Introducing you to the Gara Rock hotel, Devon
What could be more thrilling than a sojourn to a secret escape overlooking the sea in the heart of Devon? Nestled in the rolling grounds of Gara Rock, an exclusive luxury hotel close to the picture-postcard village of Salcombe, is where you can live out your celebrity dreams.
Deemed as Devon’s coolest coastal hotel, Gara Rock is the epitome of rustic-chic. Situated on a cliff edge which affords the most spectacular sea views, Gara Rock’s remote location is ideal for those seeking a digital detox without compromising on luxury credentials.
There’s a variety of delightful places to stay at Gara Rock which include double rooms, cottages, apartments and suites throughout this boutique bolthole to check out which includes the Signal House and the Penthouse, but we stayed in the sumptuous Secret Suite – a luxurious hideaway for those seeking a romantic getaway.
Secret by name, secret by nature. You would be hard pressed to find it unless a member of the friendly team happened to accompany you.
The building the Secret Suite is housed in is literally ‘off the beaten track’. We won’t give away its exact location (why, you will have to check in and check it out for yourself!) but rest assured if you are looking for an escape away from the hustle and bustle of inner city life, then you will certainly find solace in the Secret Suite.
With an enviable location on top of the craggy clifftop, the Secret Suite offers panoramic views, sensational interiors that are oh so insta-worthy!
Taking inspiration from its nautical surroundings, the Secret Suite effortlessly fuses cosiness, style and luxury in one fell swoop with a soothing palette of dreamy hues and textures.
From its floor-to-ceiling windows where you can watch the sun rise from the comfort of your own bed to the immaculate interiors which include handwoven rattan lampshades, sheepskin rugs draped over elegant chairs and the beautifully styled bathroom with its super-sized bath tub.
The bathroom also has a double sink, a huge vanity unit and a tucked away double walk-in shower making this instantly insta-famous in our books.
Whilst it was increasingly difficult to tear ourselves away from the glamour of this rustic retreat, the hotel’s facilities were just waiting to be explored.
Just a short walk away from the Secret Suite is the large heated outdoor swimming pool which was sadly out of action during our stay. It makes for the perfect al fresco relaxation area though in order to catch some serious rays and laze around on the sun loungers.
For those seeking the ultimate indulgence, the hotel’s Elemis spa is simply sublime. You can enjoy all the usual treatments (which includes facials, massages and pedicures) enjoy a refreshing dip in the indoor pool, zen out in the jacuzzi or rejuvenate yourself in the sauna and steam room.
There’s also a private cinema room that you can rent for exclusive access and there’s no shortage of books and board games are no end of books that you can enjoy in the open-plan lobby.
One of the main highlights at Gara Rock is the food and who could resist enjoying dinner with those spectacular views? Choose from starters like coal-fired heritage beetroot, Salcombe shellfish soup, lamb arosticini and a delicately-crafted crab tartlet.
The mains are equally diverse with fillet of beet, beer-battered fish and chips and lamb rack all making welcome appearances on the menu. All dietary requirements are catered for and coeliacs will adore the most exquisitely baked gluten-free bread.
For those looking to gara-on-the-go and make the most of the stunning surroundings, you can grab a snack from the cute ‘Garavan’ – a retro Citroën van which is parked on the cliff edge adjacent to the hotel.
Gara Rock makes for a spectacular stay and is without doubt, the South West’s coolest coastal hotel and you might just find it impossible to leave.
Shhh! Here’s our three favourite secret things to do whilst in Salcombe!)
Craft your own surfboard – Whether you are a seasoned surfer or are just getting into the sport, why not try making your very own surfboard with a special course with Lignum Surf? You don’t have to have any previous woodworking experience, but what could amp up your cool credentials more with the refrain of ‘this old thing? I built it myself!”
2) Sup and well sup! – Why didn’t we think of paddle boarding and wine drinking sooner? Well, the good folk at Sharpham Vineyards have their eyes on the prize when it comes to paddling down the River Dart closely followed by some serious wine and cheese tasting – we’re in!
3) Go to gin school – Devon is known for its gin and if you can’t beat them, why not join them on your very own gin making course. You can enrol at the local Gin School, where you can learn the art of distilling with your own mini copper pot to make your very own 70cl bottle of gin! Cheers!
Check in: Double rooms start from £199 per night
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