SAUNTON SANDS HOTEL & GOLF CLUB
The tremendous hotel is on the doorstep of Saunton Golf Club, home to two of England's best links courses. It has been asserted by many that if the Royal & Ancient was to add to the Open Championship rotation, Saunton would feature high on a list of potential venues.
East Course
Herbert Fowler's East Course is ranked just outside England's top ten, and at 6,700 yards it provides a stern test to even the most skilled golfers. The rugged sand dunes of Braunton Burrows are the setting for this fine golfing destination, a site that has been designated as being of international importance by UNESCO. The real challenge of the East comes in the shape of the tough par-4s, eight of which measure over 400 yards, while the charm of the course is accentuated by the feeling that every hole is cut distinctly through the dunes.
West Course
The West Course was originally opened in the 1930s, but was used as a training field during the Second World War and subsequently lay dormant for some 40 years until the esteemed Frank Pennink revived it in 1975. The West may be shorter than the more prestigious East Course, but it remains a considerable test, with a network of burns and streams interspersed through the dunes. Both courses are reputed to boast some of the finest putting surfaces in England, and together they represent a truly terrific links golf destination.
The Saunton Sands Hotel possesses one of the most astounding locations of any, perched high atop the cliffs with the coastal waters lapping at the sandy beach below. The hotel is among the best in Devon, and is a well established holiday destination for groups and families, whether golfers or not.
For those wishing to take advantage of Saunton's two remarkable courses, the hotel will provide luxurious accommodation, with superbly furnished and decorated guest bedrooms and suites. With relaxation guaranteed, guests at the Saunton Sands will be left to gaze out the window at one of Britain's most gorgeous scenes.
Saunton Sands' estate is home to a variety of activities. Guests are free to use the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, sun shower, gymnasium, snooker room, squash and tennis courts, while the OFSTED registered crèche ensures that hard-working parents will have the time to relax to the full. The hotel also has its own hair and beauty salon, where a wide range of treatments are on offer including hot stone massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and bespoke designer facials.
If the hotel's facilities are not enough, then guests can venture out and explore the delights of the coastline. The sandy beaches rival anything to be found in Britain, and around the area you can try horse riding, quad biking and fishing. The amazing Eden Project is also in the local area, where nature-lovers will be fascinated by more than 100,000 kinds of plant-life.
A youthful Sergio Garcia won the British Boys Championship around Saunton's East Course in 1997.
The formal dining room's menu is constantly evolving to reflect the best seasonal local produce, and is supported by expert choices from the resident Sommelier.
The speciality in the Terrace Lounge is a traditional Devon cream tea, an integral part of any trip to the area.
The Cocktail Bar is the perfect place to meet friends and enjoy a drink throughout the day.
