Kim @ the Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa | 10th July 2024 | Blogging

  Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside...nothing quite compares to the feeling of heading to the beach on a sunny day, bucket & spade in hand, or maybe you prefer a good book or even a paddleboard under arm. When you reach the beach, you feel the sand between your toes, you hear the wind whispering past your ears and at the shore the waves lapping gently or crashing vibrantly.   We are so lucky to have so many beautiful beaches on our doorstep in Torquay! Whether you prefer sandy or stony, lazy or activity packed, sunny or shady, tranquil or vibrant, we have the perfect beach for everyone!     Have you ever wondered why you feel drawn to the coast?   Well, there’s actually a phrase for it...’Blue Health’.     What is ‘Blue Health’?   Blue Health is the commonly held belief that spending time near, on or in water is good for us both physically and mentally, just like the positive impact of immersing yourself in nature and wild spaces have to your wellbeing.  It is thought that it is where these two environments meet at the coast, riverbanks, lakes, etc. that the greatest benefits actually occur.        5 BENEFITS OF SEASIDE HOLIDAYS Boosts vitamin D Sunshine on your skin boosts your vitamin D intake helping with strong bones, healthy immune system and improved mood.   Reduces stress Sandy toes and the sound of the waves has a calming effect, promoting relaxation and reducing stress & anxiety.   Physical activity Walking, swimming, water sports and exploring a new place are all great exercise. This physical activity, will help you stay active and feel energised.   Improve sleep quality The combination of fresh air and physical activity leads to a deep night’s sleep, leaving you refreshed & energised.   Ignites Social Connections Make new friends and/or simply have more time together and less distractions to fully connect with the person you are on holiday with.     So be sure to write yourself a ‘Blue Prescription and book a holiday by the sea to boost your wellbeing – what an excuse for a holiday – it’s for the good of your health!...

Kim @ the Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa | 10th July 2024 | Blogging

If you’re considering a trip to sunny Torquay and the Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa, you might be wondering where to go to find the best prices for a stay. The answer is always... book direct! Here are some of the benefits of booking directly both for the hotel and you, our lovely guests. Price Comparison Online travel agents most definitely have their benefits when deciding which hotel to stay in; they make it really easy to compare all the hotels in an area side by side and filter in and out the facilities, amenities, star ratings and locations that are most important to you. However, once you have decided on the perfect hotel for you, it’s always better to book directly with the hotel. Previously the best price was often found on price comparison sites, but we realise the value of direct bookings and guarantee to offer you the very best rate available when you book directly online, and if our online rate isn’t the best price, our friendly reservations team over the phone will always make sure we beat any rate you find elsewhere by calling 01803 226366.   Why is Direct Booking Better for the Hotel? A little-known fact about online travel agents, including Booking.com, Hotels.com and Expedia is that they take a huge commission from every booking they process. This can vary between 12% and a huge 25% of the total you pay depending on the hotel, taking a huge portion of their well-earned money from the hotel and putting it into the pockets of these huge corporations. By booking directly with the Belgrave Sands Hotel, you can ensure that all of the money you pay stays with us. It’s used to pay our overheads including paying the wages of our dedicated team and also ensure the hotel facilities, services and general quality are kept to its usual high standard. It’s always better to support local when possible and booking directly is a small way to massively help. Less commission means higher profits, which in turn means we can extend better discounts to our valued guests, increase wages for our fabulous team and invest more money into the hotel, improving our facilities, updating our décor, ensuring each guest has a true 4-star experience and of course, making sure we are able to stay in business.   Why is Direct Booking Better for You? Are you staying with us for your wedding anniversary or your birthday? Perhaps you need a specific room to accommodate your needs? When you book directly, your requests are acknowledged first-hand by a staff member and noted accordingly. When you book through a third party, it can be a bit like Chinese whispers! Get the room you really want or even really need by cutting out the middleman. Whenever we have upgraded rooms still available on the day of arrival, we always offer these as complimentary upgrades to guests who have booked directly through the hotel to thank them for their loyalty. All guests who have booked direct receive 10% off all spa treatments (make sure you book ahead of your arrival as this is subject to availability) Booking direct is the only way our guests can receive the best rates on our dinner-inclusive package. All of our special offers, and special seasonal breaks can only be booked direct through our reception team. Gain points and prizes worth up to £850 per couple per year by joining or brand-new loyalty scheme for direct booking guests. (information coming soon – watch this space!) Our brand new ‘refer a friend’ offer – Refer a friend who has never stayed with us before and receive a complementary upgrade on your next stay when you both book direct. Terms and conditions apply.   We guarantee that when you book directly, you will be receiving the very best rate that is available, either online or on the phone. We are able to offer fantastic special offers, discounts, perks and packages when you book with us, which are not available anywhere else. To make your booking today, contact our friendly reservations team make y...

