Luxury Spa
Saunton Sands Hotel
Saunton, Braunton, EX33 1LQ
From £50.00 per person
About
Salt in your hair. Sand between your toes. Morning swims before melting into a mouth-watering massage. If you love to spa beside the seaside, we have just the place. The art-deco Saunton Sands Hotel perches on a cliff above a three-mile white-gold beach. With the look and feel of an ocean liner from a bygone era, it makes the ideal retreat for those in need of coastal calm.
Wake up to the sound of the sea. The hotel has 79 stylishly decorated rooms and suites, many with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Watch the surfers from your window, Nespresso coffee in hand, but don’t linger in your room for too long. With swimming pools both indoor and out, plus a tennis court, fitness classes, a swish gym and a championship links golf club right next door, you won’t be stuck for things to do.
Pack your bucket and spade and your sense of adventure. This stretch of North Devon coastline is a natural playground for lovers of the great outdoors. The beach attracts surfers throughout the year, drawn by the clean, consistent waves. Stay on dry land and walk the wild dunes of the UNESCO-protected Braunton Burrows Biosphere Reserve. It’s a sea of colourful flowers in the summer months. Or lace up your walking boots and hike the challenging South West Coast Path.
The unspoilt yet buzzy surf village of Croyde is five miles away, while Braunton itself is even nearer and has so much to offer. Saunter through charming streets to discover trendy beach-wear boutiques and quirky cafes. For more adventures, head to Ilfracombe to see the Damien Hirst statue or to Exmoor to visit the zoo.
But if that all sounds a bit too energetic, head directly to the hotel’s Source Spa & Wellness zone. This heavenly oasis features a Finnish aroma sauna and a salt inhalation steam room to cleanse the skin and clear the lungs. Sink into serenity with a Source Spa ritual inspired by the salty sea air, then hit the rooftop sun deck to relax while you watch the waves roll in. But the star of the show is the piping hot Marine Vitality Pool, filled with mineral-rich Dead Sea water and complete with a floor-to-ceiling window, so you can soak while admiring the sunset.
Popular Facilities
- Indoor swimming pool
- Outdoor swimming pool (unheated October to May for cold water swimming)
- Marine vitality pool with a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the Atlantic ocean
- Finnish aroma sauna
- Salt inhalation steam room
- Rooftop relaxation room and sun deck
- Gymnasium
- Ice fountain
- Contrast shower
- The Dining Room
- Beachside Grill
- Cocktail Bar and Lounge
Packages
Bookings & Advice024 7671 6192
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Twilight Spa
- Glass of Prosecco
- Three hours use of the leisure and thermal suite
- Complimentary use of towels, robe and flip-flops
- Arrive at 6pm
Live availability - Book now and your reservation will be instantly guaranteed
From £50.00 per person
Twilight and Dine
- One course dinner to enjoy at the end of your spa time
- Three hours use of the leisure and thermal suite
- Complimentary use of towels, robe and flip-flops
- Arrive at 6pm
Live availability - Book now and your reservation will be instantly guaranteed
From £75.00 per person
Festive Twilight Spa-rkle Evening
- 1 treatment, 30 minutes
- Mulled wine and a mince pie
- Four hours use of the leisure and thermal suite
- Complimentary use of towels, robe and flip-flops
- Arrive at 5pm
Live availability - Book now and your reservation will be instantly guaranteed
From £90.00 per person
Festive Feel Good Spa Day
- 1 treatment, 30 minutes
- Festive afternoon tea
- Full use of the leisure and thermal suite
- Complimentary use of towels, robe and flip-flops
- Arrival from 10am
Live availability - Book now and your reservation will be instantly guaranteed
From £115.00 per person
Twilight, Dine and Treat
- 1 treatment, up to 30 minutes
- One course dinner to enjoy at the end of your spa time
- Four hours use of the leisure and thermal suite
- Complimentary use of towels, robe and flip-flops
- Arrive at 5pm - Depart by 9pm
Live availability - Book now and your reservation will be instantly guaranteed
From £115.00 per person
Source Spa Day
- 1 treatment, up to 60 minutes
- One course lunch with a soft drink
- Full use of the leisure and thermal suite
- Complimentary use of towels, robe and flip-flops
- Arrive at 10am - Depart by 4pm
Live availability - Book now and your reservation will be instantly guaranteed
From £160.00 per person
1 Night Winter Spa Break
- 1 treatment, up to 30 minutes
- Overnight accommodation
- Full English or Continental breakfast
- Three course dinner
- Full use of the leisure and thermal suite
- Complimentary fitness and well-being classes
- Complimentary use of towels, robe and flip-flops
- Check in from 3pm - Room departure 11am
Live availability - Book now and your reservation will be instantly guaranteed
From £194.00 per person
2 Night Winter Spa Break
- 2 treatments, up to 60 minutes
- 2 Night accommodation
- Full English or Continental breakfast
- Three course dinner on one evening
- Full use of the leisure and thermal suite
- Complimentary fitness and well-being classes
- Complimentary use of towels, robe and flip-flops
