It’s a total no-brainer that this Peter de Savary hotel is multi-award-winning. The location – what a spot! – overlooks the sheltered Babbacombe Bay on Torquay’s English Riviera, offering a gastro restaurant and a fabulous range of options to suit families with kids, dog-owners and couples looking for a romantic break on the beach. The icing on the coastal cake is the sea-facing spa, which includes a waterfall hydrotherapy pool, steam room and sauna, plus a gym and three treatment rooms, including a dedicated one for couples.

Coming just to eat? You’re in for a treat – locals love it for (very reasonably priced) Sunday lunches, along with the gastro pub fayre, serving up all the tasty seasonal, local dishes you’d expect. Tuck into freshly caught fish from Brixham, lobster or succulent cuts of Devon beef, and there are oodles of vegan and veggie options. In summer, sit with the salty breeze in your hair and a Salcombe gin in your hand on tiered stone terraces looking out over the bobbing boats and a bay so blue it gives the Med a run for its money on a sunny day (honest – check out the pics in my review). Or in winter the Devon stone-walled interior or conservatory makes for a cosy eat out.

Fancy staying a night or two? Though boutique, the choice is excellent, with 8 sea-facing rooms, plus family suites, beach huts and quaint restored fishermen’s cottages, all designed with a fresh New England feel. If it’s just the two of you, I’d recommend you check into one of the beach huts – they’re amazing, with their own private sunbathing terrace and awesome sea views. I can almost feel the sand between my toes. *sigh*