Chloe @ the Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa | 06th July 2024 | Blogging

Trying to find a place to stay on holiday can be tricky these days with online pictures not matching up to the real thing and so much false advertising. So here at The Belgrave Sands, we strive to be as transparent and true to our values as possible and this really reflects on us when we see all of our customers' feedback and reviews. Of course, we would prefer for guests to let us know directly if there is anything we can improve upon, but any feedback is good feedback so that we can either praise our fabulous team or make improvements to future guests services.  Take a look for yourself and see what our customers say about our brilliant Hotel & Spa:   Beautiful hotel Stayed with my sister. Couldn't fault anything from start to finish. The staff were very pleasant and friendly. The room was spotless clean nice little touches fresh milk and water in the fridge. We went in the swimming pool and sauna. Would definitely recommend this hotel. The food was amazing plenty of choice and plenty of it. Well done to everyone. From Sue S in St Ives        Another fabulous time at this excellent hotel. At dinner a 6-course meal that has plenty of choice, and a good wine menu. There’s a pianist every night and some nights there is a singer to entertain you. Breakfast is “serve yourself “Continental, very well stocked with fruit, cheese and meats, cereals, pastries fruit juices, and of course the toaster. Then the hot food cooked to order with all the usual choices, plus some extras like eggs Benedict, smoked haddock etc. I have not mentioned any member of staff by name, because it’s difficult to pick one as they are all excellent at what they do. Efficient, friendly, always with a pleasant smile and warm hello. From Harvey in Radstock    Relaxing Luxury Fantastic rooms with excellent service. And the food in the hotel was sooo good. We enjoyed a 6-course dinner with such lovely entertainment. My children and mum and dad had a fabulous time From Alyona     Amazing Spa Day Have an amazing spa day at Belgrave Sands from when it started to finish, coffees before you go down to the Spa, The Spa was so clean had amazing treatment with the therapist credit to the hotel, Staff are really happy and have no problem helping you, Well done Belgrave Sands for an amazing spa day. From MP in Causeway Coast      First Class Boutique Hotel The hotel was excellent in every way. The rooms, public areas and pool and spa were very clean and tidy. The food was excellent and all the staff were very helpful and made our stay very pleasant. The hotel is in a very convenient location. I can't fault anything about this hotel. Already planning to revisit next year. From Venture in Warrington    ...

Kim @ The Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa | 26th June 2024 | Blogging

