Plymouth Sauna Escape: Luxurious Garden-View Holiday Home Near Wembury!
Plymouth Sauna Escape: My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Take on Paradise near Wembury! 🏖️🔥
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. This is my experience, the messy, glorious, and occasionally exasperating trip to Plymouth Sauna Escape – and trust me, it was an experience! This place is practically begging for a review, a good, honest one, warts and all. And here it is…
SEO & Metadata Schmoodeta (But Here's the Gist):
- Main Keyword: Plymouth Sauna Escape
- Secondary Keywords: Wembury, Garden View, Spa, Sauna, Accessible Holiday Home, Devon, Luxury, Romantic Getaway, Family Holiday, Pet-Friendly (though… about that…)
Getting There & First Impressions (Stream of Consciousness Alert!)
Driving down the winding Devon lanes… gorgeous. Seriously, the scenery had me practically drooling. Then, the Plymouth Sauna Escape sign. Okay, this is it! Pulling up… and… hold on a sec. I'm not going to lie, my first thought was, "Wow, this place is really tucked away!" Which, admittedly, is kind of the point, right? Seclusion! But the driveway was a tad narrow. My poor little Fiesta had a moment of panic, thinking it was trapped. (Note to self: maybe a smaller car next time?)
Access & Accessibility (Trying to Be Responsible Here):
Right, let's get the practicalities out of the way quickly. The website claims this is accessible, which is great, especially for travelers. The fact that they've even considered this is a huge win for inclusivity. I spotted an elevator and a few widened doorways. While I personally didn't need all the bells and whistles, I always appreciate places that try.
Inside My Sanctuary (Room Review - aka My Cozy Little Bubble)
My room? Oh, it was gorgeous. Honestly, beyond gorgeous. The garden view was everything. Sunlight streaming in, a cup of coffee (made by me thanks to the coffee/tea maker), and a view of the lush greenery… Pure bliss! The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for my sleep schedule (aka, I could sleep in!). I'm a sucker for bathrobes and slippers – instant hotel-y comfort! The air conditioning was a godsend. Devon summers can surprise you! The mini-bar … I snuck a peek. Standard temptations, I managed to resist!
The Sauna Drama (My Highlight, My Obsession):
Okay, let's get to the sauna. It's in the name, right? Well, HOLY HOTNESS, batman! The sauna itself was a dream. Gorgeous wood, a little timer, and that incredible, dry heat that just melts your cares away. I spent a solid three hours in there one day (maybe I'm exaggerating a smidge). This is where I really fell in love, I could genuinely feel my stress melting away. I'm talking full-on existential crisis averted by the heat alone.
The Spa & Chill Zone (Or, Trying to Relax):
The spa area was lovely, complete with massage and other treatments that I unfortunately I was enjoying the sauna too much. I did see others getting them, and they looked blissed-out, so the spa definitely gets two enthusiastic thumbs up! There was also an outdoor swimming pool. The pool looked divine, even if I did not have time to go.
Food, Glorious Food (With a Side of Self-Control):
The breakfast [buffet] was pretty standard, but the Asian Breakfast option was particularly tempting. I may or may not have eaten my own weight in pastries. Room service [24-hour]? Tempting again. I may or may not have been slightly lazy and ordered dinner in the room one night. No regrets!
Cleanliness & Safety (Because We're All Slightly Paranoid Nowadays):
Right, let's be real: post-pandemic, we're all obsessed with cleanliness. I was happy to see hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were clearly taking things seriously.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
The concierge was helpful, the staff trained in safety protocol, and the daily housekeeping kept everything spotless. The Wi-Fi [free] worked perfectly (essential for me and my constant need to share photos on social media). I appreciated the safe deposit boxes (for important stuff, like my passport). I felt safe and looked after, which is a massive deal when you're trying to unwind.
Things to Do (Beyond the Sauna… If You Must):
Wembury is gorgeous! The beach is lovely (a bit chilly for swimming in October, but hey, the water is there!). I spent a day just exploring, and I honestly felt like I was in a movie. There are plenty of other [Things to do], just ask the staff!
Downsides (Confession Time):
Alright, time for some honesty, because nobody's perfect.
- Parking: Okay, the driveway was a bit tight, and the car park [on-site] felt a bit…rustic. Not a deal-breaker, but worth noting.
- Pets: The website says "Pets Allowed - Unavailable." I'm a dog person, this saddened me. Is it, or isn't it? Give me the lowdown!
- Lack of Live Music: I’m a huge fan of live entertainment, and I feel like this would add a nice touch to the bar.
Overall Verdict (The Grand Finale)
Would I go back to Plymouth Sauna Escape? Absolutely. It was the perfect escape, a blend of luxury, relaxation, and sheer indulgence. The sauna is worth the trip alone! It's a place to switch off, recharge, and maybe even contemplate the meaning of life (preferably in your bathrobe). Highly recommended, with a little extra emphasis on that sauna magic! Just get there early, and grab yourself that prime spot!
