Salcombe's seaside gem South Sands has won a Silver award in the 'Best Boutique Hotel of the Year' category in Visit Devon's annual Devon Tourism Awards 2017, jointly hosted by Simon Calder and Ann Daniels. At the exclusive black tie awards dinner held last night, Thursday 23rd November, at Plymouth's Guildhall, South Sands Hotel was delighted to collect the award beating many superb, high quality entries. A snippet from the judges' comments described South Sands Hotel as: "Peaceful and tranquil, a lovely seaside landscape".

Commenting on the coveted local award, hotel director Stephen Ball said: “We are delighted that South Sands has been recognised by Visit Devon as this reflects the passion, care and attention to detail we ensure through all elements of the hotel – from the restaurant and bar menus, through to each individual bedroom and the estuary-facing terrace.”

Earlier this week South Sands Hotel also featured on BBC Spotlight as part of Salcombe's Plastic Clever campaign, led by locals Anna and Ella Turns. Stephen Ball, South Sands director, received an award from young Ella on the South Sands beach to acknowledge the hotel's mission to reduce the amount of plastic used, via changes such as the use of biodegradable straws and wooden stirrers in drinks.

Enhancing the hotel's overall ethos, head chef Allister Bishop's menus stand apart for their creativity blended with a level of simplicity, encouraged by knowing the lure of fresh beach side produce and divine country living. Wherever possible, Allister uses local ingredients and integrates foraged food into the menu and the food is matched with carefully chosen wines and cocktails. Bar manager Will Neal also frequently incorporates seasonal, foraged ingredients with locally produced drinks into cocktails and non-alcoholic options. The spectacular curved wall of the restaurant's pristine French windows presents a breath-taking centrepiece to the extraordinary bar and terrace area. The unparalleled views overlook the brilliant blue, green colours of the Salcombe Estuary and end result is a sensational dining experience.

South Sands' rooms range for the small but intricately designed 'Optimist' to the largest and grandest 'J-class', which is adorned with opulent features such as the decadent 8ft bed and two roll-top baths and has stunning estuary views and coastal scenery. A private balcony looks directly across the bay and provides a wonderful setting for breakfast or a glass of bubbly. There are also five Beach Suites which sit to the side of the main hotel which make an attractive venue for private functions, corporate events and business meetings. Each comprise of two large ensuite bathrooms, one of these can be set up with twin beds, a generous open-plan reception, lounge, and dining and kitchen area.

The combination of the locally sourced and foraged menus, seaside interiors and beautiful, natural décor inspired by the coastal surroundings, work together to create the inspiring, luxury experience South Sands Boutique Hotel is recognised for under the creative direction of Stephen Ball. Whether it's first-rate dining, a romantic escape, a wedding or a corporate event space required, South Sands Hotel is the perfect destination. Doubles cost from £215.

For further information on South Sands hotel visit www.southsands.com, email enquiries@southsands.com. To keep up to date with their latest news follow South Sands on Twitter (@SouthSandsHotel), like on Facebook or follow on Instagram @SouthSandsBoutiqueHotel.

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“It's got to be the best seaside spot in Britain. South Sands snuggles right up to the beach of the same name, and at high tide, the waves slop almost up to the fabulous wraparound terrace – a fine spot for dinner when it's warm, and a fabulous one for breakfast with the sun rising over the low hills across the estuary. The chef, Allister Bishop, produces an ambitious menu that's big on local ingredients, some foraged – fish crab, sea lettuce, purslane. The 22 rooms are neutral in décor, but eminently comfy: it's all about the views over the sumptuous, boat-filled waterway. So splash out, get a room at the front, then sit back and watch the traffic.”

Sunday Times Ultimate 100 British Hotels

Notes to editor:

1. South Sands Hotel is located on South Sands beach just outside Salcombe town center in a secluded cove. There is a ferry which operates between April and October (subject to sea and weather conditions) which takes guests from the hotel into the heart of Salcombe
2. Gift vouchers for all occasions are available
3. A full list of forthcoming events – including wine suppers, Burns Night celebrations and festive offers - can be found on the website
4. Recently included in the Sunday Times 'Ultimate 100 British Hotel Guide 2016', South Sands is a bespoke hotel offering outstanding personal service to all guests, situated right on the beach. An idyllic setting, with stunning views, it offers a true taste of this fashionable seaside town at its very best.

About the Devon Tourism Awards

Devon's leading tourism businesses have been chosen for the finals of the Devon Tourism Awards which were presented at a prestigious ceremony on 23rd November 2017.

This year saw a record of 205 entries and an increase to 25 categories in the competition which is now in its 8th year following its launch in 2010.  A new category was added for Guided Tours, with many changes to other awards to reflect the fast changing nature of global tourism. 76 finalists were selected all of whom will be in suspense until 23rdNovember when they will learn whether they have won Gold, Silver, Bronze or special awards.

The winners were announced at the Awards Ceremony on 23rd November in the Guildhall in Plymouth, where the event was hosted by Britain's leading travel commentator, Simon Calder and inspirational explorer Ann Daniels.

Successful businesses in the Devon Tourism Awards will also be fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in February 2018, with nominees in matching categories invited to represent Devon in to the National VisitEngland Awards later in 2018. 

About Plastic Clever

Follow their progress on the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SalcombePlasticClever/

For further information, photography, an interview with executive chef Allister Bishop, or a press visit to South Sands Hotel, please contact:

Hayley Reynolds at RAW PR and Marketing - hayley@rawprandmarketing.co.uk;

Tel: 07887 474 104; @RawSW; @HayleyJReynolds