Burgh Island Hotel is a secluded idyll, just several hours from London
It is challenging to find a magical mini break only a few hours from London. Let alone a complete escape. And yet, winding towards the coast between Plymouth and Torquay, you’ll discover a 20-acre jewel of a private, secluded island, which appears dazzling on the horizon.
Once you are down in Bigbury Bay, it’s a romantic walk across a dash of sandy beach with wide 180-degree coastal views, to Burgh Island. Its iconic Art Deco hotel, a white gleaming monument, stands alone on the island except for the 14th century Pilchard Inn. And it is swinging with gliterati, literati and political history.
Former owner and flamboyant TV producer Archie Nettlefold had a penchant for red smoking jackets and cocktail-clinking house parties, until he finally made his friends pay up: turning his home into a hotel in 1929.
Agatha Christie stayed for months - writing her two island-set novels: And Then There Were None and Evil Under the Sun, while staying in the Beach House. Noel Coward was also a guest. Coco Chanel shortened the bathing suit she was offered here, starting a new trend later featured in Vanity Fair. The hotel also hosted heavyweight history — Eisenhower met Churchill in its tower to plan D-day.
Like the Clover Club pre Prohibition cocktail in the Palm Court lounge with its 1920s stained glass dome, Burgh Island Hotel's look and atmosphere is set in aspic from the Art Deco furniture (guests regularly donate pieces), extensive Martini list and the nightly black tie dinner and dance in the Grand Ballroom.
Not surprisingly, it’s been the location of many dramas, notably the 2001 TV version of Evil Under the Sun with David Suchet. Here’s what to expect if you bed down for the night.
Where
Burgh Island hotel is located across from Bigbury-On-Sea on the coast of South Devon, 25 minutes drive from Ivbridge or Plymouth train stations and 40 minutes from Totnes. Complimentary Land Rovers shuttle guests across the beach. There is a helipad on the island.
Style
Arriving at the hotel lobby reeking of 1930s glamour with Coco Chanel’s original bathing suits framed above reception, the atmosphere is eccentric with elegant guests sipping champagne in the cocktail lounge beyond from mid afternoon.
Despite the number of suited and jacketed guests, it is super relaxed with friendly staff. The 1930s house party vibe is going strong: 40 per cent of guests frequently return with old and new Burgh Island friends.
Tidally cut off, it has an isolated feel, a particularly visceral experience when the waves get wild. The island is untamed, making it feel a long flight from London and light years away from daily life.
Facilities
The natural Mermaid sea pool is landscaped by dramatic, high rocks. It is a real wonder cut off from the sea by a sluice gate in WWII. You can swim to the bathing deck in the middle or take the hotel’s rowing boat. There is also a tennis court, snooker, crocket, sauna, massage and facial treatments in their wellness suite.
Extracurricular
Secluded islands hold mesmerising sway over us mere mortals. But if you can be bothered to get out of your velvet armchair or leave the deck’s sea views, there is lots to do locally. English Riviera Custom Tours show Agatha Christie’s Devon. Or tour Sandridge Barton vineyards on the River Dart, producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay amongst others.
Discovery Surf on the beach below organise paddleboarding and surf lessons; while Bigbury golf course is nearby for those with Nettlefold’s passion. Artist-in-residence, Emma Carter Bromfield also offers studio visits and workshops. A long beach walk or swim is a must — though check the tides first.
Food & Wine
The food is exquisite haute cuisine. Oysters with Laurent-Perrier Blanc de Blancs and the Exmoor caviar with X Muse Vodka decorate the lunch menu.
The Nettlefold restaurant specialises in seafood with roasted lobster competing with Devon Longhorn beef fillet.
The nightly black tie dinner and dance in the Grand Ballroom is the main attraction for guests, who swing round to the band between courses. The Pilchard Inn offers more hearty fayre like beef brisket and sticky toffee pudding. The hotel has its own botanical gin made with Rosa Rugosa and Gorse from the island.
Which room?
Agatha Christie’s Beach House is a draw, especially if you are a party up to six. It is carved into the rocks and modernised in a Hamptons-style beach retreat with sun deck, hot tub and wood burner.
There is also the dog-friendly Artist’s Studio above the 14th century Pilchard Inn. Otherwise, 23 remaining hotel doubles or suites are furnished entirely in Art Deco. The best views are to be found on the second floor, unless you take the panoramic Tony & B suite on the ground floor.
Best for…
Pre-iPhone Island Time — the only pressure is whether complimentary cake will ruin your appetite and when to change into vintage evening glamour.
Details
A luxe double room starts at £480 including breakfast. burghisland.com
