BURGH ISLAND
Sleek Art deco haven on a tiny offshore island
CUT OFF FROM THE MAINLAND (forget mobile phones and unwelcome interruptions here), Burgh Island is an Art Deco haven surrounded by the seas. Think flappers in cloche hats, cads with monocles and pencil moustaches or even Baywatch with dress sense, and you are halfway there. Noël Coward adored this great romantic getaway and Agatha Christie used it as a setting for several scenes of sin and seduction in her novels.
Hit the spot
Your own private island on the Devon coast
Bed time
Stay in secluded luxury in the Beach House, with its fabulous sundeck. Or get creative in the Artist's Studio, a bohemian retreat with a vast bed.
Be savvy
Aim to look sleek by night and outdoorsy by day.
Be smitten
Jazzy art deco style on a fantasy seaside island.
Rippingly good Martinis
Classic tradition with a contemporary twist marks out dinner in the wonderfully deco dining room, while chef Conor Heneghan blends South Sea spices with catch of the day in The Pilchard Inn, just down the road. On Valentine’s Day, don black tie and pearls and dine on innuendo-laden dishes, after a rippingly good Martini. Learn to Charleston and tango, or climb the hill and watch for dolphins.
Edward came here with Mrs Simpson but we can’t say who stayed with Noël Coward, Gertrude Lawrence or glamorous aviatrix Amy Johnson. Today's guests can discover the potential of South Devon’s biggest bed and private garden of the Garden suite, the bold deco fabrics and mirrored bathroom of Odeon or the cosy slipper bath of Shrimp – the hotel's snuggest room.
Burgh Island was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mike North
This elegant luxury hotel has seen more than its fair share of romantic rendezvous over the years, and its setting is as flighty as a heartbeat – one moment cut off from the South Devon coast, the next linked to real life by a shimmering sandy causeway. At high tide, the sea tractor plucks guests from the mainland, bringing them to this perfectly preserved time-warp where, with Charleston lessons and wicked cocktails, she spirit of the roaring 1920s and indiscreet 30s lives on. Lovingly maintained by Tony Orchard and Deborah Clark, this really is an icon of a golden age.
Hit the spot
Your own private island on the Devon coast
Bed time
Stay in secluded luxury in the Beach House, with its fabulous sundeck. Or get creative in the Artist's Studio, a bohemian retreat with a vast bed.
Be savvy
Aim to look sleek by night and outdoorsy by day.
Be smitten
Jazzy art deco style on a fantasy seaside island.
Rippingly good Martinis
Classic tradition with a contemporary twist marks out dinner in the wonderfully deco dining room, while chef Conor Heneghan blends South Sea spices with catch of the day in The Pilchard Inn, just down the road. On Valentine’s Day, don black tie and pearls and dine on innuendo-laden dishes, after a rippingly good Martini. Learn to Charleston and tango, or climb the hill and watch for dolphins.
Edward came here with Mrs Simpson but we can’t say who stayed with Noël Coward, Gertrude Lawrence or glamorous aviatrix Amy Johnson. Today's guests can discover the potential of South Devon’s biggest bed and private garden of the Garden suite, the bold deco fabrics and mirrored bathroom of Odeon or the cosy slipper bath of Shrimp – the hotel's snuggest room.
Burgh Island was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mike North
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Dining in
The dining room is best viewed in the evening when it sparkles with white linen, candles and flowers. A huge deco mirror over the fireplace reflects the diners and newly-commissioned murals add visual interest. The ceiling has an Odeon-like dome, lit around the edges, and so appears to float.
Dine on inventive modern seasonal cuisine with oriental influences such as buttered poached monkfish with braised fennel, langoustine and blood orange salad. Round off with baked frangelico custard with burnt honey syrup.
Dining out
Try Burgh Island's own 14th Century smugglers’ hostelry, The Pilchard Inn. It’s a snug haven of roaring fires, cosy nooks and real local ales just a few minutes from the front gate.
Where?
The candlelit Ball Room at Burgh Island
What’s cooking?
Try slow cooked beef cheek, peppered duckling breast and ‘El Rey’ chocolate with butterscotch pudding and burnt orange ice cream.
Dress the part
Slip into something slinky. You won't be out of place at dinner in evening dress and black tie.
Top table?
All tables offer fabulous views of the sea.
See & Do
This is a romantic getaway with a difference. Time your stay here with one of Burgh Island's dance breaks and you can spend your time whirling round the dance floor in between sipping cocktails. If your dancing partner is less than fleet-footed, you can always opt for a tutored wine tasting over Sunday lunch instead.
By day explore the Burgh Island’s 26 acres: there’s a seawater swimming pool, rocks to clamber over, sandy beaches and grassy picnic spots. You won’t want to hurry back to the mainland.
Spa
There’s a spa room where you can book a facial using REN products, a massage or manicure. Burgh Island is one of a handful of hotels to offer REN facials. There’s also a sauna and a gym.
Shop
Being offshore is one of Burgh Island’s many charms, so there will be no High Street spending sprees.
Play
Evenings are for looking glam. Tango across the dance floor, smooch under the stars or chat with barman Gary "McBar" over a late night cocktail.
Dates
February
Don black tie and pearls and dance the night away at the hotel’s Valentine’s Ball.
June
Make sure you’re here for the Summer Ball, complete with fireworks, dancing and music against the backdrop of an ocean sunset.