The weather may be a bit hit and miss this year, but it’s still worth a holiday to beautiful Torquay!   Whether it's glorious sunshine, cloudy or pouring rain, there's still plenty of fabulous things to do on the doorstep and within a 30-minute car, train or bus journey from the hotel, so don’t let English weather dampen your holiday if it’s not always perfect sunshine!     What to do in Torbay: Have a trip on the Steam Train from Paignton to Kingswear or make it a Round Robin trip by adding the river cruise and bus back. A great way to explore the idyllic River Dart on this award-winning tour! Visit prehistoric Kents Cavern or even try a yoga class in the Caves. One of Europe’s top stone age sites just a 10-minute drive from the hotel! Have a relaxing day in our lovely Reflections Holistic Spa and let our highly trained therapists take you to a world of pure serenity! (Call us on 01803 226366 to book) Take a step back in time and explore the artisan shops and quintessential tea rooms of Cockington Village. With its origins dating back to the Saxon era, alongside the thatched roofs and horse and carriage rides, it’s easy to forget which century you’re in! Watch a show at Princess Theatre South Devon’s largest regional theatre, located on Torquay’s stunning seafront. Visit over 2000 animals across 80 acres at Paignton Zoo. Play in the attractions on Paignton Pier or next to Torquay Harbour, then go bowling and see a film at the cinema. Countless beautiful walks and trails on the South West Coastal Path, stretching for 22 miles across Torbay’s naturally formed cliffs and landmarks. Go Crabbing in one of many locations. Stoke Gabriel is a popular spot for locals to make a catch! Visit our local selection of museums, including Torquay Museum, Newton Abbot Museum, Bygones, Brixham Heritage Museum, Torre Abbey, etc. Sail across the bay, either to Brixham on the Western Lady passenger ferry, or even try the Coastal explorer or the speedy Raptor RIB with Torquay Watersports. You may even spot some dolphins! Try your hand at learning to paddleboard or Kayak with Soak Lifestyle on Torquay Beach, just minutes walk away – either take a lesson or rent a SUP or kayak and take to the waters.   What to do within 30 minutes: Undercover Shopping at Princesshay shopping centre in the heart of Exeter, with the iconic Cathedral as it’s back drop. Visit Powderham Castle on the banks of the River Exe and a short hop from the historic city of Exeter. Immerse yourself in over six centuries of history, also home to a variety of events which can be found on their website: https://www.powderham.co.uk/ Explore the quirky market town of Totnes, known for its indie high street and music scene, with a reputation for its lively community.  Try the South Devon Railway between Totnes and Buckfastleigh (While in Totnes visit the Rare Breeds Farm and Totnes Castle & town and while in Buckfastleigh, visit the Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary) Visit Buckfast Abbey, a living Abbey and Monastery; try the Buckfast Monks Wine and have a pizza while you're there. Taste award-winning wine and cheese, located in the heart of Devon’s beautiful countryside at Sandridge Barton Vineyard. Visit the House of Marbles, Trago Mills store and stroll around Bovey Tracey for a fun day out! Visit Dartmoor National Park, see the Dartmoor Ponies and get lost on the Moors (P.S. try not to get lost!)   For more information on what to do in the area, visit the English Riviera Website: https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/things-to-do   To book your next holiday with us at the Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa, use the book now button at the top of the page or call us on 01803 226595.  ...

Kim @ the Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa | 10th July 2024 | Blogging

  Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside...nothing quite compares to the feeling of heading to the beach on a sunny day, bucket & spade in hand, or maybe you prefer a good book or even a paddleboard under arm. When you reach the beach, you feel the sand between your toes, you hear the wind whispering past your ears and at the shore the waves lapping gently or crashing vibrantly.   We are so lucky to have so many beautiful beaches on our doorstep in Torquay! Whether you prefer sandy or stony, lazy or activity packed, sunny or shady, tranquil or vibrant, we have the perfect beach for everyone!     Have you ever wondered why you feel drawn to the coast?   Well, there’s actually a phrase for it...’Blue Health’.     What is ‘Blue Health’?   Blue Health is the commonly held belief that spending time near, on or in water is good for us both physically and mentally, just like the positive impact of immersing yourself in nature and wild spaces have to your wellbeing.  It is thought that it is where these two environments meet at the coast, riverbanks, lakes, etc. that the greatest benefits actually occur.        5 BENEFITS OF SEASIDE HOLIDAYS Boosts vitamin D Sunshine on your skin boosts your vitamin D intake helping with strong bones, healthy immune system and improved mood.   Reduces stress Sandy toes and the sound of the waves has a calming effect, promoting relaxation and reducing stress & anxiety.   Physical activity Walking, swimming, water sports and exploring a new place are all great exercise. This physical activity, will help you stay active and feel energised.   Improve sleep quality The combination of fresh air and physical activity leads to a deep night’s sleep, leaving you refreshed & energised.   Ignites Social Connections Make new friends and/or simply have more time together and less distractions to fully connect with the person you are on holiday with.     So be sure to write yourself a ‘Blue Prescription and book a holiday by the sea to boost your wellbeing – what an excuse for a holiday – it’s for the good of your health!...

