Cary Arms Hotel & Spa, Devon Review: Luxury Beach Huts by the Sea
View of the Cary Arms Hotel & Spa in Torquay, Devon, with the sea in the foreground, set in a sheltered cove overlooking Babbacombe Bay.
Looking for a luxury coastal stay in Devon with unbeatable sea views? Our stay at the Cary Arms Hotel & Spa might just be exactly what you’re after.
In this review, we’ll show you:
What the luxury beach huts are really like
What’s included in the price
Our honest pros & cons
Whether it’s worth booking
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Watch our full video review below before you book:
Our Cary Arms Hotel & Spa Review (Video Tour)
Quick Verdict
Rating: 9/10
✔️ Incredible sea views
✔️ Unique beach hut accommodation
✔️ High-end, boutique feel
✔️ Excellent service & breakfast
❗ Slightly warm in the room (no air con)
❗ Steep access road
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What Makes Cary Arms So Special?
Set in a private cove just outside Torquay, the Cary Arms feels like a hidden seaside retreat.
Unlike traditional hotels, the standout feature here is the collection of luxury beach huts overlooking Babbacombe Bay.
These aren’t your typical huts - they’re stylish, two-level boutique suites designed for comfort, views, and a bit of wow-factor.
Inside the Luxury Beach Hut
Downstairs is your living space, and it’s packed with thoughtful touches:
Comfortable sofa and coastal décor
Fireplace feature (electric but very convincing)
Complimentary sloe gin, snacks, and drinks
Board games (perfect for cosy evenings)
Fully stocked Smeg mini fridge (included in your stay)
This is where Cary Arms really stands out—everything feels premium, but relaxed.
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The Bedroom & Sea Views
The bedroom inside a luxury beach hut at the Cary Arms Hotel & Spa in Torquay, Devon, featuring coastal décor and a mezzanine layout.
Upstairs, you’ll find a mezzanine-style bedroom with one major highlight:
A porthole window overlooking the sea
You can literally lie in bed and watch the waves.
Other nice touches:
Super comfy bed
Hot water bottles (great in winter stays)
Reading lights and clever storage
TV in the bedroom
It’s compact - but designed so well it never feels cramped.
Bathroom & Facilities
Walk-in rainfall shower in the Cary Arms beach hut bathroom, finished with contemporary fittings and luxury toiletries in South Devon.
The bathroom is modern and well-finished, featuring:
Walk-in rainfall shower
Luxury toiletries
Heated towel rail
Fluffy robes & slippers
Everything feels clean, high-end, and exactly what you’d expect from a hotel regularly featured in UK “best stays” lists.
Private Decking & Outdoor Space
View from inside a Cary Arms beach hut lounge looking out onto a private decking area with loungers and sea views across Babbacombe Bay in Torquay, Devon.
Each beach hut comes with its own private terrace, including:
Lounge chairs
Outdoor table
Panoramic sea views
Even during stormy weather, the cove keeps things calm and sheltered.
In summer? This would be one of the best spots in Devon to sit with a drink.
Food & Breakfast
Breakfast at the Cary Arms was a highlight.
Options included:
Full English breakfast
Vegetarian options
Eggs cooked to order
Nice detail: baked beans are served separately (no soggy plates 👏).
We didn’t eat dinner here this time, as we visited The Elephant Restaurant instead - a Michelin-starred spot we’d highly recommend.
Service & Overall Experience
From arrival to departure, the experience felt premium but relaxed.
Friendly, welcoming staff
Personal room escort on arrival
Complimentary welcome drink
Access to guest lounge & hotel facilities
It’s the kind of place that gets the balance right - luxury without being stuffy.
Wide view across Babbacombe Bay in Torquay, Devon, showing the calm sea and sweeping South Devon coastline.
Location: Is Cary Arms Worth It?
The hotel sits just below Babbacombe Downs, in a quiet coastal cove near Torquay.
Pros:
Peaceful, scenic setting
Direct sea access
Feels exclusive and tucked away
Cons:
Very steep road down to the hotel (they did take us up to their car park on departure day in their mini-bus which was a nice touch).
Price & Booking
Cary Arms is a premium stay, but you get a lot included:
Complimentary drinks & snacks
Unique accommodation
High-end service
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👉 Compare the best hotels in Torquay before you book
💡 Tip: Prices vary significantly between winter and summer - off-season stays can offer great value.
Final Thoughts: Is Cary Arms Worth It?
Yes - especially if you want something different.
The beach huts are the standout feature, and combined with the location, views, and service, this is easily one of the most memorable stays in Devon.
It’s ideal for:
Couples getaways
Special occasions
Coastal escapes with a luxury twist
FAQs: Cary Arms Hotel & Spa, Torquay
Where is the Cary Arms Hotel & Spa located?
The Cary Arms Hotel & Spa is located in a secluded coastal cove just outside Torquay, overlooking Babbacombe Bay on the South Devon coast. It sits just below Babbacombe Downs, offering stunning sea views and a peaceful setting.
What are the beach huts like at Cary Arms?
The beach huts at the Cary Arms are luxury two-level suites, not traditional seaside huts. They feature a lounge area downstairs, a mezzanine bedroom upstairs, private decking, and uninterrupted sea views. They’re designed to feel boutique, cosy, and high-end.
Do the beach huts have sea views?
Yes - the beach huts have direct sea views across Babbacombe Bay. Some even feature porthole windows in the bedroom, so you can wake up and see the ocean from bed.
What’s included in the price?
Your stay typically includes:
Complimentary minibar drinks (including wine, soft drinks, and milk)
Snacks and biscuits
Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate
Access to hotel facilities and guest lounge
Everything in the in-room fridge and snack selection is included, which adds great value.
Is Cary Arms Hotel & Spa dog-friendly?
Yes, the Cary Arms is dog-friendly, and dogs are welcome in certain rooms and beach huts. You may notice a very slight trace of this in some areas, but overall it’s well maintained and clean.
Is there parking at the Cary Arms?
Yes, parking is available, but access is via a steep and narrow road down into the cove. It’s manageable, but something to be aware of - especially if you’re not used to coastal driving.
Does the Cary Arms have a spa?
Yes, the hotel has an on-site spa offering a range of treatments, as well as wellness facilities. It’s a popular addition for guests looking for a relaxing coastal break.
What is breakfast like at Cary Arms?
Breakfast is high quality, with options including:
Full English breakfast
Vegetarian breakfast
Eggs cooked to order
A nice touch is that extras like baked beans are served separately, keeping everything well presented.
Is Cary Arms worth it?
If you’re looking for a unique luxury stay in Devon, then yes - Cary Arms is absolutely worth it. The beach huts, sea views, and service make it one of the most memorable places to stay in the area.
When is the best time to visit Cary Arms?
Summer: Best for sunshine, outdoor decking, and coastal views
Winter: Cosy, quieter, and often better value
Even during stormy weather, the sheltered cove location keeps the stay feeling calm and relaxing.
Are there restaurants nearby?
Yes, Torquay has plenty of great dining options. One standout nearby is The Elephant Restaurant, a Michelin-starred restaurant we highly recommend.
What else is there to do in Torquay?
Torquay and the surrounding area offer:
Coastal walks along the English Riviera
Beaches and coves
Boat trips and water activities
Local attractions and viewpoints
