Rosanna Rothery immerses herself in a marine‑inspired thermal journey at Source Spa at Saunton Sands Hotel in Devon
Lounging around in the vitality pool in Saunton Sands Hotel’s Source Spa is nothing short of multi‑sensory theatre.
Before you, the astonishing panorama of Saunton Beach provides endless fascination: the sky changes colour in an instant, clouds shapeshift in the wind and waves dance along a boundless stretch of gleaming sands. Beneath you, the warm frothy embrace of mineral‑rich Dead Sea salt water softens the skin, while powerful jets playfully pound aching muscles.
The jaw‑dropping view is a bonus of booking a spa day at Saunton Sands: a four‑star landmark hotel perched on cliffs overlooking a sweep of coastline and the natural wonder of the Braunton Burrows. Its Source Spa, spread over three floors, was created to take advantage of this unique location and, in 2023, won the AA Best UK Spa Award.
Thermal journey
Awe‑inspiring ocean vistas ensure that, even when wallowing in the warm watery enclosure of the marine‑inspired thermal suite, visitors feel connected to the restorative and soothing power of the sea.
The thermal suite’s collection of hot and cold therapies can be experienced in an ad hoc, intuitive way, but those who appreciate a little guidance can follow a carefully curated journey (helpfully posted on the wall).
The aqueous odyssey begins with a mini hydrotherapy experience in the vitality pool, followed by a session in a salt‑inhalation steam room. A few minutes in the latter has a similar effect to inhaling lungfuls of sea air during a balmy day on the beach.
Next, it’s on to the Finnish sauna. The hottest experience on the journey, this cocoon of dry heat and uplifting aromatherapy oils induces ragdoll levels of relaxation when combined with a couple of rounds in the adjoining shower.
The final stop on this thermal crawl is the “snow” fountain. The proposition of smearing bracing handfuls of crushed ice over torso and limbs becomes surprisingly attractive after all that deep, cosseting heat.
Live in the slow lane
Built in the 1930s, Saunton Sands Hotel has a distinct art deco vibe. So, when the spa was created in 2018, it was built to complement that era of dazzling glamour.
The deck surrounding the indoor swimming spot, for instance, is the kind of elegant space one could imagine holding a golden‑era Hollywood pool party.
The pool itself is large enough for those who want to add a watery workout to their spa‑day experience (a dry‑land alternative is available in the gym). For a peaceful swim, however, allow the personal besters to thrash on ahead. A few meditative laps with the sound of a rain wall and calming music is bliss.
Lunch with a view
A lunch of either sandwiches, light bites (such as salad or soup) or classic dishes like grilled chicken supreme or River Exe mussels is best enjoyed with a side helping of those bewitching views.
The Terrace Lounge remains purposely informal during the day, so it’s perfectly OK to rock up in a snug spa robe and flip-flops and grab a seat opposite the window for ocean‑view lunching.
Rooftop relaxing
For a snoozy finale to a day of intentional idling, a full‑body aromatherapy massage calms the nervous system, improves circulation and soothes aching joints. Nodding off is optional while a skilled therapist kneads all the knots that have sneakily taken up residence in tense muscles.
The experience is enhanced with Source natural massage oils, which smell utterly divine and leave you smooth, glowing and glassy.
Other hour‑long treatments include bespoke facials and customised massages.
All are best followed by a post‑treatment sprawl in the cosy rooftop relaxation room (or, in warm weather, on its glorious sun deck), where floor-to-ceiling windows give guests another chance to connect with the wild natural beauty of Saunton. Curl up on one of the beds, sip a herbal tea and gaze out at autumnal light shimmering beneath the prancing waves that lap the beach.
What’s included
Spa days cost from £170 per person and include full access to all spa facilities (indoor and outdoor pools, gym, thermal suite and relaxation room), plus lunch, a 60‑minute spa treatment and flip-flops to take home. The hotel has also recently opened an infrared sauna, which is an additional add‑on available to spa‑goers and hotel guests.