Kim @ the Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa | 10th July 2024 | Blogging

If you’re considering a trip to sunny Torquay and the Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa, you might be wondering where to go to find the best prices for a stay. The answer is always... book direct! Here are some of the benefits of booking directly both for the hotel and you, our lovely guests. Price Comparison Online travel agents most definitely have their benefits when deciding which hotel to stay in; they make it really easy to compare all the hotels in an area side by side and filter in and out the facilities, amenities, star ratings and locations that are most important to you. However, once you have decided on the perfect hotel for you, it’s always better to book directly with the hotel. Previously the best price was often found on price comparison sites, but we realise the value of direct bookings and guarantee to offer you the very best rate available when you book directly online, and if our online rate isn’t the best price, our friendly reservations team over the phone will always make sure we beat any rate you find elsewhere by calling 01803 226366.   Why is Direct Booking Better for the Hotel? A little-known fact about online travel agents, including Booking.com, Hotels.com and Expedia is that they take a huge commission from every booking they process. This can vary between 12% and a huge 25% of the total you pay depending on the hotel, taking a huge portion of their well-earned money from the hotel and putting it into the pockets of these huge corporations. By booking directly with the Belgrave Sands Hotel, you can ensure that all of the money you pay stays with us. It’s used to pay our overheads including paying the wages of our dedicated team and also ensure the hotel facilities, services and general quality are kept to its usual high standard. It’s always better to support local when possible and booking directly is a small way to massively help. Less commission means higher profits, which in turn means we can extend better discounts to our valued guests, increase wages for our fabulous team and invest more money into the hotel, improving our facilities, updating our décor, ensuring each guest has a true 4-star experience and of course, making sure we are able to stay in business.   Why is Direct Booking Better for You? Are you staying with us for your wedding anniversary or your birthday? Perhaps you need a specific room to accommodate your needs? When you book directly, your requests are acknowledged first-hand by a staff member and noted accordingly. When you book through a third party, it can be a bit like Chinese whispers! Get the room you really want or even really need by cutting out the middleman. Whenever we have upgraded rooms still available on the day of arrival, we always offer these as complimentary upgrades to guests who have booked directly through the hotel to thank them for their loyalty. All guests who have booked direct receive 10% off all spa treatments (make sure you book ahead of your arrival as this is subject to availability) Booking direct is the only way our guests can receive the best rates on our dinner-inclusive package. All of our special offers, and special seasonal breaks can only be booked direct through our reception team. Gain points and prizes worth up to £850 per couple per year by joining or brand-new loyalty scheme for direct booking guests. (information coming soon – watch this space!) Our brand new ‘refer a friend’ offer – Refer a friend who has never stayed with us before and receive a complementary upgrade on your next stay when you both book direct. Terms and conditions apply.   We guarantee that when you book directly, you will be receiving the very best rate that is available, either online or on the phone. We are able to offer fantastic special offers, discounts, perks and packages when you book with us, which are not available anywhere else. To make your booking today, contact our friendly reservations team make y...

Chloe @ the Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa | 06th July 2024 | Blogging

Trying to find a place to stay on holiday can be tricky these days with online pictures not matching up to the real thing and so much false advertising. So here at The Belgrave Sands, we strive to be as transparent and true to our values as possible and this really reflects on us when we see all of our customers' feedback and reviews. Of course, we would prefer for guests to let us know directly if there is anything we can improve upon, but any feedback is good feedback so that we can either praise our fabulous team or make improvements to future guests services.  Take a look for yourself and see what our customers say about our brilliant Hotel & Spa:   Beautiful hotel Stayed with my sister. Couldn't fault anything from start to finish. The staff were very pleasant and friendly. The room was spotless clean nice little touches fresh milk and water in the fridge. We went in the swimming pool and sauna. Would definitely recommend this hotel. The food was amazing plenty of choice and plenty of it. Well done to everyone. From Sue S in St Ives        Another fabulous time at this excellent hotel. At dinner a 6-course meal that has plenty of choice, and a good wine menu. There’s a pianist every night and some nights there is a singer to entertain you. Breakfast is “serve yourself “Continental, very well stocked with fruit, cheese and meats, cereals, pastries fruit juices, and of course the toaster. Then the hot food cooked to order with all the usual choices, plus some extras like eggs Benedict, smoked haddock etc. I have not mentioned any member of staff by name, because it’s difficult to pick one as they are all excellent at what they do. Efficient, friendly, always with a pleasant smile and warm hello. From Harvey in Radstock    Relaxing Luxury Fantastic rooms with excellent service. And the food in the hotel was sooo good. We enjoyed a 6-course dinner with such lovely entertainment. My children and mum and dad had a fabulous time From Alyona     Amazing Spa Day Have an amazing spa day at Belgrave Sands from when it started to finish, coffees before you go down to the Spa, The Spa was so clean had amazing treatment with the therapist credit to the hotel, Staff are really happy and have no problem helping you, Well done Belgrave Sands for an amazing spa day. From MP in Causeway Coast      First Class Boutique Hotel The hotel was excellent in every way. The rooms, public areas and pool and spa were very clean and tidy. The food was excellent and all the staff were very helpful and made our stay very pleasant. The hotel is in a very convenient location. I can't fault anything about this hotel. Already planning to revisit next year. From Venture in Warrington    ...

