Don’t be fooled by the formal facade of this waterside hotel; piscatorial pleasures and spa treats are abundant, and gin and prosecco are on the house, discovered Jo Rees when she dropped anchor at Harbour Hotels’ flagship property

Lots of hotels claim to be your home-from-home, but Salcombe Harbour is like your home at its very best: on a Saturday night when you’ve spent the day cleaning and cooking delicious things for a table buzzing with your favourite people who are clinking glasses in the evening glow.

It’s all about good times here, from the decanters of gin and sherry in the bedrooms to the comfiest beds in Devon and a simple menu of daily-landed fresh seafood at The Jetty restaurant.

VISIT FOR revelry. Lively exuberance displays itself in the contemporary coastal decor, crowd-pleasing dishes and delicious spa with luxe loungers and stylish pool.

Understanding that relaxation means not having to studiously analyse what’s on your plate and make meaningful conversation about it with your waiter, the simple menu revolves around the day’s catch gussied up in the most unobtrusive way (wild garlic butter with the grilled lobster and cockles deep fried as a pre-dinner nibble).

The team is so committed to guests having a good time that complimentary prosecco is provided for staying guests as a loosener before dinner.

DON’T VISIT expecting to be outnumbered by stockbrokers in deck shoes. This may be yachty Salcombe, but it’s egalitarian and friendly.

WE LIKED the joy of melted butter running down the chin while wolfing lobster, the cheerful front of house team and falling asleep to the clinking of boats in the harbour below.