It’s those special little touches that make the gorgeous Soar Mill Cove Hotel on Devon’s beautiful south coast stand out.

The multi-award winning luxury Soar Mill Cove Hotel, near the chic resort of Salcombe, has been delighting its guests for decades.

Hollywood luminary Audrey Hepburn was just one of many happy patrons and it’s not difficult to see why the punters love this place.

Majestically situated on a hillside overlooking a beautiful stretch of the seashore, it even has its own delightful sandy beach at the aforementioned cove, just a short walk away.

You are made to feel at home from the moment you check in when you are offered a complimentary heavenly Devon cream tea, which you can enjoy in your room, lounge or, weather-permitting, on the terrace in the sun.

Foodies will be in their element here. One of the other lovely idiosyncrasies of the place is that every afternoon, the dinner menu is left outside the door of your quarters.

You can either wait for a member of staff on their rounds a little later to take your order (I even had a charming Italian waiter help me with the wine list) or phone it through to reception, so that, when you arrive that evening at the two AA rosette restaurant, they will begin to prepare the sumptuous food just after you sit down.

From Start Bay scallops to West Country beef filet, and the herbs from their very own garden, head chef Ian MacDonald takes pride in producing outstanding dishes that use the best local produce.

If the elements are favourable then the beach or walks along the sublime coastline are shown off in all their glory.

On the other hand, if the Great British climate is being a tad unkind, there is always the heated salt water indoor pool, spa, sauna and gym, games room and DVD library to fall back on.

Owner Keith Makepeace and his lovely the staff are on hand to ensure you are made to feel special in an extraordinary place.

With 22 comfortable and tasteful rooms, there are also four self-catering properties, perfect for groups of friends or families that are looking for a bit more space.

To book a stay at the Soar Mill Cove Hotel, Nr Salcombe, South Devon, UK TQ7 3DS, go to www.soarmillcove.co.uk, call 01548 561566 or email info@soarmillcove.co.uk.

Two outstanding places to visit while in this area are two wonderful National Trust properties to the north.

Agatha Christie called Greenway (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway) on the banks of the River Dart 'the loveliest place in the world' and it takes some beating.

It was the holiday home for the world’s best-selling author and crime writer for decades her and her family and is a fascinating attraction with stunning views.

Just a few miles down the road is another treasure in Coleton Fishacre (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre).

This remarkable country home was built in 1926 for Rupert D'Oyly Carte, owner of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company and Savoy Hotel, in the beautiful valley running down to the sea.

You can get a taste of how they would entertain and indulge in their passion for the outdoors during their heyday.

For more information on this striking part of the world, vist www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk