Finding Family Friendly Luxury at Soar Mill Cove Hotel Salcombe

I am on a constant quest to seek out luxury family friendly hotels  so when we were invited to stay at the secluded but luxurious Soar Mil Cove Hotel near Salcombe we jumped at the chance. 

Location of Soar Cove Mill Hotel

Soar Mill Cove Hotel is a haven at the end of the M5! As you wind through the country roads from Exeter to Salcombe you really feel like you are escaping the world. After navigating the winding rural hedged lined roads you arrive at the stunningly idyllic Soar Mill Cove Hotel.

Soar Cove Mill Hotel is a family run hotel for three generations of the Makepeace family and it is the family touches that are felt through the hotel that make the hotel so special. Keith and family, welcome all guests with open arms and make you feel utterly relaxed from the moment you step foot into the hotel.

Rooms at Soar Cove Mill Hotel

Despite arriving early, our room was ready upon arrival and we were ushered into the spacious Jenny Wren Suite (named after one of the owners of the hotel). The room was perfect for our family having a large double bed as well as a single for our toddler.

But perhaps the best part of the room for families was that there was a slight divide between the living and bedroom areas which meant we were able to relax in peace after our little one had headed to bed. But I have to admit that we didn’t really need to use the living space in our room when we had the beautiful sea view patio.

The design of the room was seaside chic! I must admit to hating theme hotels but the nautical nods throughout the hotel were beautiful and subtle.

Soar Mill Cove Hotel Restaurant

One of the highlights of our trip was dining at the on site restaurant. It is very rare that families feel comfortable dining in top end eateries but I can safely say that we felt very welcomed with our toddler. The staff were very accommodating and made sure that our little one was served first at for both her main and dessert which kept her happy and us free to enjoy our meal.

I started with a divine cheese souffle while Wandermust Daddy raved about his pork belly and scallops starter.

For us the main draw of the restaurant was to try some of the amazing and locally sourced fish dishes. I ordered the Salcombe crab pasta which was perfectly seasoned and a lovely light dish for the summer night we were there while Wandermust Daddy ordered the parmesan crusted hake which was perfectly prepared.

To end I had the perfectly tart lemon posset while Wandermust Daddy ordered the house speciality – Pavlova. The Pavlova was the recipe of Norma Makepeace, one of the original owners of the hotel which she created and served to Audrey Hepburn. We knew we simply had to try it and we were not disappointed!

Facilities at Soar Mill Cove Hotel

On top of the restaurant, Soar Mill Cove Hotel has a plethora of facilities for the whole family. We enjoyed lunch at the coffee shop on the second day, again enjoying the local seafood.

But my favorite facility at the hotel was the lovely spa where I enjoyed a one hour full body massage with the lovely Hannah. If you are going, I fully recommend treating yourself to an hour in the spa.

While I enjoyed the spa, we found it difficult dragging our little one out of the salt water pool. I have to admit that I loved the salt water pool, as someone with sensitive skin I always prefer a salt water pool.

Soar Mill Cove Beach

But perhaps one of the best features of Soar Mill Cove is the proximity to the beach. A short ten minute stroll through the fields leads you to the deserted and secluded beach of Soar Mill Cove.

The beach is perfect for families with plenty of space for children to run around, rockpooling and taking a dip into the sea. Surrounded by National Trust land you feel miles away from anything and is perfect for those who love to hike with the Telegraph naming the hotel at one of Britain’s best for hikers!

If you are looking for more fun things to do around salcombe check out this guide to south devon!

Overall

Two days was to short for our stay at Soar Mill Cove Hotel and we will be plotting a return soon!