REVIEW: The Cary Arms and Spa, Barracombe Bay, Devon
By Rachel Ducker
Set amongst its own bay along the Jurassic Coastline nestles the Cary Arms and Spa.
This remarkable old English Inn has been affectionately restored, offering a collection of luxurious accommodation options, all set within a coastal location showcasing breath-taking views of Babbacombe Bay.
This escape would rival the best boutique hotel stays, set amongst the red cliffs of the English Rivera, its location only adds to the magical surprise that awaits beneath the rolling hills, and trust me, the steep single-track decline is worth every skipped heartbeat!
At the core of it all, is the main inn, with stone clad walls and impressive open fires, dating back to the 1600’s, by day an English tavern, by night a more upmarket affair with crisp white tables clothes in a candlelit setting.
Luxury Accommodation
The hotel comprises of eight rooms, two in the main inn and six beach hut style lodges. There are also seven self-catered cottages all with stunning views out to sea, it’s like being part of your own private resort.
We stayed in Foxes Walk, which is a short walk up the hill from the Inn. The house came with its own impressive parking spot on its own turntable, a feature we have never had the pleasure of using before. As a huge fan of Thomas the Tank, my toddler was mightily impressed.
The walk up is a little steep but there is a shuttle bus on hand should you wish to drive up or have mobility needs.
Foxes Walk has three good sized bedrooms all with stunning views over the bay.
The master bedroom has its own separate ensuite and dressing room with a large family bathroom for the other two.
Additional touches come in the form of The White Company toiletries and soft robes and slippers for the duration of your visit. These came in very handy as our cottage came with its very own hot tub.
The tiered garden was immaculately maintained, there were outdoor sun loungers for warmer days along with an outdoor dining and barbecue for entertaining.
There was an open plan kitchen and dining area, ideal for family living, leading out to a large living room with the most glorious views a A welcome hamper of essentials along with a carafe of sloe gin was also left for us to enjoy during our stay.
Food and Drink
If self-catering is not your thing – not to fear, the Cary Arms & Spa has its own popular restaurant, using fresh, local ingredients.
You can dine in the main bar area or conservatory, by day tavern style dining and by night crisp white table clothes and candles present a more formal affair.
If the weather permits you can eat Al Fresco on the terrace, with a seating area that works its’ way down to the ‘Captains Table’ sitting in a prime spot with an unrivalled, panoramic sea-views.
I love a restaurant that offers bread, not old does it keep my husband’s growing hanger under control it also keeps my two kids quiet for a short while, allowing me some time to browse the menu.
The kids selected their favourite ‘fish and chips with mushy peas’, whilst my husband and I indulged in a deliciously creamy wild mushroom risotto.
We had our dessert in the resident’s lounge which was helpful with young children. It was the perfect place to end the evening whilst enjoying a glass of wine looking out into the night sky.
Spa time
On the top floor of the hotel, hidden away like a little gem, is the Cary Arms Spa. Here you will find a hydrotherapy pool which has more glorious views of the coastline, decked out in pearlescent tiles, a sauna, steam room, experience shower and a comfy relaxation area with herbal teas.
I was booked in for an all over body massage. My therapist was wonderful, she started off by giving me a foot scrub and took time to speak to me about what I would gain most out of my time in the spa. Her intuitiveness delivered me one of the best massages I have had to date, and through my job I get to have plenty, so that says a lot.
I left feeling fresh and ready to take a family walk with the boys, who I left playing hide and seek in the cottage.
Things to do
For walkers…
Some rooms at The Carys Arms and Spa are dog friendly, so if you are visiting with your four legged friend there are some gorgeous walks around. The closest is a short stroll down from the Cary Arms and Spa is the coastal walk, this leads round to the bay which has a red shingle beach and brightly coloured beach huts. The walk down is beautiful, and you can grab a coffee on the way from the café.
For Families…
Half an hour down the road is Pennywell farm. Our boys love animals, so during our stay we took a visit and I am so glad we did.
Pennywell is the largest activity farm in the South West with a different activity happening every 30 minutes.
You can milk goats, bottle feed animals, ride on tractors, pet pony’s and watch the pig racing.
The highlight of my day was getting to cuddle some piglets, (so don’t forget to purchase your blanket upon arrival), I am even considering having one as a pet, which is also something Pennywell farm can provide you with.
There are four free farm rides to enjoy throughout the day as well as outdoor and indoor play, and pond dipping where kids can grab a net and explore the underwater animals too.
I really wish I lived closer as I would return to the farm regularly with the boys, it was a fabulous family day out, we made a lot of memories.
The verdict
The “Inn on the Beach” is a must visit place all year round, it’s a destination spot that delivers, it’s not hard to see why this five-star boutique hotel has won so many awards.
In the privacy and space of your own holiday home, whether you love to hideaway or get out and explore, here is the ideal base for any kind of traveller. Who could resist those sea views?
For family travel, Foxes Walk had everything we needed and more. We find being in a self-contained property much easier, as we can put the kids to bed and catch up with a glass of wine at the end of a busy day, without the worry of keeping them up too late or annoying other guests.
Would I go back? Without hesitation! I would love to re-visit in the summer months when you can get the full benefits of being in the English Rivera.
FACT BOX
Address: Babbacombe Beach, Torquay TQ1 3LX
Website: https://www.caryarms.co.uk/
About Babbacombe Bay
Babbacombe Bay was made up of fisherman’s cottages by the sea, throughout history it has been a popular spot for smugglers and ship wreakers. There is also the regatta held here since the 1820s and is one of the oldest in the UK.
