The South Hams is home to a large number of luxurious hotels. 999Kingsbridge picks its top three.

1.) The Thurlestone Hotel, Thurlestone
The AA 4-star Thurlestone Hotel is situated in a prime location on the stunning South Devon coast near Salcombe. Offering first class facilities, this award-winning hotel is the ideal setting for a relaxing, family holiday with easy access to the sea. Stays here are not cheap, but there are plenty of extras included in the price of your stay, including jacuzzi spa bath, swimming pool, fitness room, squash courts and a challenging golf course.

The hotel's 64 rooms are all luxuriously outfitted, with beds to get lost in and top-quality linens that you won't want to roll out of. All rooms have an en-suite bath and shower, fluffy white towels, guest bathrobes, Sky TV, direct dial telephone, internet access, radio, hairdryers and beverage trays.

The hotel also offers an excellent choice of fine dining options. You could try the award-winning Margaret Amelia Restaurant or even the hotel’s very own 16th century pub, The Village Inn, which is situated adjacent to the hotel. The Thurlestone Hotel was named large hotel of the year in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards back in 2004.

Contact details: Thurlestone, near Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 3NN. Tel: 01548 560382, Web: www.thurlestone.co.uk.

2.) The Marine Hotel, Salcombe
Set in the southernmost town of Devon's world-famous South Hams, The Marine Hotel is a cool haven of relaxation, yet the perfect base for an invigorating break. Below you, the sail-flecked Salcombe Estuary, one of England's favourite yachting centres. Above you, the wooded rolling hills in vivid green are perfect for walks.

All 52 en-suite rooms have been tastefully designed and furnished to ensure that guests enjoy the finest of comforts, allowing them to relax, retire and revive. The Marine Hotel has a spacious air-conditioned fitness suite with various cardiovascular workout machines and a selection of free weights and exercise mats. In addition, guests have the use of a steam room, spa and a 15 metre heated indoor swimming pool.

The hotel's restaurant serves top-quality modern cuisine with an emphasis on fresh and seasonal local produce. The menu is changed daily and is complemented by a wide selection of wines, champagnes and cocktails.

Contact details: Cliff Road, Salcombe, Devon, TQ8 8JH. Tel: 01548 844444, Web: www.marinehotelsalcombe.com.

3.) Soar Mill Cove Hotel, Soar Mill Cove
The family-owned Soar Mill Cove Hotel is set in outstanding unspoilt countryside near Salcombe in South Devon. With truly glorious uninterrupted views down to the sandy beach at Soar Mill Cove, this AA 4-star hotel has one of the best settings of any hotel in the South West. The en-suite rooms have been designed for maximum comfort with private terraces leading into the hotel's gardens.

The trendy restaurant offers an exciting seasonal menu which takes full advantage of the local produce, especially seafood. Fresh lobster, crab, Devonshire chicken and local fillet beef are regularly featured on the specials board. Desserts include hot blackberry and apple pie, while Cornish Yarg soufflé makes an unusual savoury.

Contact details: Soar Mill Cove, near Salcombe, Devon, TQ7 3DS. Tel: 01548 561566, Web: www.soarmillcove.co.uk.

We also recommend the following:
Buckland Tout Saints Hotel, Goveton, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2DS. Tel: 01548 853055.

The Tides Reach, South Sands, Salcombe, Devon, TQ8, 8LJ. Tel: 01548 843954.

The Lodge Hotel, Malborough, near Salcombe, Devon, TQ7 3RN. Tel: 01548 561405.

Glazebrook House Hotel, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9JE. Tel: 01364 73322.