Escape to the Harz Mountains: Your Dream Braunlage Apartment Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a Plymouth adventure, Garden-view Holiday Home style, with a sauna in Wembury. Forget perfectly symmetrical itineraries, this is gonna be a glorious, wonky mess.
Days 1 & 2: The Arrival (and the Great Tea Crisis of '24)
The "Getting There" Debacle: Okay, so the drive from London was… a testament to my questionable navigation skills. Let's just say Waze and I had a disagreement about the optimal route. Ended up on a lane that was seemingly designed for hamsters, not a Ford Focus. Good times. Finally, finally hit the Garden-view Holiday Home. And wow, it's legitimately lovely, even though I parked slightly wonky because, you know, hamster lane PTSD.
Unpacking and the Sauna Dreams: First order of business: locate the wine and the snacks. Then, unpack. Which is usually a chaotic ballet of "where does this go?" And "ooooh, I forgot this!" (it was a fluffy robe, obviously.) Then, the sauna. My god, the sauna. Imagining the steamy bliss, that's definitely the high point of the entire trip.
The Great Tea Crisis of '24: This is where things got real. Opened the kitchen cupboard, and… horror. No tea bags. NO TEA BAGS! The utter devastation was palpable. After a dramatic flailing session, I found a half-opened box of (gag) herbal tea. Sacrificed a teabag to the gods of caffeine. Suffered through the taste. Needed a strong cocktail after that.
Wembury Wanderings (Sort Of): Stumbled upon Wembury beach. Stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. Sat on a rock, watched the waves, felt a tiny bit less like a chaotic mess. Okay, a slightly less chaotic mess. Got distracted trying to identify a particularly grumpy-looking seagull. Named him Kevin.
Days 3 & 4: Plymouth City Shenanigans and Saunage
Plymouth City Centre: The Taming of the Shopping Centre: Right so Plymouth city centre. It's… Plymouth. But in a good way! Headed down to the Barbican, immediately got lost (shocking, I know). Found a truly excellent fish and chip shop. Ate it on a bench, seagulls circling, feeling utterly and completely content. I love a good fish and chips, don't I?
The Mayflower Museum: History, Guilt, and a Bad Back: The Mayflower Museum, a must-see, right? Learned some stuff, felt a pang of guilt (the history is intense), and also developed a mild backache from standing for too long. My body is officially rebelling against this travel lark.
SAUNA TIME!!! (The Doubling Down): Okay, listen. Days 3 and 4 were all about the sauna. Each morning, a brisk walk, get some sunlight, and then… the glorious, steamy embrace. Oh, the heat. The feeling of your muscles just giving up and melting into the wood. I swear, I meditated in that sauna. I cried in that sauna. I sang (badly) in that sauna. The sauna was my therapist, my best friend, my… all. It was the reason for this trip! And I milked it for all its worth.
The Wembury Coast Path: Attempted Hike (and the Unexpected Cliffside Nap): Tried the coastal path. Beautiful, obviously. But I'm not a "hiker" in the truest sense. Ended up taking a "quick" nap on a very pointy rock ledge, that probably wasn't very safe, I was just content. It was very windy and not very safe, I thought to myself at a certain point.
Days 5 & 6: The Grand Finale (and the "Almost Left My Underwear" Incident)
Breakwater Beach Lovely, got a quick swim in.
The "Almost Left My Underwear" Incident:Packing up and leaving can be a nightmare. I swear I almost packed up all my possessions, but not my underwear. How do you forget your underwear? I'm still not sure. I would have been utterly devastated had I actually done it. The sheer audacity, and the visual of me forgetting my underwear. I'm still laughing.
The Great Tea Replacement of '24: Left a box of decent tea bags as a thank you to the next guests. Figured they deserved a better fate than the herbal horror show I'd endured.
The Drive Home (and the Sweet, Sweet Memories): The drive home was a blur of post-holiday melancholy and the lingering scent of woodsmoke. All I really wanted to do was find the nearest sauna. But you know what? Despite the minor disasters, the logistical nightmares, the emotional rollercoasters, I had an absolute blast. Plymouth, you magnificent, slightly quirky, absolutely welcoming place, I’ll be back. Next time, though… I’m bringing my own tea. And maybe a personal sauna attendant.
Plymouth Sauna Escape: You've Got Questions, I've Got (Probably) Answers... and Maybe Regrets (Just Kidding... Mostly!)
Okay, so, "Luxurious Garden-View Holiday Home Near Wembury"... Is it *actually* luxurious or just, you know, a nice shed with a sauna? Because I'm picturing a lot of damp towels and questionable floral arrangements.
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because *this* is where things get interesting. See, luxurious? Depends on your definition. It’s not like you’re walking into Buckingham Palace, okay? But think... posh camping, maybe? The garden view? Spectacular. Seriously, the sunsets are worth the price of admission alone. And the sauna? Oh, the sauna! I'll get to that. First, let's address the floral situation. There *were* some questionable potted plants... a bit sad-looking, to be honest. But! The decor is actually pretty stylish – think Scandi-chic meets coastal cozy. No, it’s not *stunningly* luxurious, not in a "roll on the floor in silk robes" kind of way. But it's *comfortably* luxurious. And clean! Which, trust me, is a HUGE win in my book. You’re not exactly roughing it. Like, I actually *slept* on that bed, and didn't wake up convinced I’d wrestled a badger all night. That's a victory in my book. And the towels? Fluffy. Enough said.
