Honeymoons in Cornwall and Devon

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Honeymoons in Devon

Honeymooning at home has never been so hip. Wed samples some of Devon's dreamiest love nests...

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Honeymooning at home has never been so hip. Wed samples some of Devon's dreamiest love nests...

You've said 'I do'. After months of planning, negotiating and decision-making, the wedding whirlwind has receded and, whether you're left feeling euphoric, complete or sad it's all over, you'll almost definitely feel exhausted. The last thing you'll want to do is hang around for hours at an airport, right?

There's a lot to be said for honeymooning at home - even if you're planning an exotic getaway at a later date. The thought of a long haul flight and the sheer logistics of foreign travel can be a daunting prospect when all you want to do is chill out and spend some memorable down time with your new spouse.

You'll find some exceptional havens tucked away in the picture-postcard corners of Devon. The arduous task of sampling three retreats, which offer the perfect blend of privacy, escapism and romance, fell upon my fiance Brendan and I. Flee the clamour of the modern world and revel in just being together at one of these extraordinary settings.

For old school romance...
BURGH ISLAND HOTEL
From the moment the winding country road snaked around a bend and Burgh Island came into view, I fell for the charms of this beguiling place. A white vision of Art Deco splendour, the hotel appears like a gleaming ocean liner perched on the edge of the tidal island.





It was high tide on a grey November day, and our ride across the causeway to the island by sea tractor, amidst bracing winds and swirling waters, was an exhilarating start to our Burgh experience. On arrival, we were whisked from the blustery elements into the glamorous cocoon of another time. Built in 1929, the glamour of the roaring '20s and '30s is there in every Deco furnishing, every chic detail and the very air of this bewitching place. You could almost believe you spotted its famous former residents, such as Agatha Christie and No�l Coward, supping cocktails at the bar.





Stepping into the Garden Suite, we were met by one of the most beautiful vantage points in Devon, the huge windows and private garden overlooking miles of coastline. An elegant and romantic sanctuary, the light, airy interiors house two marble bathrooms, bold Deco furnishings, the biggest bed in South Devon and fabulous details such as a retro radio and delicious chocolates. That evening, I lived out every woman's glamour puss dreams perched at the huge dressing table, spritzing on perfume and brushing my hair to a soundtrack of '30s jazz numbers.





A stone's throw from the hotel lies The Pilchard's Inn, a 14th century drinking hole, formerly frequented by smugglers and fishermen. We popped in for a drink and, sat in the candlelight, we watched the darkness fall to the roar of the fire and the tide below.



Then it was back - or should I say forward - to the '30s. Dressed in our finery, we hit the Palm Court Bar for cocktails before a sumptuous dinner in the ballroom. It was a dreamily decadent evening of exquisite food, live period music, dancing and luscious cocktails.



The next morning, I sipped tea in the unfeasibly comfortable bed while taking in the enchanting sight of the mist hanging between the cliffs, the sun rising behind a steely sea and some hardy souls wake-boarding to a soundtrack of jazz classics.



It would be quite easy to wile away a few days doing just that - but Burgh Island has more to offer. Take a dip in the hotel's '30s sea water lagoon and go for a walk around the island, looking out for dolphins, seals and sea birds. Enjoy a REN facial in the spa, watch an old movie or fully immerse yourself in the spirit of the Jazz Age with a Charleston lesson.



For the ultimate in privacy, you might stay in the Beach Hut, a luxe retreat suspended on the cliffside with floor-to-ceiling windows and a bed overlooking the ocean. It is easy to see why Wallis Simpson and Edward Windsor escaped here - the glamorous world of Burgh Island is the ultimate setting for some dreamy and truly decadent time out.



Burgh Island Hotel
Bigbury-on-Sea
www.burghisland.com

For rustic romance...
BIG SKY RETREAT
On arriving at the Hookhill Plantation, which sits between Dartmoor and Exmoor, and winding my path along the edge of the quarry towards Big Sky Retreat, my eyes fell upon an extraordinary building, its design echoing something from the realms of Alice in Wonderland or Hansel and Gretel. Big Sky Retreat is a wooden yurt, which stands in an elevated yet sheltered spot, overlooking mile upon mile of Devon's picturesque landscape: fields tumbling into valleys and pockets of dense woodland punctuated by a scattering of farmsteads.

