Review - Cary Arms Devon

A room in the boutique-style hotel, The Cary Arms

Nestled on the side of a cliff in Babbacombe Bay, The Cary Arms is a real find. Originally an inn, the south Devon hotel has been totally renovated by Lana, wife of hotelier Peter de Savary, and turned into a gastro pub with eight luxury bedrooms and three separate fisherman's cottages.

Hanging baskets full of flowers decorate the pretty white- and blue-painted building which overlooks a pebbled beach with clear, blue water, and a pier. Sailing, speed boats, scuba-diving and fishing are all available in the bay.

When the sun is shining, you could easily imagine you are in the south of France. It is no wonder that this part of Devon is called the English Riviera.

The self-styled inn on the beach is also dog-friendly and along with my pet pooch, Trixie, I am led to my one-bed cottage, which can sleep two adults. It features a spacious living room with a modern, flatscreen TV and leather sofa. There's also a large doggie cushion, and bowls of water and dog biscuits for Trixie.

There is a small kitchenette in case I want to do any self-catering. The bedroom is spacious, but the bathroom is tiny and surprisingly features a hand-held shower above the bath. Outside, there is an outdoor dining terrace with table and chairs.

While the cottages are great for families, the rooms in the south Devon hotel are ideal for couples. They are all sea-facing, decorated with a contemporary feel and nearly all of them have balconies, some large enough to feature tables and chairs.

When it comes to dining, the hotel restaurant offers indoor and alfresco seating. As The Cary Arms is built up the side of a cliff, there are several tiers of tables with a big, open-wood fire, which is lit as the evenings draw in.

The prime spot is the Captain's Table, which is nestled on a ledge overlooking the sea and can host up to six people. Advance bookings are essential.

In the private garden, which is for guests only, there is also a pod, an unusual and rather unique glass sphere, where couples can get married. If not in use, it can be booked for dinner, and is in an incredibly romantic setting overlooking the sea and far off Lyme Bay.

As unique as the setting is the hotel's gastro-style food pub served within a 5-star setting. The emphasis on locally sourced produce whenever possible has earned head chef Ben Kingdon the ‘Poultry Chef of the Year' award at this year's Great British Pub Food Awards.

I was eager to sample the menu, in which fish plays a major part, thanks to the hotel's location. Rods can even be borrowed from The Cary Arms so guests can hook their own mackerel off the nearby pier and have their catch cooked in the kitchen.

At lunch, I tuck into a generous-sized crayfish and prawn cocktail as a starter. The staff are also flexible, enabling me to select dressed crab salad from the Chef's Specials as a second starter rather than a main course. Trixie is also catered for; she is given her own chicken and rice dinner selected from the menu and costing £5.
 
In the afternoon, a typical Devonshire tea of freshly baked scones, super thick Devon cream and home-made strawberry jam is an irresistible temptation.

Unexpectedly for an inn, The Cary Arms has its own spa with an extensive range of Elemis treatments. Plans next year include expanding the spa to include a plunge pool and small gym. In addition, New England style wooden apartments will be added to the property.

Friendly staff, lovely rooms, and lots to see and do nearby makes this an idyllic spot to relax and unwind on an English seaside break.

The Cary Arms
Babbacombe Beach, Devon TQ1 3LX
Tel: (01803) 327 110.
Website www.caryarms.co.uk
Prices for a week's stay in a cottage start from £1,550, or £750 for three nights. One night's stay costs £295. Includes full English breakfast.