- Check in from 3pm - Room departure 11am
Live availability - Book now and your reservation will be instantly guaranteed
From £350.00 per person
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Get in touch
Contact us for bookings and advice
Prices from £NaN per package
Details
Towel and robes provided | Yes and flip-flops |
---|---|
Length of pool | 17m |
No. of treatment rooms | 5 |
Dual treatment rooms | Yes |
Max no. in group | 6 |
Lockers available | Yes |
Product house | Spa Source |
Dress for lunch | No |
Spa Accessible access | Yes |
Minimum age | 16 |
Local attractions | Saunton Sands Beach, Surf Saunton and Walking On Waves Surf School |
No. of bedrooms | 79 |
Check-in time | 15:00 |
Use facilities before check in time | Yes |
Hotel Accessible access | Yes |
Electric car charging point | Yes, chargeable |
Car parking | Complimentary |
Pets welcome | No |
Facilities
- Indoor swimming pool
- Outdoor swimming pool (unheated October to May for cold water swimming)
- Marine vitality pool with a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the Atlantic ocean
- Finnish aroma sauna
- Salt inhalation steam room
- Rooftop relaxation room and sun deck
- Gymnasium
- Ice fountain
- Contrast shower
- The Dining Room
- Beachside Grill
- Cocktail Bar and Lounge
The Spa & Wellness at Saunton Sands Hotel
With its sand, surf and sunshine, a stay at the Saunton Sands Hotel has all the ingredients for the perfect pampering break. But we’ve got one more to add to your list - the sumptuous Source Spa & Wellness. Its beautiful blend of thermal facilities and stunning Atlantic Ocean views offer an experience you’ll remember long after the massage oil has been washed away.
Cocoon yourself in your robe, then tiptoe to the indoor pool. Recently refurbished and heated to 28°C, it’s perfect for laps. Or just pull up a lounger and relax poolside before your thermal journey begins.
Reap the benefits of thalassotherapy in the marine-inspired Thermal Suite. Bathe in the mineral-rich saltwater in the vitality pool. Heated to 38°C with jets to pummel you to perfection, it’s the perfect place to watch the surfers through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Inhale the salt particles in our steam room, heat up in the Finnish sauna and cool down at the ice fountain.
Five zen-like treatment rooms are the setting for Source Spa rituals inspired by the salts of the sea air. Have a scrub, facial, massage or beauty treat. But your experience doesn’t end here - there’s also a sundeck relaxation area for post-treatment chilling with some extra vitamin D.
The Gym & Fitness at Saunton Sands Hotel
Robe off, activewear on! There’s no need to leave your fitness goals behind when you’re on a spa break to Saunton Sands Hotel. It has everything you need to help you work out, chill out and refresh your body and mind.
Work up an appetite at the state-of-the-art gym, where treadmills, cross-trainers, stride trainers and stair climbers await. All the cardio machines let you plug in your headphones so you can listen to music, watch TV or even catch up with Netflix as you sweat.
Tone up and build muscle with TRX, resistance machines and free weights. Don’t like to go it alone? Take part in a weekly timetable of group exercise classes, from dance workouts to pilates. Try something new like Yogalates, chair yoga or breathwork. You could even come home with a brand new hobby! Classes are complimentary for hotel residents, but you’ll need to pre-book. They’re very popular!
Prefer your exercise with lashings of fresh air? You’re in for a treat. Do laps of the outdoor pool - it’s heated in summer but remains open in winter for cold-water swimming. Sports lovers can hit the tennis court or the championship links golf course next door. But if you’ve always wanted to learn to surf, now’s your chance. Enjoy free surf lessons during the school holidays and weekends between June and September.
Restaurants & Food at Saunton Sands Hotel
Saunton Sands Hotel isn’t just an oasis for lovers of luxury spas. It's an award-winning spot for destination dining that will delight the most dedicated of foodies.
Cocktail Lounge
Fancy an aperitif? Begin the evening with a crafty cocktail in the art deco cocktail lounge area. Relax in a cosy nook with your favourite tipple. Sink into the plush velvet sofas and admire the plants and artwork. The feel here is modern, relaxing, and the perfect place for your post-spa G&T.
The Dining Room
You’ll want to get glammed up for dinner in the two-AA-rosette-winning Dining Room. With its art deco good looks and stunning sea views, The Times reviewer said it was like having dinner on the Titanic! The mouth-watering fine dining menu uses only the finest and freshest local Devon produce. So dine on lobster thermidor, fish pie and aged steaks whilst taking in stunning views down over the UNESCO dunes below.
Beachside Grill
Don’t fancy getting fancy? For those seeking a more relaxed setting, take your seat at the Beachside Grill. Whether it's a cosy hot chocolate after a winter beach stroll or a post-surf feast in the summer, it’s the perfect spot for watching the sun go down. There’s an all-day dining menu, a cocktail menu and a take-away service if you prefer a picnic on the beach.
Spa Location
How to get to the Spa?
