Just what the doctor ordered. After a manic return to work post-lockdown, one spabreaker’s Devon spa break at Best Western The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf and Spa turned out to be everything she didn’t know she needed. Here, Beata talks about her two-night spa escape close to home, providing a change of scene and a little TLC can work wonders for mind, body and soul.
I live in Salcombe, so The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf and Spa is not far away for me, but like many people I felt exhausted and drained in the wake of lockdowns and a chaotic return to work. And yet, I really didn’t know I needed this break until I got there. I visited with a friend and it gave me a new lease of life by the time I returned home and to work.
The Dartmouth Hotel is part of the Best Western group, so while it’s not a luxury hotel, it is somewhere you can depend on to meet certain standards. Our room was spacious, tidy and had everything we needed to unwind, plus it all looks out onto the surrounding golf course, which is a big part of the hotel experience. Of course, everything was done with Covid protocols in mind, but we didn’t feel that it impacted the quality of our experience at all.
The facilities at The Dartmouth Hotel have everything you need to work out and wind down, and it’s a great way to prepare for your treatments. There’s a large pool for length swimming, a sauna, steam room, gym and a hot tub. There’s also space to sit outside, and as we were visiting on a sunny weekend, that was perfect. The treatments however are really where this Devon spa shines. Both Rita and I had a half body massage, combined with a facial and head massage, and all treatments were really exceptional. You could also hear other guests coming out of their treatments and commenting on how amazing they had been, so it wasn’t just us!
The restaurant is relaxed, and it’s the same space for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As it was the first time we had been away in ages, we took the chance to dress up a little and really enjoy it as a girls’ evening. The staff were extremely accommodating, and thanks to all the relaxation we were happily able to get through a full English in the morning, and three courses on both nights. On the Friday, as we had come from work, we were both exhausted and went to bed fairly early, but on the Saturday we were able to spend a bit more time enjoying ourselves, and retired to our room for a catch up and another glass of wine. That time just relaxing with a friend was exactly what I had been missing in all those months of lockdown!
I am really lucky because I live in this beautiful part of the world, but where it’s generally quite rugged, The Dartmouth Hotel is surrounded by two immaculate golf courses (one is 18 holes and one is nine holes). Lots of people love coming here for the golf, so if you’re a fan it’s a great place to visit. Rita and I are not golfers, but it made for a very pretty backdrop and there is also a short walking route you can go on for a little fresh air!
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