News and Press
Devon Life 2011
Anne Tattersall is tempted by a visit to The Woolacombe Bay Hotel.
A month or so ago, the management of the Woolacombe Bay Hotel kindly offered to support me in my fundraising efforts for North Devon Hospice. They provided a raffle prize of a weekend break for two people- and so I decided to pay them a visit and see what the lucky winner would enjoy.
The hotel is set on the breathtaking National Trust headland, which is covered in yellow gorse and feeds down to three miles of uninterrupted golden sand and glistening sea. As I approached the hotel, I could feel myself begin to unwind from my busy week.
The lobby was buzzing with guests, most of whom were chatting to friendly reception staff. While I waited to announce my arrival I was struck by the hotel's timeless elegance which seemed to hark from days gone by, and yet seamlessly combined with every modern luxury.
I started my tour with a cappuccino in the newly refurbished Bay Brasserie. The atmosphere was lively, bustling and welcoming, and the staff attentive, yet unobtrusive. As I sat soaking up the atmosphere I was struck by the variety of people around me. Families with young children enjoying hot chocolate and coffee chatted about their plans for the day, while groups of surfers shared a Mexican Nacho dish full of corn chips with olives, jalapenos, covered in melted cheese, sour cream and red pepper salsa. Two older ladies sat opposite me, deep in conversation, pausing only to nibble on their toasted crumpets and sip their peppermint tea. The Brasserie has a relaxing contemporary feel, and I could quite happily have sat there all morning. But my guide was waiting to continue the tour of the hotel and I was looking forward to returning to the Brasserie for lunch.
From there I made my way to Doyle’s Restaurant. This beautifully elegant restaurant retains the beauty of the gracious Edwardian era, with high ceilings and crystal chandeliers. Its full length windows look out across meticulously manicured lawns and spectacular sea views – a perfect setting for a wedding or romantic meal, with a sumptuous menu full of seasonal local produce and a fine selection of wines from around the world.
En route to see some of the hotel’s bedrooms, I took time out to enjoy a relaxing five minutes in the library. Books of every genre lined the oak book cases and it would have been easy for me to settle into one of the comfortable chairs available, and simply relax. But there was more to see, and I made my way out of the library, through the Lancaster Suite, a magnificent ballroom which offers a graceful setting for up to 200 guests, and headed toward the hotel’s recently refurbished luxury loft suite. The loft boasts spectacular far-reaching views, a balcony to enjoy drinks at sunset and can sleep up to four people in two bedrooms. Or it can be set up as one bedroom with a lounge, for a truly romantic getaway. All of the hotel’s 63 bedrooms offer the four star luxury. Crisp, cotton bed linen, extravagantly luxurious bathrooms and everything needed to indulge and spoil yourself.
Much of the hotel has been lovingly restored from the mid 1800’s, creating a unique and tranquil atmosphere, and the exquisitely designed lounges are a testament to that era.
Back at the Brasserie, the sounds of laughter drifted out through the open windows and were carried off with the salt breeze. The relaxed style of eating and drinking made me feel as if I had been transported to the Mediterranean. And as I tucked into a cheese platter of Cornish Yarg – a semi hard, pasteurised goat’s milk cheese wrapped in a jacket of nettles, with a creamy and herby taste, I felt immensely happy for the winner of the weekend break. They will enjoy an unforgettable visit to a wonderfully luxurious, family run hotel. I myself will be returning later in the year to enjoy a pampering session at the hotel’s Haven Spa - and I might even treat myself to an overnight stay.
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It's the perfect traditional seaside holiday".The Sunday Telegraph, July 4th 2010
As soon as we arrive in Woolacombe and the children see the sea, they're in heaven. They love splashing in the water and messing about on the beach.
The weather's normally pretty good - we usually get four or five decent days if we're there for a week - and frankly the children couldn't care less whether they were in Devon or Dar es Salaam as long as there's losts of things to keep them occupied.
We usually stay at The Woolacombe Bay Hotel, which is fantastically child friendly. It's not particularly expensive - it's very good value, in fact - but it's focused on providing fun and games for children, and for keeping them safe, so it suits my wife, Sally, and me down to the ground. The food at the Hotel is good too, and we've hardly ever had a bad dish; the staff are also attentive.
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Devon: Perfect for a family holiday.
Prima Baby, August 2009
The hotel is an elegant Victorian pile that conjures up images of a gentler, more refined age.
As its name suggests, it occupies a prime position, overlooking the bay, amid beautiful, lush green gardens that include a children’s adventure playground, heated swimming and paddling pool, tennis courts and even a nine-hole golf course.
Marble steps and a traditional rotating wooden door lead you into the hotel itself, where you are immediately transported back in time by the high ceilings, crystal chandeliers and comfortable lounges.
But while undoubtedly luxurious, the hotel is in no way pretentious, catering very much for the needs of families with young children. From the moment you enter, the warm and relaxed greeting from reception puts you completely at ease.
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World's Best Spas (The Friendly Spa).
SAGA Magazine, August 2009
"The spa at The Woolacombe Bay Hotel offers more than 40 treatments. Go for a long brisk walk and then try their signature Woolacombe Bay Aroma Massage, which for 75 minutes at £55 is great value. They use pre-blended oils and it really helps with insomnia, stress and tension. There is also an indoor pool, sauna, steam rooms and spa bath."
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Perfect spot for a beach holiday.
The Western Morning News, May 2009
"Our journey to North Devon was a mixture of mist and rain, but as we drove down the winding roads into Woolacombe Bay the mist cleared and the sun appeared, revealing breathtaking views of miles of golden sand - a beautiful beach nestled between the green National Trust-owned headlands.
Doyle's Restaurant has fantastic views looking across to the island of Lundy, and with the sun setting in the distance is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing dinner with a varied menu that includes the best seasonal local produce. The staff are attentive and the food beautifully presented.
The beach is a regular Blue Flag winner, and in keeping with the Victorian theme there are even old-fashioned swingboats on the sands. Then we headed back to the hotel to relax on the sun loungers on the six-acre lawn, which is perfect for the children to run around and let off steam and where hotel guests can relax and have a picnic (if they don't fancy a sandy sandwich)."
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