Speaking of the sauna... Is it easy to use? Because I'm picturing accidentally setting the place ablaze and needing to explain to the insurance company, "Well, you see, I thought it was a microwave..."
Okay, the sauna. Deep breaths. Yes, the sauna. It's the *reason* you go, right? It’s the siren song of relaxation… or, in my case, the slightly-stressed-out-woman-with-a-questionable-sense-of-direction song. It's *mostly* easy to use. There *are* instructions. I, however, didn’t read them. Because, you know, I’m a modern woman! I know things! Famous last words. Turns out, you need to turn the thing *on*. And *off*. And *carefully* control the water flow. I, uh... Let's just say I got a bit over-enthusiastic with the water. And the temperature. And the... well, let's just say I spent a good fifteen minutes looking like a lobster that had a sudden existential crisis. Smoke alarm went off (oops!). But hey, the important thing is: you won't burn the place down. Unless you're me. Then, maybe. But you'll live to tell the tale! Just read the instructions, yeah? And start slow! I'd also recommend bringing a very large bottle of water. Hydration is key when you're sweating your face off in a wooden box. Trust me.
Wembury! Is it really as pretty as the pictures? And can you actually *swim* in the sea without instantly regretting it?
Wembury. Oh, Wembury! The pictures… they're not lying. It's stunning. Honestly. The sand is, like, golden. The water... well, this is where things get, shall we say, *character-building*. Yes, you *can* swim. Should you? In, like, July? Absolutely! In, like, February? Maybe reconsider. I, being the eternally optimistic (read: slightly delusional) person I am, attempted a dip in late September. It was... bracing. My teeth chattered for a good hour afterward. But the view? Unforgettable. The water is crystal clear, even if it feels like you're swimming in liquid ice. It’s worth it. Pack a proper wetsuit if you're aiming for anything other than a flash of frostbite, though. And a flask of something warm afterwards. Or, you know, a very strong gin and tonic. I went with the latter, and can confirm it definitely helped. The beach is fantastic for exploring, regardless of the season. Sea creatures, rock pools, it's a fantastic place for a walk at low tide.
Food! What’s the grocery situation like? Should I pack a survival kit, or are there actual shops nearby?
Survival kit? Well, if your survival depends on artisanal sourdough and oat milk lattes, maybe, yeah. But no, you're good. There are shops nearby. Not *right* next door, mind you, but a reasonable drive away. There's a decent sized Co-op. And a butchers, I think? I mostly subsisted on cheese and crackers, because, well, cheese and crackers. If you’re a serious foodie, maybe do a bigger shop before you arrive. The kitchen is well-equipped, though! You can actually *cook* things. Fancy that! I, personally, burnt a perfectly good pizza, but that's just my skill set. The important thing is: you won't starve. Unless you only eat cheese and crackers. Then, maybe. But that's on you. And don't forget the wine! Obvious, but essential.
Is there anything I should know beforehand that isn’t obvious? Like, hidden quirks or things to pack that the listing might ominously leave out?
Ah, the *real* questions! Okay, here's the insider intel. First: the wifi. It exists. Sometimes. It’s the kind of wifi that occasionally decides it's had enough of the internet and goes on a digital sabbatical. So download your Netflix shows beforehand, or embrace the digital detox. Secondly: the wildlife. You’re in the countryside. Be prepared for the noises. Birds! Squirrels! Maybe a rogue badger. Okay, probably not a rogue badger. But you get the idea. Earplugs if you're a light sleeper. Thirdly: the local pubs. Check them out! They're proper pubs. Cosy, charming, serving decent grub. Perfect post-sauna, post-beach trip. Fourth: Don’t forget your phone charger! And maybe a book. Because honestly, it's a fantastic place to switch off, and just, you know, *be*. Fifth: the view. Seriously, it's stunning. Just... go. You won't regret it... probably. I mean, unless you burn yourself in the sauna. Then maybe. But still, go! And tell me what you think. I'm dying to know if my experience was a fluke, or the standard.
Overall, would you recommend it? And would YOU go again?
Would I recommend it? YES! A resounding, slightly-sweaty, YES! I’m already planning my return. The sauna, the beach, the peace… it’s a winner. Would *I* go again? Absolutely. I'm already trying to calculate when I can sneak away. Next time, I'm going prepared. Instructions read. More water. Less aggressive sauna-ing. Maybe learn how to actually *cook* something other than cheese and crackers. The best part? The feeling of coming back home just... refreshed. And that, my friends, is pretty much magic. Go. Just… go. And maybe, just maybe, I'll see you there. I’ll be the one with the red face and slightly frizzy hair. Just avoid the sauna after IThe Stay Journey
