Saunton Sands Hotel Review, Devon, England

The jewel in the Brend Hotel crown, Saunton Sands Hotel knows what it does best and sticks to great traditional service. The smart and smiley doormen were brilliant rather than awkwardly attentive or over-zealous – staff are all very helpful and welcoming. Waiting staff at dinner are more formal to suit grander surroundings. Children are definitely meant to be seen and not heard after 6.30pm in the dining room.

As well as the main restaurant, there's the casual terrace lounge and the Beachside Grill, plus a small souvenir shop. Families are no-doubt pulled to Saunton by the excellent crèche service and playroom. During school holidays, children can take advantage of film nights, magic shows, falconry displays and other organised kids club activities. Walking on Waves surf school also give a discount for surf lessons to hotel guests.

Both the indoor and outdoor swimming pools are heated, plus the new spa (launched September 2018) has nine treatment rooms – be warned, book treatments in advance of arrival to avoid disappointment. The spa facilities include the thermal suite (salt inhalation steam room, Finnish aroma sauna, an ice fountain and whirlpool tub), a gym and fitness centre, tennis court, daily exercise classes including Tai Chi, plus post-treatment chill out rooms.

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