Burgh Island Hotel

A destination in its own right, Burgh Island Hotel offers a coastal getaway like no other. This unique art deco island hotel is steeped in 1920s glamour, with a storied heritage that can boast the likes of Agatha Christie, Noel Coward and The Beatles among its past guests. Based on its own island, it can only be reached on foot at low tide or courtesy of the hotel's complimentary Sea Tractor. The rest of the time it is cut off from the mainland, making it the perfect place for a romantic weekend away (not to mention a murder mystery!).

The Burgh Island's rooms are themed based on famous folk who have stayed here over the years. So you could curl up in bed knowing that pioneering pilot Amy Johnson or comedy legend George Formby enjoyed the same view once. There's a mix of cavernous suites and more modest cosy doubles. The Artist's Studio is a dog-friendly open plan room above the Pilchard's Inn, while Agatha's Beach House is a stunning luxury private retreat where the maiden of mystery wrote many of her classic tales. 

There's history here in spades, not to mention stunning sea views, a spa with various treatments, an outdoor pool, snooker and croquet and other activities. The only thing you won't find in your room is a TV, but then you don't come to Burgh Island to watch the box with that incredible beach beckoning (you can always bring your laptop if you want to stream – there's decent wifi available).

The food served on the island is, naturally, big on fish and seafood. The menu changes daily in the hotel's fine dining and beautifully-muralled Ballroom restaurant. To keep standards up and the atmosphere bubbling nicely, dinner is a black tie event that has a thoroughly old-school vibe and culminates in after-dinner dancing. If that's all a bit much  for you every night, the Nettlefold restaurant offers a more relaxed option, although the food is still pretty special, while the island's very own pub The Pilchard Inn offers an earthy alternative, with pub grub classics and sandwiches at lunchtime.

The hotel spa includes a sauna, while massages and other treatments are also available. If you can be tempted off the island at all, you're perfectly placed to explore the rest of the South Devon coast and popular South Hams towns like Kingsbridge, Salcombe and Dartmouth.