A pond cloaked with lily pads is situated alongside the yurt; with a small tub boat, barbecue and rustic seats, it is a glorious spot to wile away summer days, feast al fresco and gaze upon star-speckled nights.


    
The yurt is a warm and cosy cocoon. Made entirely from recycled and natural materials, there is a snug Swedish style bedchamber, a series of windows ushering in the 180-degree views, a wood-burner, compact kitchen and daybed piled with colourful cushions. The finishing touches serve to enhance the character: think dainty lanterns, soft rugs and wooden heart carvings.





The ultimate retreat from the hub-bub of the modern world, there's no electricity to plug in gadgets, no wi-fi, no television - just the two of you, the countryside and that big sky to gaze upon the stars through the yurt's telescope or, in our case, to watch clouds brewing on the horizon and rolling in across the valley, while the flames crackled in the wood-burner and the candles cast a soft glow across our cosy sanctuary.





There are plenty of pursuits for couples seeking to reconnect with nature during the daytime, from wandering the nearby fields and gardens, going for a dip in a lake, exploring woodland spilling with bluebells in spring and picnicking on local produce before extraordinary views. Big Sky Retreat even comes with a perfectly positioned swing - an exhilarating way to drink in those panoramas.





As night fell, we watched geese fly in formation across the valley and a buzzard swoop down to catch his prey; then we cooked up a feast, relaxed and talked endlessly by candlelight, lapping up the sense of tranquillity and revelling in reconnecting with our surrounds.



Big Sky Retreat
Hookhill Plantation, Devon
www.canopyandstars.co.uk

For loved up living...
LITTLE OWL COTTAGE
Knowstone is a teeny little village nudging the edge of Exmoor. Miles of rolling landscape surround the cluster of thatched cottages, with a church and quaint pub at its heart. On our approach down a winding country road, we had to wait while a languorous cow wandered across our path; I then checked my mobile and noted in satisfaction that my signal had all but disappeared. I felt a million miles from the din of modern life already. And, arriving at Little Owl Cottage, the blissful sense of escapism was complete.



Built in the 16th century, this tiny grade II listed thatched cottage is designed with romance and relaxation in mind. A wood-burner in an original inglenook fireplace comprises the focal point of the snug living room; the original beams, a little window seat and snug leather sofa enhances the cosiness factor.



A spiral staircase leads up to the bedroom, with its wonderfully crooked cob walls, beamed ceiling and colour scheme of crisp white and opulent red. Heart motifs hang from the walls and a comfy bed is piled with a silky soft duvet and cushions - a chic and romantic sanctuary to spend those first few loved-up days as husband and wife.



The slate-floored kitchen has a stable door opening onto a pretty garden, which makes a lovely spot to relax on the recliners before views of Exmoor.

We wiled away many content hours relaxing on the sofa while the flames crackled and roared in the wood-burner. I enjoyed quite possibly the best night's sleep I've ever had and we enjoyed a relaxing morning, tucking into a full English breakfast and walking it off on a long stroll across the surrounding countryside: a patchwork of fields woven with woodland and country lanes scattered with burnished autumn leaves.



Rather conveniently, the Michelin-acclaimed Mason's Arms is located a stone's throw from Little Owl Cottage. We feasted in style on the delectable cuisine in the inviting setting of this rustic village pub, before returning for a nightcap in our favourite spot before the roaring warmth of the wood-burner.

I was reluctant to leave Little Owl Cottage the next day. Rustic, pretty and rich in character, this snug setting offers an idyllic and charming escape for a honeymoon.



Little Owl Cottage
Knowstone, Devon
www.littleowldevon.co.uk


words Rebecca Matthews

Copyright WED Magazine 2012