Honeymoons in Cornwall and Devon

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Honeymoons in Devon

Wed discover's Devon's honeymoon hotspots

Wed discovers honeymoon paradise. The best bit? It's just down the road...

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Wed discovers honeymoon paradise. The best bit? It's just down the road...

Fly me to the moon? Maybe later... For many of us, the prospect of airports, transfers and the logistics of a long haul trip immediately after the big day are all a bit much to handle on top of the ecstasy and exhaustion of getting married. Throw in the constraints of work holidays and depleted finances into the mix, and it's little wonder that a growing number of couples are postponing their dreams of unwinding on sun-baked shores and seeking a chill-out option closer to home.



A gentle trundle along the leafy lanes of Devon is a far less taxing option for the dazed and drained post-wedded mind - particularly when there's a luxe retreat at the end. We've sampled some dreamy options.

For bliss on the beach...
SOUTH SANDS
Many hotels boast breathtaking coastal locations, teetering impossibly on cliff edges and nestling amidst quaint jumbles of buildings in seaside towns. But South Sands is a rare gem, in that it's actually on the beach.

Hugged by an elbow of land that curls around South Sands Beach, this sheltered seaside sanctuary opens onto honey-gold sands, while the tide laps tantalisingly close to its terrace. On a sunny day, with the light sparkling on the water, all rippling shades of azure and aquamarine, you would think you'd succumbed to the allure of a foreign holiday - such is the exotic charm of this setting. You could lose hours listening to the ebb and flow of the tide, while gazing out across the tidal estuary, where the impossibly blue water gives way to sandy coves and high, green hills. Just around the coast, you'll find the idyllic town of Salcombe: a pretty muddle of pastel buildings flanked by a marina bobbing with boats and yachts.



The vibe of the hotel echoes the laidback, seafaring mood. A mellow palette of cream, mushroom and dove grey is peppered with splashes of crisp white and blue, seaside decor and seascape paintings. Everywhere, a sense of sailing heritage pervades, from the names of the rooms to the sailing paraphernalia dotted around the rooms. The bedrooms - some of which come with private balconies and bathtubs perfectly positioned for sea and stargazing - are spacious, comfortable and stylish. And, if the rhythmic rolling of the tide doesn't lull you into a deep sleep, then the soft, snuggly beds cloaked in luxe cotton and linen will.





Dishes brimming with fresh fish, seafood and other delicious local produce are served in the light, airy climes of the glass-faced restaurant. Tables spill onto the dreamy terrace where the tide laps at your feet and the fresh sea air fills your lungs.





Nose around the streets of Salcombe; paddle around the estuary in a kayak or take a boat trip around the coast; then return to your beachside bolthole and succumb to its deeply relaxing charms.
 
South Sands
Salcombe
01548 845900 www.southsands.com






For spoilsome escapism on the moor...
MOORLAND GARDEN HOTEL
Teetering on the edge of Dartmoor's wild, untamed landscape, this rural retreat feels blissfully remote and far-away-from-it-all, despite its conveniently close proximity to Tavistock and Plymouth. A Dartmoor pony or sheep may amble alongside as you make your way along the grassy approach to the hotel, as if to punctuate the sense of escapism.



The hotel is set amidst nine acres of wildflower meadows and tranquil gardens where mature trees and manicured lawns meet flowerbeds bursting with colour. The long building is positioned to offer almost every room enchanting views across the gardens, and the verdant slopes that tumble into wooded valleys beyond. Large windows flood the rooms with natural light in the day and magical visions of trees woven with lights and illuminated garden sculptures by night.





A choice of recently refurbished suites, each named after a flower, make romantic and spoilsome settings for a honeymoon. Comprising rich fusions of colour, sumptuous furnishings and sink-into-me beds, the design pays homage to the eponymous flower through motifs - from the wallpaper to the hand-painted lampshades - and clusters of freshly picked blooms nestling in the windowsills. Some rooms come with spacious balconies, which offer a little patch of heaven to drink in the views across the gardens and beguiling landscape.





Explore the rugged beauty of Dartmoor; nose around the nearby market towns and hit the coast for a fix of fresh sea air. Tuck into a cream tea in the gardens; dine at The Wildflower Restaurant, where traditional British cuisine comes with creative flair and flavoursome local produce; and retire to a sumptuous boudoir in this romantic, rural idyll. Heaven.

Moorland Garden Hotel
Yelverton
01822 852245 www.moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk






For cosy days in the country...
COMBE COTTAGE
The approach to Combe Cottage is enough to lull the wedding-wearied mind into a dreamier space. Winding your way through leafy lanes bordering lush fields, you'll arrive at the chocolate box village of Gittisham, where a trickling stream threads its path through a cluster of thatched cottages. Cross the little bridge and, tucked away at the edge of Combe House Hotel's beautifully scenic estate, you'll find Combe Cottage.



Tucked away in a secluded spot, flanked by woodland of high, aged trees and a large walled garden, arriving at this picture book-pretty thatched cottage is like stumbling upon a wonderful secret.

Stepping inside the cosy cottage is like receiving a warm hug. Linen sofas piled high with snug cushions encircle a large fireplace housing a wood-burner; pops of colour come via the characterful contemporary furnishings and fresh flowers; while the wonderful deep windows usher in pretty views across the walled garden.



You can drink in the same views - alongside a glass of bubbly - from a deep copper bath in the bathroom; the bedroom is a romantic space - home to a supremely comfy bed (it is a welcome surprise to discover warm hot water bottles nestling between the sheets in the winter) and antique furnishings. It is a stirring synthesis of historic character, colourful contemporary flourishes and creature comforts.

Equally atmospheric during the long days of summer as the cosy days of winter, Combe Cottage makes a sublime retreat for honeymooners seeking seclusion and serenity in the depths of the countryside.



Wile away those starry-eyed days wandering the ancient woodland, relaxing in the sheltered garden or unwinding before a roaring fire. And indulge in lavish evenings of exquisite food and wine at the hotel, where delectable flavours are served in romantic Elizabethan surrounds.

Combe House Devon
Gittisham
01404 540400 www.combehousedevon.com

words Rebecca Matthews


Copyright Wed magazine 2013