THE Soar Mill Cove is a top-class family-friendly Devon hotel which is also a luxurious refuge for couples, as IWAN GABE DAVIES found out on a recent visit.

WITH its easy access to a lovely beach, at the eponymous cove that gives it its name, this a wonderful hotel that is guaranteed to delight guests of all ages.

After a short stroll, which rather quaintly takes you past a field of grazing cows, you will find yourself on the stunning and rugged south Devon coastline with the prospect of hours of fun on the beach.

For those preferring to take it a little easier, some of the comfortable bedrooms have French doors opening on to a private patio with sun loungers overlooking spectacular views.

It’s an undeniably cool and classy hotel with a cracking restaurant, ice-cream shop, champagne bar and a wide range of activities.

There’s also an indoor saltwater pool, tennis court and games room with table tennis and pool, while adults can pamper themselves with a beauty treatment or visit the sauna.

It is also just a short drive from the chic resort of Salcombe, often voted one of Britain’s most desirable places to live.

I stayed at the Soar Mill Cove with my wife and daughter last month when we were fortunate enough to enjoy stunning spring sunshine.

We had a suite and were able to sunbathe on a deck with stunning vistas before us.

Tastefully decorated, there was a larger area for the adults, with an adjoining room for our daughter.

It had big, comfortable beds, a smart bathroom, with televisions, DVD players (the hotel has an impressive library of films which guests are welcome to borrow) and excellent Wi-Fi which kept our 13-year-old more than happy.

Dining in the cove-facing restaurant is a real treat with old favourites like steak and triple-cooked chips done very well and the local scallops and Salcombe crab dishes superb. It's also got a very decent wine list.

A nice touch for newly-arrived guests sees them invited to take a complimentary cream tea to welcome them.

There is a café and ice-cream shop open during the day.

In the extremely capable hands of Makepiece family for three generations, the hotel is run by experts, with the service of a high standard and there's a pleasant and friendly vibe about the place.

It was hard to leave after three thoroughly enjoyable days. We were lucky enough to stay here in 2007 and hope we won't have to wait so long to return again.

Apart from its 22 rooms, there are also four self-catering properties that are perfect for groups of friends or families that are looking for a bit more space.

HOTEL DETAILS

Soar Mill Cove Hotel, Near Salcombe, South Devon, TQ7 3DS.

For bookings or information, please telephone 01548 561566, email info@soarmillcove.co.uk or go to soarmillcove.co.uk