical skyscrapers of the capital. Perhaps this is why it has become so popular amongst Londoners in recent years.
The Lowdown
Chalet Saunton is the solution for city-dwellers looking to escape the chaos of urban life without compromising on excellent quality, service and home comforts.
Nestled in the cliff between Saunton and Croyde, the chalet overlooks three miles of surfing beach and the largest sand dune system in England.
There are six self-catering holiday apartments, each with three double bedrooms, and a stunning top floor penthouse with two double rooms. All offer sweeping ocean views, balconies or terraces and a wonderful sense of understated luxury.
The Rooms
The fusion between laid back and lavish is evident in every sense of the 'apart-hotel.' The modern rooms are absolutely spotless, but also doggy-friendly. Kitchens come equipped with a coffee machine, juicer and generous breakfast basket for you to enjoy at your leisure. The fabulous housekeeper, Lisa, strikes the perfect balance between attentive and friendly. The thick mattresses are piled with comfy pillows and master bedrooms include a totally Instagrammable bathtub. You get your own privacy, but there is still a sociable, family feel to the place.
The interior design is no different. High ceilings, ample floor space and huge French windows create a bright and airy space, whilst the underfloor heating, soft furnishings and warm colours make it feel ultra-cosy when the weather sets in. It’s the subtle contrast in furniture, textures, minimalist art and photography that gives each apartment its own sense of individuality. The attention to detail is impressive but it still feels personal.
The Food
Although Chalet Saunton is self-catering, there are a number of great foodie options available to guests. If you enjoy cooking (and it’s hard not to in the spacious kitchens), then you can arrange a food delivery. We used Mindful Chef’s easy and nutritious meals because they come in pre-measured packages, which makes them quick to put together with no leftover food going to waste.
For those who enjoy the finer things in life, head to the Michelin Starred Thomas Carr at The Olive Room in Ilfracombe – or Thomas and his team can bring the fine dining experience to you. With a mouth-watering four course taster menu in the comfort of your own apartment, these Michelin-approved chefs use the freshest local produce, boasting phenomenal sea food and an exceptional combination of flavours.
Carr trained under Great British Menu’s Nathan Outlaw and prices start at £200 per head for four courses plus treats from the kitchen, available on Sundays and Mondays as dinner or lunch.
The Drink
If you’re looking for a way to unwind after a big day of surfing, nothing beats a freshly prepared G&T whilst watching the sunset. Salcombe Gin provides a gin delivery service which guests can utilise during their stay. They also offer a gin butler, who can shake up a range of delicious cocktails for your whole party.
Things To Do
The chalet is next to the century-old Saunton Golf Club, which has two of the finest links courses in the UK, making it a popular choice amongst golfers.
If that’s not your thing, then there are plenty of nature reserves, hiking trails, beach walks, ocean swims and some of the country’s most diverse coral reefs nearby.
Perhaps the greatest thing about the chalet’s location is its private walkway right down to the golden sands of Saunton beach, which is one of the best places to learn to surf in the UK.
The legendary Croyde Bay is just a half hour walk or five minutes by car with iChauffeur. Famous for its world-class conditions and low-tide barrels, it’s also a great location to take lessons.
The guys at Surfing Croyde Bay are thoughtful teachers who spend time polishing up your technique on the beach before offering hands-on support in the water, so you can learn to catch the best waves and eventually ride them into the shore.
The Surf
There is something incredibly healing about being in the ocean and learning to surf. Falling off the board and getting back on again and again is part of the process. It builds resilience and mental strength - something which Tom Hewitt MBE, who we meet on our trip, is using to get kids off the streets in South Africa with his organisation Surfers Not Street Children.
Tom splits his time between Devon and South Africa and his charity uses surfing as a tool to empower vulnerable children living in dangerous conditions. Surfers Not Street Children - which has been championed by the likes of Prince Harry, Kelly Slater and the Pope - provides mentorship, shelter, counselling and the joy of being on a surfboard.
Chalet Saunton’s three-bedroom apartments start from £400 per night (sleeping six) on a self-catering basis. To book, please email bookings@chaletsaunton.com, call 01271 890514 or visit www.chaletsaunton.com. Book iChauffeur transport from £495.00+VAT each way from Central London to Chalet Saunton.
