Devon or Heaven? Reviewing the Luxurious Thurlestone Hotel Retreats

It’s always a good idea to head down to Devon for a holiday, whether with your soul mate, your friends, your kids, or your grandkids.

Doesn’t really matter who you’re with, feels like a good time is pretty much guaranteed. For all. Or maybe that’s just me and my clan.

Either way, when I heard about Thurlestone Retreats, some brand new luxurious hotel apartments hunkered down in South Hams, sitting pretty on the coast in between Salcombe and Bigbury, I knew we had to go along and check them out.

Which is why three generations of our family recently set out for some fun in the south.

Things started really well when I told my 11 year old granddaughter she was coming to Devon with us.

Being young, full of excitement and not overly keen on listening to old people waffle on, she wasn’t really paying attention to me.

So she thought we were taking her to heaven. Which made for some strange conversation on the journey down.

Getting There

Our destination was an hour beyond the bottom of the M5, deep in the heart of the heavenly shire, down sweeping roads that twist and turn like leaves in the breeze.

All of which made it a really rather pleasing drive. No matter which direction you’re coming from, you are bound to see some sweet sights. 

Thurlestone

We arrived at Thurlestone to find a tiny high street lined with drop dead gorgeous, thatched cottages.

At one end, there was a community village store, complete with ancient cannon opposite and red telephone box, which had been converted into a book swap.

Further along the road was a cosy village pub and, most important of all, a swanky and upmarket hotel, the Thurlestone Hotel. Run by the same people who own and run the apartments.

The Apartment

Our apartment was a 3 bedroomed beauty, just along the road from the hotel. It had parking outside, a host of handsome features inside and a full length, first floor balcony alongside the living area, giving long and luscious views of the sea beyond the golf course. (Which also doubles up as a frisbee golf course, btw.)

Living Room / Kitchen

Once inside the front door we found ourselves in what felt like a cosy show home, filled with thoughtful little touches to ensure our stay was sensational from start to finish.

It was an open plan affair and everywhere you looked it was clear no expense had been spared. At times like these, I look for details.

In this case, alongside all the top notch kitchen goodies on offer, including nespresso coffee machine and welcoming breakfast bar, I noticed the knife block. It was a Sabatier. An understated but exquisite brand of kitchen cutlery. Which pretty much summed up the length and breadth of luxury on offer throughout the apartment. 

The sofas were soft and squishy, drenched in delicious cushions. The walls and floor were filled with fine things to savour and enjoy.

The dining area was one long hymn to happiness. There was even a cake stand waiting for us, filled with fresh scones.

To keep them company, the fridge was stocked up with assorted goodies, including clotted cream and strawberry jam. Mmm.

Bedrooms

The three double bedrooms, each of which could be arranged as a twin, all had their very own, private ensuite, complete with rainfall shower, as well as a pair of thick, fluffy dressing gowns hanging on the door, just waiting to wrap you up in warmth. Another lovely touch.

Obviously, the rooms also had enormous, gorgeous beds, soft as cinnamon and comfy as clouds along with carpets that tickled your toes as you ambled from bed to bathroom.

Balcony

The balcony, with it’s far reaching spectacle of sea and headlands, was the perfect place to watch the sun come up, to sit and enjoy the view or just to stand on, whilst sipping something cool and watching the local rabbits nibble the flora.

Which is exactly what we did whenever the mood took us. Which turned out to be quite often. 

The Village Inn

The cosy village pub next door to the hotel is also owned by the hotel, which was handy. We went there for dinner one evening and it was a complete joy. Superb.

Great atmosphere, great staff, dog friendly, kid friendly, in fact friendly to one and all. The food was fabulous too.

A couple of us went for the fish and chips with chip shop curry sauce, which was so scrumptious, I would have come to Devon just for the curry sauce alone. It really was that good.

Generous portions too. I only just about had room to squeeze in the equally awesome biscoff cheesecake which came as dessert. Just wish every village had an inn like that.

The Spa 

The hotel is next door to the apartment building and has a very lovely spa attached. Whilst staying at the apartments you are able to use the spa facilities, if you wish. We definitely did wish.

After one look at the indoor pool, our resident 11 year old decided we had to go swimming there, at least once a day. Which seemed fair enough, so that is exactly what we did.

In between swims and sitting in the hot tub, I also found time to enjoy the sauna (something the 11 year old also misheard, thinking grandad was heading off to spend some time in the sewer. Sigh. The foolishness of youth.) 

Meanwhile, our daughter, our granddaughter’s mum, managed to slip off for a glorious, hour long massage session, the Voyage Soul Soother. Which she raved about.

She arrived back at the apartment glowing with the quiet satisfaction of someone who has spent an hour living the very best of all possible lives. 

Breakfast

Next morning we took the ten second stroll up the hill and treated ourselves to a slap up breakfast in the hotel. Really glad we did.

We each got a fantastic buffet style brekkie, followed by a selection of tasty things on toast.

Plus, we also got some brilliant suggestions of places to visit from our friendly and fab serving person. Definitely service above and beyond.

Out and About

There are so many cute and charming towns, villages and coastal spots nearby, it’s hard to know where to start. Luckily, thanks to the lovely lady at breakfast, we knew exactly where to go. 

First stop was a local seaside town, famous for it’s charm, beauty and mind numbing property prices. 

Salcombe

Is one of those picture perfect, Devonshire towns, blessed with winding narrow streets, water along one edge, all sprinkled with a tasty assortment of boutiques, bars, cafes and pubs.

In summer, a ferry will carry you across the water to the golden sandy beaches beyond. In winter, when it’s far too cold for buckets and spades, you can always pop into the pub instead. 

Dartmouth

Next on the agenda was Dartmouth, another gorgeous little town, with boats bobbing away on the estuary, ancient wooden buildings tottering along the quayside and everywhere you looked, more knick knack shops than you could shake a tea towel at.

Lovely views of the water too.

Totnes

When it was time to leave and head for home, a short drive took us up to Totnes, another quirky little place with a star studded high street, where crystals, crusties and coffee shops collide in a teacup of charm.

We stopped in for a couple of hours to browse, explore and, eat lunch. Was the perfect way to end such a first rate family furlough.  

Conclusion 

When we got home, our granddaughter announced that it had been the best holiday ever. Mind you, she was also glad we went to Devon and not heaven, because only dead people go to heaven. So maybe take what she says with a pinch of salt.

Important thing is, three generations of family went on holiday; grandparents, grown up daughter and almost teenaged granddaughter, must say, we each enjoyed it enormously.

If you are looking for a relaxing break, no matter what the age or attitude of your companions, then these apartments have got a bit of something for everyone. 

Final word should probably go to the eleven year old ,who decided that although Devon is not the same as heaven. It’s close enough. 

Fact box : The new Thurlestone Retreats apartments cost from £559.50 per night, based on four sharing a two bedroomed apartment, with full access to all the hotel’s amenities including Voyage spa, swimming pools, tennis and kids club.