Source Spa & Wellness, Saunton Sands

Few spas can rival this view - three miles of golden sand, rolling dunes and the Atlantic stretching to the horizon (Scarlet Spy)

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Saunton Sands Hotel is a grand, white, art deco hotel located at one end of a three-mile stretch of golden sand including UNESCO Biosphere Reserves dunes. The view - even from the car park - is jaw-dropping.

The modern Source Spa and Wellness occupies its own three-storey wing at the end of the hotel; The thermal suite, couples’ treatment room and relaxation lounge have to-die-for views.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

The Source Spa and Wellness wing is super-stylish with one or two wow factors. Décor is minimalist, all-white with stone and grey accents, and glass walls flaunt its many ocean views.

Head along a corridor from the hotel reception to find the Source Spa reception desk. We were warmly welcomed, handed two key cards – one for our assigned locker and one to access the spa – and given a tour.

The changing rooms are compact and modern with light stone-tiled floors and plenty of large wooden lockers – containing flip-flops and soft, dark grey robes - plus two grey leather stools for changing. There are two toilets, two rainforest showers - stocked with Source own-brand organic orange extract shampoo/body wash and olive leaf conditioners - and a private changing cubicle. The vanity area has three mirrors and is stocked with tissues and hairdryers.

On the ground floor, a window overlooks the art deco-style 17-metre, light-flooded indoor pool, lined with comfy loungers and sofas. The hotel also has a heated 17-metre outdoor pool for some Riviera-style bathing with beach views; ask the receptionist to lead you there through the hotel.

The Thermal Suite occupies a long, white room with a grey tiled floor. Your eye will be drawn to the glass wall framing an impressive view of ocean, sands and sky. Enter the warm, saltwater Marine Vitality Pool with its infinity edge and bubble away while soaking up views of the Atlantic Ocean below.

If you can drag yourself away from the view - we struggled - you’ll find the perfectly hot (85 degrees on our visit) Finnish aroma sauna and a marble seated salt steam room with colour-changing lights. Each facility would comfortably seat six people or three in full-on lounge mode. Cool off between toasts in the contrast shower or ice fountain.

The second floor ‘Whisper zone’ - named Nurture – contains six large treatment rooms; the top level (aptly named Chill) a light, airy relaxation room. Choose from four large wicker shell chairs filled with plump blue and orange cushions or lie back on one of five comfortable loungers under soft grey blankets. Help yourself to fruit infused water and magazines; scan a barcode to order drinks. Glass double doors open onto a terrace with rows of loungers, and a glass balcony so you can lie back and gaze at the sea below.

You’ll also find a well-equipped modern gym and a fitness studio, offering a range of classes. If it’s sunny, classes take place on the lawn or beach.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TREATMENT

We tried the Chance to dream massage (60 minutes, from £100).

Our therapists, Juste and Ruby, met us in the pre-treatment waiting lounge with its display of Source Spa Collection and iS Clinical products. After completing consultation forms and sipping apple and melon smoothie shots we were led through to the couples’ treatment room, with striking floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking Saunton Sands Beach.

After choosing our oil via scent – Be Calm for me; Be Positive for my spa partner - the curtains were drawn, and we were left to remove robes and lay face down on the side-by-side treatment beds.

The treatment began with three deep inhalations of calming oil and a foot cleanse. Juste confidently commenced the aromatherapy massage on my back paying close attention to my ever-knotty shoulders, before moving on to the backs of my legs.

Turning over, Juste covered my eyes and continued on the front of my legs and feet before working up to my arms, décolletage and neck, concluding with a heavenly scalp massage.

A chime of a bell signified the end of the treatment; Juste opened the curtains, handed us a glass of water each and let us gradually come to in our own time as we soaked up the serene sea view.

The result? Two very blissed out Spa Spies with nervous systems restored to calm.

FOOD FACTS

Spa guests can feast en robe in the hotel’s Terrace Lounge with its sea views. The menu includes salads, sandwiches and hot and cold meals, with steaks and burgers alongside locally caught fish. We loved our breaded fish goujon sandwiches with lashings of tartare sauce and a side of fries.

If you’re staying overnight, you can feast in The Dining Room Restaurant, with its two AA Rosettes, run by Head Chef Mathias Oberg from The Shard. Statement chandeliers set the scene, while art deco mirrors line the walls.

We enjoyed a starter of seared scallops with curried parsnip and cumin and pickled carrots; for mains: two succulent slow braised ox cheek with creamy horseradish mash, curly kale, cheddar crumb and red wine jus. For pudding: chocolate orange cremeux with burnt orange segments, a delightfully crunchy brandy snap and Frangelico ice cream. All three course were an absolute delight.

SWEET STAY?

Overnight guests check into the hotel’s main reception at 3pm. Arriving by car? Don’t forget to log your car registration for free parking (it’s £20 for non-residents). Our bags were whisked to Room 318 – a comfortable deluxe room with a huge bed and a private balcony affording more of those sea views. Help yourself to complimentary drinks from the in-room bar or enjoy a Nespresso coffee while you watch the waves crashing on the sand.


WE LOVED

The views: perched high on the North Devon cliffs, both the spa and hotel embrace the wonder of Saunton’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserves dunes and Atlantic Ocean at every opportunity.

Our treatment for two: our therapists delivered a soothing massage in sync; coming round to ocean views through the floor-to-ceiling window was blissful.

The food: every dish in The Dining Room was noteworthy – delicious and beautifully presented; the staff down-to-earth and personable.


WHAT BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded Source Spa at Saunton Sands Hotel a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles for its stylish design, friendly and attentive customer service and blissful treatments – the glorious locale and those stunning views take it to the next level.