Burgh Island Hotel
- Premier host
- Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon, England
- See on map
- Sleeps: Varies
- Bedrooms: Varies
- Bathrooms: Varies
- Minimum stay: 2 nights (weekends)
Burgh Island Hotel enjoys a fascinating history. With origins dating back to the 1920s, the spectacular art deco hotel it would become first took shape in 1929, when the island was sold to the filmmaker Archibald Nettlefold.
Imbued with all the unique glamour and elegance of the 1930s, the hotel became one of the most popular destinations of the time, and was visited on numerous occasions by such luminaries as Agatha Christie, Noel Coward, King Edward VIII and Mrs. Simpson, and Winston Churchill, to name but a few.
After being used as a vital recovery centre during the Second World War, the Grade II listed hotel has since been elegantly restored to its former glory. Offering opulent accommodation and sumptuous dining surrounded by golden beaches, Burgh Island Hotel is one of the finest examples of Art Deco style in Europe, and the only choice for a beautifully iconic South Devon break.
Most of Burgh Island’s rooms and suites are named after some of the hotel’s favourite and most distinguished guests, in homage to its vibrant history. Opulence and timeless allure are ever-present, whether you choose to spend your time in your suite or lingering over a cocktail in the Palm Court Bar.
Choose from endless accommodation options, all of them are supremely elegant. Nestled into the rock face, The Beach House is a sophisticated beachside retreat originally built for Agatha Christie, who wrote two island-set novels there – “Evil under the Sun” and “And then there were none”. Panoramic views from every room are of course a given, and with fluffy bathrobes, private sun decks and a lounge complete with wood burner, you can plan your very own literary masterpiece right here.
The Garden Suite comes complete with an indulgent lounge and sea view terrace, while the Grand Suites are each equipped with a balcony. Large and standard suites are also available, along with comfortable medium rooms, small doubles, and finally the Artist’s Studio, an open-plan and dog-friendly room with antique style furnishings.
Later on, dress yourselves up to the nines for a delicious, locally-sourced 5-course dinner in the Ballroom – where outrageous glamour is de rigueur, darling! Dance up a storm to live music from the house band, or you prefer something just a little less formal, the Captain’s Cabin or the Ganges Restaurant are ideal.
The Palm Court Bar is dripping with style, and the ideal spot for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail, while the Pilchard Inn and Café, originally built in 1336, is a loved local landmark and hosts popular curry nights every Friday.
At a glance
- An outrageously elegant Art Deco retreat on its own private South Devon island, overlooking the beach at Bigbury-on-Sea. Ideal for celebratory breaks that need a touch of something extra.
- Choose from the indulgent Beach House, originally built as a writer’s retreat for Agatha Christie, or a vast selection of rooms and suites, most of which have been named after the hotel’s most distinguished guests.
- WiFi access is available, although there is limited mobile reception on the island – an ideal excuse to switch off!
- As an option, you can include a five-course black tie dinner. Choose from the glamorous Ballroom, or the slightly less formal Captain’s Cabin or the Ganges Restaurant.
- Enjoy a drink at the Pilchard Inn and Café, or the stylish Palm Court Bar. There is also a spa and sauna, a 1930s billiards room and table tennis available to guests.
Features
Dog Friendly
Large Groups
Seaside Breaks
Facilities
Beach House sleeps 2, double bedroom, bedding & towels provided, bathroom, separate shower room, bathroom amenities, hospitality tray, comfortable lounge, wood burning stove, TV, WiFi, docking station, private sun decks.
A variety of other rooms and suites are available, please see the website for full details.
Local activities
Sea tractor experience, island walks, mermaid pool, swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, tennis, croquet, sauna, spa room, massage, snooker, table tennis.
More information
Spend your days exploring all the beauty of South Devon, perhaps beginning with Bigbury-on-Sea beach. Stunningly overlooked by Burgh Island Hotel, the golden sand beach is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you’re lucky enough, you can even grab a ride on the hydraulic Sea Tractor – the only one of its kind in the world!
Take a refreshing island walk, or if you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the hotel’s natural seawater Mermaid Pool. An endless variety of water sports are available for those who love an adrenaline rush, while the hotel’s sauna and treatment room is an idyllic way to relax and be pampered.
Otherwise, take up your cues in the original 1930s billiards room, or challenge your loved one to a game of table tennis, before heading off to the Palm Court Bar to close yet another spectacular day.
Things to note
Check in is from 3pm, check out is 11:30am. Please note that the restaurants require formal dress – black tie and evening dress are quite usual. However less formal dining is possible at Captains or Ganges Restaurant.
Where you'll be staying
Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon
What the guests of Burgh Island Hotel say
“The drivers are first class ambassadors and first point of contact on arrival. Familiarity and continuity. Check in easy polite welcoming and efficient..friendly warm people. Every member of staff we had contact with remembered our names and suite. The hotel facilities and rooms are exactly what we enjoy – the lack of tv mobile network internet and people glued to devices encourages conversation. Gary, Vlad, Victor and all the long term staff members we see every year are a credit and asset to the hotel. Gary’s bar skills are legendary.”
