Best Luxury Hotels in Devon

The nine-room Somerville is an upscale boutique bed-and-breakfast with some of the most lavish, classically styled interiors in Torquay or the English Riviera. Though the property does overlook a fairly busy road, traffic noise isn't too obtrusive; the town center is a five-minute walk away but guests should note that it's all uphill on the way back. Rooms are superbly presented with luxury amenities and spotless bathrooms. An excellent cooked-to-order breakfast, wonderfully opulent lounge, and beautiful green gardens are the finishing touches on one of the finest places to stay in town -- and at relatively reasonable rates.

Millbrook Cottages comprises a handful of upscale lodgings set in a rustic and relatively remote area of North Devon. The gardens here are particularly scenic, with winding streams and forest paths leading to timber snugs and pretty lakes. All cottages feature high-tech amenities, such as flat-screen TVs and fully equipped kitchens, as well as attractive decor. The lack of spa or swimming pool is a shame, but there is a hot tub in a cozy cabin.

The upscale, 32-room Deer Park Country House Hotel is a fine example of a Georgian country retreat set within 80 acres of expertly tended gardens. Located at the end of a long drive, the property is off the main road, which makes for a particularly peaceful and secluded setting. The hotel lacks the spa common for this type of property, so those looking to be pampered might want to look elsewhere. But those into excellent dining and country pursuits such as clay-pigeon shooting and falconry could find just what they're after here. 

Artsy and upscale, urbane and sophisticated, the 59-room Magdalen Chapter is housed in a former Edwardian-era hospital within a five-minute walk of the heart of Exeter. Stylish and contemporary rooms include original art, iPads, free minibars, Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, although a few of the rooms are on the small side. The heated indoor-outdoor pool is an outstanding feature, and a striking restaurant offers fine dining with a daily seasonal menu and the option to dine alfresco. The Magdalen Chapter also has two lounges, a cocktail bar, and a spa with a small fitness center.

The 25-room, four-pearl Watersmeet Hotel is housed in an ever-expanding Edwardian property perched on a cliff top overlooking Woolacombe Beach -- considered to be one of the finest beaches in the U.K. The vast majority of the rooms are freshly decorated and homey with lovely sea views (some from furnished balconies) as well as electric kettles and flat-screen TVs. The restaurant offers superb sunset panoramas while impressive leisure facilities include two pools (indoors and outdoors), a steam bath, and sauna. While the spa area could use a makeover in parts and those booking the (much cheaper) windowless Sun Pipe Rooms are likely to be disappointed, the hotel features some of the finest vistas you'll find in the country plus a peaceful environment. Both parking and Wi-Fi are free.

The upscale Saunton Sands Hotel is a landmark property with distinctive Art Deco architecture overlooking North Devon's Saunton Sands beach. Abundant leisure facilities make it hugely popular with families, but its spectacular setting has universal appeal for vacationers. Dining options are also very good, which is fortunate as there's little else within walking distance. The 92 rooms are adequate and most have stunning views, though a few could use a makeover. All in all, while certainly not the cheapest option, it's an impressive hotel with outstanding sea views. 

The 37-room Woolacombe Bay Hotel is an upscale, family-run property dating back to the mid-19th century that retains plenty of its dashing period charm. Its setting is superb too -- on a sloping hillside overlooking three miles of gorgeous beach -- and many rooms have lovely sea views. Facilities are particularly impressive, with both indoor and outdoor pools, a top-notch spa and health club with squash courts, as well as excellent dining. Inviting rooms are spacious and homey, with nice touches including electric kettles and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs; some rooms also have balconies and soaking tubs plus separate walk-in showers.