If you’re a travelling golfer heading to North Devon, a two-night stay at Saunton Sands Hotel is one of those rare experiences where the accommodation is every bit as memorable as the golf itself. Perched high above the sweeping curve of Saunton Beach and the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel delivers that instant sense of arrival every great golf trip deserves. The moment you pull into the driveway and see the vast stretch of golden sand below, you know you are somewhere special.
What a View
Sunbathing on the terrace?
From the outset, the location sets the tone. You are not tucked away in a busy town centre or hidden within a generic resort complex. Instead, the hotel sits proudly on the cliffs overlooking three miles of uninterrupted coastline and dunes, part of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve. The setting feels wonderfully open and natural, with panoramic views that constantly shift depending on the light, weather, and tide. Early mornings bring soft Atlantic mist drifting over the beach, while evenings often end with fiery sunsets sinking into the ocean. For golfers, it creates the perfect environment to switch off between rounds and fully embrace the rhythm of a links golf trip.
There is something timeless about the hotel itself. Originally opened in the 1930s, Saunton Sands retains much of its distinctive Art Deco character, blending classic coastal elegance with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Unlike many modern luxury hotels that can feel overly polished or formal, Saunton Sands understands exactly what golfers need after a long day on the links: comfort, space, good food, and the chance to properly unwind. The interiors strike that balance beautifully, with wide lounges, sea-facing terraces, and spacious public areas that never feel rushed or crowded.
Comfortable Accommodation
Large bedrooms
The rooms are particularly well suited to golf travellers. Many offer sweeping sea views across the beach and dunes, while the generous layouts provide plenty of room for golf bags, waterproofs, and the inevitable collection of extra layers required for links golf in England. Comfortable beds, quality linens, and the soothing sound of the Atlantic all contribute to excellent sleep after 36 holes on the dunes. Waking up to the sight of surfers already out on the water or the first sunlight catching the beach below is a memorable experience in itself.
Of course, the real attraction for travelling golfers is the proximity to Saunton Golf Club, home to two of England’s finest championship links courses. The East Course is consistently ranked among the very best in the country, while the West Course offers a slightly more forgiving but equally enjoyable challenge through the dunes. Having the hotel only minutes away completely changes the pace of the trip. There are no stressful early-morning motorway drives or lengthy transfers. Instead, breakfast can be relaxed, coffee enjoyed slowly while overlooking the sea, before making the short journey to the first tee.
Relax, Unwind and Chill
Jacuzzi with a view
That convenience becomes even more valuable after a demanding day battling the wind and firm-running fairways of Saunton. Returning to the hotel feels restorative almost immediately. Golfers can drop clubs in the room and head directly to the award-winning Source Spa & Wellness, one of the standout features of the property. The spa stretches across three levels and includes indoor and outdoor heated pools, a thermal suite, Finnish sauna, steam room, marine vitality pool, and rooftop relaxation areas overlooking the Atlantic.
The Outdoor Pool
For golfers, this recovery aspect is hugely underrated. After walking 36 holes over links terrain, often in heavy coastal wind, having access to proper spa and wellness facilities transforms the experience. Sitting in the vitality pool while looking out towards the ocean feels like a reward for surviving the day’s toughest holes. Equally, the outdoor pool and terrace provide the ideal setting to replay the round with friends, discussing missed putts, heroic recoveries, and whether the wind really did change direction halfway through the back nine.
Al Freso Dining
Outside Dining Terrace
Dining at the hotel perfectly suits the atmosphere of a golf trip. The Dining Room at Saunton Sands holds two AA Rosettes and focuses on seasonal British cuisine inspired by local produce. The approach is refined without being intimidating, which feels exactly right after a full day on the course. You can enjoy fresh seafood, hearty meat dishes, and comforting classics while still keeping the mood relaxed and sociable. The coastal views continue throughout dinner service, adding another layer to the experience as daylight slowly fades across the dunes and beach below.
Al Fresco Drinks, with a view
The bar and lounge areas are equally enjoyable. Large windows frame the coastline, and the atmosphere encourages long conversations over a pint or glass of wine. Golf trips often become about more than the golf itself, and Saunton Sands understands that perfectly. The hotel creates spaces where groups naturally gather to relive the day, plan the next morning’s strategy, or simply appreciate being in such a remarkable setting.
Where to Stroll
The dunes of Braunton Burrows
One of the biggest advantages of a two-night stay is the opportunity to experience more than just the golf courses. Saunton Beach itself is spectacular and directly accessible from the hotel. A walk across the sands at sunset or through the Braunton Burrows dunes offers a completely different perspective of the landscape you have just played through. The dunes feel wild and untamed, shaped by the same coastal winds that influence every shot on the golf course. There is a strong connection between the natural environment and the golf here, something that travelling golfers will immediately appreciate.
The wider North Devon coastline also adds depth to the trip. Nearby villages such as Croyde and Braunton offer classic surf-town charm, while the coastal roads and cliff paths reveal some of the most dramatic scenery in southwest England. Even for golfers focused primarily on the courses, the area encourages slower moments away from scorecards and handicaps.
And Finally…
What ultimately makes Saunton Sands Hotel stand out is its understanding of pace and balance. Great golf destinations are not only about the quality of the courses—they are about how the entire experience fits together. Here, everything feels aligned: the proximity to world-class links golf, the restorative coastal setting, the comfort of the hotel, and the sense of calm that settles in after a day spent battling the elements.
For travelling golfers, Saunton Sands Hotel is far more than simply a convenient place to stay. It becomes part of the overall golfing experience itself. With both Saunton Golf Club and Royal North Devon Golf Club within easy reach, there are few better bases for exploring the exceptional links golf of North Devon.
At a Glance:
- Wonderful hotel, perfect for a North Devon golf trip
- Excellent food and attentive staff
- Large comfortable rooms
- View the Hotel website here
- Read about our experience of playing Royal North Devon Golf Club here
- Read about our experience of playing the East course at Saunton Golf Club Here
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience of overseeing several top Scottish Golf Clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
Jim is also an Ambassador for premium clothing brand Fenix Xcell Clothing and also for the Spanish local DMC, Costa Verde Golf and is host of @JimTheSeniorGolfer on YouTube.
If your club/resort or brand wants to reach over 450,000 golfers, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522 88732
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