Honeymoon Bliss
When we honeymooned in the fabulous Sandals Royal Caribbean we promised ourselves that we would go back for our tenth anniversary. Fast forward ten years and just as we are about to book our daughter informs us that she’s pregnant and her due date is… you guessed it on our actual wedding anniversary.
What a calamity!
We were so thrilled with the news we didn’t mind postponing our intended Jamaican return and when the baby arrived four weeks early, we decided to head off in this country for the weekend instead. We were quite pleased that we avoided the Jamaican hurricane too.
Where to go?
We have done a few Welsh breaks this year so we decided for a change to head down south to our old favourite, Devon in the heart of the English Riviera. We wanted a hotel that we hadn’t been to before and noticed that the Cary Arms and Spa had a great offer on, it was on my bucket list so we booked it at £450 for two nights bed and breakfast.
Screaming.
On the website I noticed that it said to drive down the steep hill and park outside the venue and the concierge would then park your car in the car park half way up the hill I thought this was just a pleasantry until we got there and boy what a hill it was! Drivers beware, the hill is very steep and narrow and there is a gulley either side which you can’t really see but is very easy to get stuck in.
Top tip, drive in the centre of the road.
You can park directly outside the hotel and you will be very grateful for the concierge taking your car to the car park for you, which is also down a very tight road.
Warm welcome
The hill is undoubtably worth it. We had a really warm welcome and the concierge is only to happy to sort your car and luggage with a smile. A quick check in and we were shown to our room. To get to it we had to go outside of the hotel but it wasn’t an issue as only a few steps.
We had a superior sea view room and although it wasn’t one of the beach huts it had a beach hut feel. It was quirky, comfortable and well thought out with everything you need. The bathroom was spacious with good quality products.
We had a bottle of prosecco and a nice note from the team welcoming us and wishing us happy anniversary and staff had been briefed that it was our anniversary and mentioned it on a couple of occasions which was lovely.
Accommodation and facilities
There were several beach huts which I understand are similar to the rooms but with a lounge area but if you can afford it, they had the most fabulous suites right on the water. I have to stay in one of these before I die! A large sun deck with sun chairs overlooks the bay and great privacy.
One thing to note is you might struggle with steps if you are less mobile.
The rooms are tranquil and appropriately furnished with good quality items. Tea and coffee selection was good, biscuits and even a kitkat!
Taste sensation
We had lunch on arrival, which was great, we had sandwiches and ordered chips which weren’t needed as the sandwich was plentiful. I had asked for no tomato chutney but my sandwich still came with it but I didn’t feel I could complain as the kitchen had actually closed but they still fed us.
Breakfast was absolutely delicious, there was a good continental spread with an interesting and tasty selection, slightly different both mornings which was excellent. I had the full English which was exquisitely tasty, great local produce, well cooked and plentiful. We sat in the bright conservatory, packed with eclectic things to look at if one can pull themselves away from the sea view.
Our evening meal was exemplary, great choice of dishes to suit everyone, very tasty indeed.
Piano Pete was playing on the Saturday evening and it was great to have some live entertainment and to hum along when we heard tunes that we liked.
What I liked
The hotel is quirky, it’s not a corporate chain, and its very original. It plays to its strengths with romantic corners and charming surprises (a small billiard table tucked in a room off the resident’s lounge)
There were areas for residents only which I am sure are particularly appreciated in summer months when they are busy.
We were told me might see seals and dolphins and I was prepared to leap out and ring the bell at the captains table if we saw any. Alas we didn’t but at least I have kept something for when I return to suite 7.
What I didn’t like
The steep hill although it added to the charm and privacy and certainly made for a memorable arrival, other than that it was a perfect get away.
Would I return
Without question. This is a well-run and maintained hotel, (we didn’t see a speck of dust) The staff were charming and personable. It is memorable. Situated on the sea front there are lovely walks and lots of dog walkers staying at the hotel as its dog friendly.
There is a lovely intimate spa with treatments which we didn’t use this time.
If you have enjoyed this blog and decide to visit please mention The Word on Weddings ( I am hoping for a deal when I book that suite ).