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“Paradise for watersport addicts - a comfortable haven, right on the beach. Rooms are designed in a contemporary New England style - creams and soft pastel colours. The spacious suites are perfect for families. Enjoy the sea air and great brasserie food at the beach side restaurant and terrace.”

Hotel review

In front of the old-fashioned Tides Reach Hotel, with wonderful views over Salcombe estuary and right next door to a busy sailing and watersports centre, South Sands became an instant hit as soon as it was opened by local Jeff Gillard who sets in the tone in summer in shorts and flipflops, much like the rest of his guests, either Salcombe aficionados in for excellent lunches and dinners (menu created by Mitch Tonks) in the New England style brasserie and on the terrace, or couples and families from further afield staying in the airy, well-appointed bedrooms, many with views. A fun place with a great, easy going vibe, and a much needed addition to Salcombe’s hotels, and restaurants.

Fiona Duncan
Fiona Duncan Review published: 26/02/2024

Recommended for

  • Great walks

    • Walk up behind the hotel and look around the National Trust's Overbeck's House and Garden a treasure trove of tropical plants.
  • Trekking

    • Some of the most beautiful coastal walks in England are available around here, a favourite is the circular walk to Bolt Head.
  • Local markets

    • Walk to Salcombe and check out the various art galleries and boutiques including Bibi & Mac, Quba Sails and Jack Wills.
  • Hotel Entertainment

    • Spend the evening sitting on the terrace, listening to the crashing waves and sipping on a yummy cocktail.
  • Sailing

    • South Sands Sailing school is right next to the hotel offering sailing, kayaking and other watersports.
  • Families

    • Kids love the beach vibes and watersports, plus the self catering beach suites are ideal for families.
  • Foodies

    • Renowned chef Mitch Tonks never fails to impress with fresh seafood cooked to perfection.
  • Fishing

    • The hotel can arrange deep-sea fishing trips with a little notice.
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    • Some rooms have a Juliet balcony, whilst the suites come with either balcony or terrace
  • Child friendly

    • All children welcome. Babysitting services are available.
  • Restaurant

    • Serving brasserie-style food and local seafood
  • Views

    • Wonderful views over Salcombe Estuary
  • Contemporary

    • New England style, modern decor
  • Pet friendly

    • Dog-friendly rooms available
  • Free wifi

  • Disabled access

  • Charming

  • Sea Views

  • On the beach

Facilities

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    Some rooms have a Juliet balcony, whilst the suites come with either balcony or terrace
  • Child friendly

    All children welcome. Babysitting services are available.
  • Restaurant

    Serving brasserie-style food and local seafood
  • Views

    Wonderful views over Salcombe Estuary
  • Pet friendly

    Dog-friendly rooms available
  • Parking

    Free private parking
  • Free wifi

  • Cots available

  • Internet

  • In room DVD

  • Bar

  • Bath robes

  • Safe

  • Air conditioning

  • In room music system

  • Disabled access

  • Wifi

Activities

  • Great walks

    • Walk up behind the hotel and look around the National Trust's Overbeck's House and Garden a treasure trove of tropical plants.
  • Trekking

    • Some of the most beautiful coastal walks in England are available around here, a favourite is the circular walk to Bolt Head.
  • Local markets

    • Walk to Salcombe and check out the various art galleries and boutiques including Bibi & Mac, Quba Sails and Jack Wills.
  • Hotel Entertainment

    • Spend the evening sitting on the terrace, listening to the crashing waves and sipping on a yummy cocktail.
  • Sailing

    • South Sands Sailing school is right next to the hotel offering sailing, kayaking and other watersports.
  • Fishing

    • The hotel can arrange deep-sea fishing trips with a little notice.

Map & Location

Video

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? South Sands Hotel is a fantastic, contemporary boutique hotel situated directly on the beach in South Sands bay, in Salcombe. Designed in a classic New England style, the hotel has 22 beautifully appointed bedrooms, 5 opulent beach suites and a beachside restaurant and terrace that offer stunning views of the estuary. It's the perfect environment in which to relax, unwind and have fun. We also offer a friendly, first class service in a stunning setting. What is there to do in the area? Salcombe and the South Hams have a fantastic amount to offer both the energetic and more relaxed visitor. You can totally relax and spend the day on the beach or get stuck into some of the action the sea offers. Sailing and watersports are extremely popular in the warmer months and the stunning South West Coastal Path is also on our doorstep. If simply being on the beach isn't enough you can sail, surf, paddle board or kayak. Or you can easily catch the ferry in to Salcombe which leaves directly outside the hotel from the beach. You can wander around town to get your shopping fix, take the children for an ice cream, go crabbing or see a band in one of the bars or pubs. What kind of breakfast do you offer? The beachside menu offers a Continental and Full English Breakfast option as well as items freshly cooked from the kitchen, for example American Style Pancakes with Caramelised Banana and Maple Syrup, Poached Haddock with Poached Eggs, Smoked Salmon with Scrambled Eggs and a bagel. Freshly ground coffee and tea are also served or you can go for a glass of Champagne, or a Bloody Mary if you're feeling naughty! Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Yes, we serve food seven days a week and welcome everyone. At our beachside restaurant and terrace, we serve breakfast between 7.30-10am; Lunch between 12-3pm and Dinner 6-9.30 pm. We also serve sandwiches between 3-6pm too. We offer some of the South West's fabulous fresh produce with menus designed by Mitch Tonks, specializing in freshly caught, local fish. From crab sandwiches and fish and Chips to Salcombe Crab Linguine and Ginger and Lime Cured Pollock, Lemon Sole to Steak- there's something for everyone. Which are your most popular room types, and why? We have a selection of boutique rooms of varying prices to appeal to all. Starting with our valley view rooms to our beach suites we combine elegance and comfort with unforgettable views. Our most exquisite room is the J class bedroom which has breath-taking views of the sea, an 8 foot Caesar bed and twin roll top baths overlooking the bay. If you are looking for something more luxurious than our J-Class room you might like to consider a stay in one of our five spacious beach suites. These are perfect for families too. Each suite has two en suite bedrooms (one of which can be a twin room), large sitting and dining areas (which include two sofas), private balcony or patio and fully equipped kitchens. What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? If you want a truly memorable break, come and stay at South Sands Hotel, we'd love to see you!

Other reviews

The Guardian

A devon beachfront beauty....

Originally published by Guardian

Weekend Break

The first boutique hotel near Salcombe

Originally published by Conde Nast Traveller

Ultimate 100 British Hotels

Salcombe’s yachties love the ocean-liner terrace, overlooking the hotel’s teeny beach ...

Originally published by Sunday Times

South Sands Boutique Hotel

"Decoration of rooms and restaurant is in appropriate New England style and there’s a glamorous spiral staircase in between."

Originally published by The Telegraph

South Sands

Originally published by Good Hotel Guide

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