The Cary Arm’s is South Devon’s best-kept secret when it comes to chic, coastal boltholes the whole family can enjoy.
Nestled at the very bottom of the Babbacombe Downs with only the vast sea and a secluded beach as company, you really wouldn’t know that The Cary Arms existed at all. That is if it didn’t have such rave reviews from locals, taxi drivers, Devon regulars and just about everyone we spoke to during our time there, all envious that StyleNest were setting up camp in the boutique hotel for the weekend.
We arrived by taxi, and thank goodness we did, as if you’re not travelling by car there really is no way you’d manage it down the incredibly steep, winding hill with a holdall, let alone a wheelie case and a family in tow. However, the journey is most certainly worth it and we arrive to find a quirky little hotel, all higgledy-piggledy perched above the vast seafront. It’s a breathtaking view, especially if you’re used to the buildings and bustle of the city.
Made up of only eight rooms and several separate cottages, The Cary Arms is small – but it’s quaint size is the secret to its appeal. Each room is sea facing with a beach-chic feel. Deckchair stripes, soft creams and calming blues make up the colour palette in the Captain’s master bedroom, whilst the twin room next door in our suite mixes nautical reds with homely distressed wood. There is also a large kitchen area between the rooms with a huge ceiling height and skylight, making the ship theme all that more realistic. A lovely little terrace balcony completes the Captain’s quarters – perfect for reading the newspapers in the mornings or sipping a nightcap before bed. It’s the little extras that really make the Cary special though, gorgeous writing desks in each room, Elemis toiletries in the bathroom, giant choc-chip cookies for the little ones and a hidden hot water bottle that appeared in our cosy beds once we’d returned from dinner.
Food at The Cary is good and there is something adults and even the littlest of mouths can enjoy. The kid’s menu is made up of the usual suspects, fish and chips, sausage ‘n mash, etc – perfect for fussy little eaters. And for the adults there are plenty of seasonal and local dishes to choose from. We recommend going for anything seafood based and local – fresh, tasty and it would seem rude not to considering the location. Man’s best friend is welcomed throughout the hotel with special rooms that are dog friendly and an area in the bar where you can bring your dog along for dinner too.
After dinner, we took some time out in the lounge, packed full of board games, books and quirky artefacts. The room is perfect for catching some me-time as you watch the sun go down through the panoramic windows, whilst the kids entertain themselves in the adjoining billiards room. This area is reserved exclusively for hotel guests so you’ll never find more than a few people in there at once.
There is plenty to do activities wise from watersports to woodland and coastal walks, as well as nearby attractions like The Babbacombe Cliff Railway. We also visited the quaint neighbouring village of St Mary Church for a traditional Devonshire cream tea (when in Rome) and took a look around their local shops, delis and bakeries.
The Cary Arms is perfect if you’re looking for a coastal retreat to recharge and relax as it really does feel like you’re hidden away from the rest of the world. It’s the ideal place to do absolutely nothing as it is truly beautiful and you’re so well looked after by the hotel staff. Having said that, if you’ve got little ones to keep amused there is plenty on offer, just remember to pack the buckets and fishing nets for a day of rock pooling.
Need to know facts
Rooms: 8 Rooms plus 4 separate cottages.
Rates: Doubles start from £160 per night and the Captains Suite which sleeps 4 starts from £310 per night (Nov-Mar 12). Cottages start from £770 per week or £490 per 3 nights (Nov-Mar 12).
Facilities: Family rooms and suites available, flat screen TVs, free WiFi throughout, Spa treatments (Sat only), bike hire, sailing, watersports and horse riding can be arranged, library of books & DVDs, Elemis toiletries in bathroom, some rooms have a private terrace, family-friendly restaurant, private lounge and billiards room for hotel guests, dog friendly, tennis at the nearby Cary Park, golf at the nearby Teignmouth Golf Course
Check out time: 11am
How to get there: The Cary Arms is situated in Babbacombe, off the M5 about 40mins from Exeter and roughly 4 hours from London. Exeter airport is a 40 minute drive away and Newton Abbot train station only 15 minutes drive away.
For more information or to book online visit www.caryarms.co.uk