Kim @ The Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa | 26th June 2024 | Blogging

The weather may be a bit hit and miss this year, but it’s still worth a holiday to beautiful Torquay!   Whether it's glorious sunshine, cloudy or pouring rain, there's still plenty of fabulous things to do on the doorstep and within a 30-minute car, train or bus journey from the hotel, so don’t let English weather dampen your holiday if it’s not always perfect sunshine!     What to do in Torbay: Have a trip on the Steam Train from Paignton to Kingswear or make it a Round Robin trip by adding the river cruise and bus back. A great way to explore the idyllic River Dart on this award-winning tour! Visit prehistoric Kents Cavern or even try a yoga class in the Caves. One of Europe’s top stone age sites just a 10-minute drive from the hotel! Have a relaxing day in our lovely Reflections Holistic Spa and let our highly trained therapists take you to a world of pure serenity! (Call us on 01803 226366 to book) Take a step back in time and explore the artisan shops and quintessential tea rooms of Cockington Village. With its origins dating back to the Saxon era, alongside the thatched roofs and horse and carriage rides, it’s easy to forget which century you’re in! Watch a show at Princess Theatre South Devon’s largest regional theatre, located on Torquay’s stunning seafront. Visit over 2000 animals across 80 acres at Paignton Zoo. Play in the attractions on Paignton Pier or next to Torquay Harbour, then go bowling and see a film at the cinema. Countless beautiful walks and trails on the South West Coastal Path, stretching for 22 miles across Torbay’s naturally formed cliffs and landmarks. Go Crabbing in one of many locations. Stoke Gabriel is a popular spot for locals to make a catch! Visit our local selection of museums, including Torquay Museum, Newton Abbot Museum, Bygones, Brixham Heritage Museum, Torre Abbey, etc. Sail across the bay, either to Brixham on the Western Lady passenger ferry, or even try the Coastal explorer or the speedy Raptor RIB with Torquay Watersports. You may even spot some dolphins! Try your hand at learning to paddleboard or Kayak with Soak Lifestyle on Torquay Beach, just minutes walk away – either take a lesson or rent a SUP or kayak and take to the waters.   What to do within 30 minutes: Undercover Shopping at Princesshay shopping centre in the heart of Exeter, with the iconic Cathedral as it’s back drop. Visit Powderham Castle on the banks of the River Exe and a short hop from the historic city of Exeter. Immerse yourself in over six centuries of history, also home to a variety of events which can be found on their website: https://www.powderham.co.uk/ Explore the quirky market town of Totnes, known for its indie high street and music scene, with a reputation for its lively community.  Try the South Devon Railway between Totnes and Buckfastleigh (While in Totnes visit the Rare Breeds Farm and Totnes Castle & town and while in Buckfastleigh, visit the Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary) Visit Buckfast Abbey, a living Abbey and Monastery; try the Buckfast Monks Wine and have a pizza while you're there. Taste award-winning wine and cheese, located in the heart of Devon’s beautiful countryside at Sandridge Barton Vineyard. Visit the House of Marbles, Trago Mills store and stroll around Bovey Tracey for a fun day out! Visit Dartmoor National Park, see the Dartmoor Ponies and get lost on the Moors (P.S. try not to get lost!)   For more information on what to do in the area, visit the English Riviera Website: https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/things-to-do   To book your next holiday with us at the Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa, use the book now button at the top of the page or call us on 01803 226595.  ...