The dining room is best viewed in the evening when it sparkles with white linen, candles and flowers. A huge deco mirror over the fireplace reflects the diners and newly-commissioned murals add visual interest. The ceiling has an Odeon-like dome, lit around the edges, and so appears to float.
Dine on inventive modern seasonal cuisine with oriental influences such as buttered poached monkfish with braised fennel, langoustine and blood orange salad. Round off with baked frangelico custard with burnt honey syrup.
Dining out
Try Burgh Island's own 14th Century smugglers’ hostelry, The Pilchard Inn. It’s a snug haven of roaring fires, cosy nooks and real local ales just a few minutes from the front gate.
Where?
The candlelit Ball Room at Burgh Island
What’s cooking?
Try slow cooked beef cheek, peppered duckling breast and ‘El Rey’ chocolate with butterscotch pudding and burnt orange ice cream.
Dress the part
Slip into something slinky. You won't be out of place at dinner in evening dress and black tie.
Top table?
All tables offer fabulous views of the sea.
See & Do
This is a romantic getaway with a difference. Time your stay here with one of Burgh Island's dance breaks and you can spend your time whirling round the dance floor in between sipping cocktails. If your dancing partner is less than fleet-footed, you can always opt for a tutored wine tasting over Sunday lunch instead.
By day explore the Burgh Island’s 26 acres: there’s a seawater swimming pool, rocks to clamber over, sandy beaches and grassy picnic spots. You won’t want to hurry back to the mainland.
Spa
There’s a spa room where you can book a facial using REN products, a massage or manicure. Burgh Island is one of a handful of hotels to offer REN facials. There’s also a sauna and a gym.
Shop
Being offshore is one of Burgh Island’s many charms, so there will be no High Street spending sprees.
Play
Evenings are for looking glam. Tango across the dance floor, smooch under the stars or chat with barman Gary "McBar" over a late night cocktail.
Dates
February
Don black tie and pearls and dance the night away at the hotel’s Valentine’s Ball.
June
Make sure you’re here for the Summer Ball, complete with fireworks, dancing and music against the backdrop of an ocean sunset.
GETTING THERE
Location
Burgh Island, Bigbury-on-sea, South Devon TQ7 4BG
Parking
There is free guest parking on the mainland.
Trains
Plymouth and Totnes stations – 40 minutes
Taxis
GBP 22 from Plymouth airport; Exeter airport GBP 55.
Airport
Plymouth airport – 40 minutes. Exeter airport – 60 minutes.
Rooms and suites
24 rooms, 11 suites
Special features
This art deco hotel offers cool luxury and plenty of it. Some rooms have original 1930s baths or even baths in the middle of the bedroom – decadent or what.
Also…
Many come with roll-top baths, DVD players and wi-fi. The hotel also boasts a saltwater swimming pool, helipad, sauna, spa, tennis court, croquet lawn and gym.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 350 - 550 (room rate includes dinner)
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
3.30pm.
Check-out
11.30am but late checkout available where possible.
Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends
Breakfast
A cooked breakfast is served whenever you surface. Wake up to duck eggs Benedict and porridge with stewed rhubarb and maple syrup.
Room service
Available 24 hours a day
Children
Welcome aged five and over. No children under 12 at dinner. A babysitting service is available.
Pets
No
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English, French, Russian, Estonian, Polish
Wedding license?
Weddings are based on exclusive hire of the property and can cater for up to 60 guests, 12 being non-residents.
Eco conscience
Burgh Island is one of the founder members of the National Green Tourism Awards, and the restaurant aims to use only organic local produce. Toiletries made from natural and organic ingredients are available in rooms and the hotel recycles and composts where possible. Low energy light bulbs are used throughout.
Your Contacts
Tony Orchard and Deborah Clark – owners
Location
Burgh Island, Bigbury-on-sea, South Devon TQ7 4BG
Parking
There is free guest parking on the mainland.
Trains
Plymouth and Totnes stations – 40 minutes
Taxis
GBP 22 from Plymouth airport; Exeter airport GBP 55.
Airport
Plymouth airport – 40 minutes. Exeter airport – 60 minutes.
Rooms and suites
24 rooms, 11 suites
Special features
This art deco hotel offers cool luxury and plenty of it. Some rooms have original 1930s baths or even baths in the middle of the bedroom – decadent or what.
Also…
Many come with roll-top baths, DVD players and wi-fi. The hotel also boasts a saltwater swimming pool, helipad, sauna, spa, tennis court, croquet lawn and gym.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 350 - 550 (room rate includes dinner)
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
3.30pm.
Check-out
11.30am but late checkout available where possible.
Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends
Breakfast
A cooked breakfast is served whenever you surface. Wake up to duck eggs Benedict and porridge with stewed rhubarb and maple syrup.
Room service
Available 24 hours a day
Children
Welcome aged five and over. No children under 12 at dinner. A babysitting service is available.
Pets
No
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English, French, Russian, Estonian, Polish
Wedding license?
Weddings are based on exclusive hire of the property and can cater for up to 60 guests, 12 being non-residents.
Eco conscience
Burgh Island is one of the founder members of the National Green Tourism Awards, and the restaurant aims to use only organic local produce. Toiletries made from natural and organic ingredients are available in rooms and the hotel recycles and composts where possible. Low energy light bulbs are used throughout.
Your Contacts
Tony Orchard and Deborah Clark – owners