By train: The nearest train station is at Barnstaple, a 20-minute drive away
By bus: The 21C bus service from Barnstaple runs between Braunton, Saunton and Croyde. During the summer, Stagecoach also offers open-top bus services in North Devon, including the North Devon Wave, which stops in Saunton.
By car: Follow the M5 to exit 27, then take the A361. The postcode for your satnav is EX33 1LQ.
Parking: Saunton Sands Hotel has two car parks. No space? No problem. Just ask a porter and they’ll find one for you. Remember to enter your car registration in the tablet at Guest Relations. There are 2 EV Smappe chargers, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Non-residents can park in local (chargeable) car parks nearby.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Saunton Sands Hotel do afternoon tea?
Traditional afternoon tea with all the trimmings, complete with beautiful ocean views? Yes please! This civilised treat is served from 2pm to 4pm on Thursday to Sunday. Even the plant-based are well-catered for here with innovative creations like coronation chickpea and vegan cheese and chutney.
Expect pretty pastries, dinky sandwiches and warm scones all-year-long. But if you’re visiting at Christmas, festive afternoon teas have an extra sprinkle of magic. Whenever you’re here, remember you’re in Devon! So slather on your clotted cream before your strawberry preserve.
Does the Saunton Sands Hotel have a swimming pool?
Love to swim? You’re right by the beach! But if a dip in the Atlantic Ocean isn’t for you, don’t worry. Saunton Sands has two inviting pools, both indoors and out.
The tranquil indoor pool is 17m long. So kick-back, do some leisurely lengths or just lounge beside it. Overlooking the stunning Saunton Sands beach, the outdoor swimming pool is open all year, but it’s unheated from October to May for cold-water swimming. In summer it comes into its own when it’s heated to a balmy 28 degrees and surrounded by sunbeds.
Does the Saunton Sands Hotel have accommodation?
The hotel has 79 stunning rooms and suites bursting with seaside charm, so turning your spa day into a spa stay will always be a temptation. All come with plush and comfortable beds, so you can be certain of a good night’s sleep. And many come with sea views so you can wake up to the sound of the Atlantic Ocean!
Each room has an en-suite bathroom, Wi-Fi, a Nespresso machine, and a TV with lots of channels. Extra luxuries like the selection of Source Spa toiletries, a soft, fluffy bathrobe and matching slippers, keep you feeling spoiled in every way.
What time is check-in and check-out at Saunton Sands Hotel?
Here on an overnight stay? Lucky you. You can check-in any time after 3pm, while check-out time is up to 11am.
Is Saunton Sands Hotel accessible?
Yes it is. The hotel offers six accessible bedrooms, each equipped with a walk-in shower. The building has four floors, and a lift provides access to the three main levels. There are two designated blue-badge parking spaces in the front car park. If these spaces are occupied upon your arrival, the hotel can assist with parking your vehicle.
Does Saunton Sands Hotel have a dress code?
Dressing for dinner is all part of the fun when you’re staying at a spa hotel! While there’s no need to bring your ball gown or black tie, dinner in the Dining Room is an elegant affair. From 6.30pm smart/casual dress is requested for dinner.
What should I pack for Saunton Sands Hotel?
Saunton Sands Hotel is steps from a golden beach so it’s perfect for surfers, paddlers and sunbathers. But if you’re planning on hitting the sand, you’ll need to bring your own beach towel. You should also pack smart/casual clothes for dinner and plenty of swimwear for the spa.
What is there to see and do near Saunton Sands Hotel?
Because you’re right on the beach, the hotel is the ideal location for outdoor lovers. Saunton Sands is a part of the Surfing Reserve, recognising the beach as one of the best in the UK. Enjoy a coastal walk along the South West Coast Path and discover hidden coves and rugged headlands.
Saunton Sands Hotel also puts you in pole position to explore North Devon’s charming villages full of colourful cottages. Meander through the narrow lanes of Clovelly. Explore the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth connected by a water-powered cliff railway, or head to the historic fishing village of Appledore. Or stay close to home and shop ‘til you drop at Braunton’s many boutiques and cute independent shops.
Is Saunton Sands Hotel family-friendly?
Very. In fact the hotel won the 'Best for Families' Condé Nast Johansens Award of Excellence in 2024. With 12 family rooms and family-friendly dining in the Beachside Grill, the hotel is well set up for families of all shapes and sizes.
With indoor and outdoor pools and direct access to the beach, kids will be in heaven. As if that wasn’t enough, entertainment is laid on during the school holidays - even free surf lessons! There’s also a supervised playroom so you can hit the spa knowing the little ones are being looked after.
Is Saunton Sands Hotel dog-friendly?
Sorry, no dogs are allowed at the hotel.
Does the Saunton Sands Hotel have a golf course?
No, there’s no golf course at the hotel, but there’s a championship links course next door. Saunton Sands Hotel is a paradise for golf lovers as its neighbour, Saunton Golf Club, is one of the World’s Best 100 Courses. Perched on the hilltops it offers expansive views of one of England’s favourite beaches – what could be better?