Your Devon and Cornwall Wedding - Mar/Apr 2020 (Issue24)

ABBEY SANDS HOTEL, TORQUAY, DEVON This beautiful hotel, part of The Richardson group, is located on the English Riviera. Originally two villas, it’s a Victorian building retaining much of the original architecture with most of the 47 bedrooms still home to period features. The property sits in manicured gardens, ideal for big-day pictures, and is situated less than a one-minute walk from the beach and close to the town. Leisure facilities include an indoor and outdoor heated pool, a gym, hot tub and 15% off treatments in the spa at sister property, The Grand Hotel (also in Torquay). Ceremonies take place in a choice of beautifully appointed ceremony rooms or outside in the secret garden. There’s flexible, bespoke packages available for the wedding breakfast and reception, from the Elegant Package for 40 day guests and 80 evening guests, to the Fairytale Package for 60 day guests and 100 evening guests. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 0800 005 2244, abbeysandshotel.co.uk We love… the cosy restaurant serving seasonal dishes, and the Devonshire cream teas on the menu. GRAND HOTEL TORQUAY, DEVON This elegant Victorian property, Torquay’s landmark hotel (and the sister one to the Abbey Sands Hotel, above, The Royal Beacon in Exmouth and The Falmouth Hotel), sits pride of place on the seafront. Steeped in history, it has retained many of its period features across its 132 individually styled bedrooms and is home to an AA rosette fine dining restaurant, 1881, and The Spa at the Grand. This tranquil spot uses organic and ethical Caudalie products, with manicures and pedicures using Jessica nail polishes and HiBrow and Lashbase treatments available. Spa packages include Total Time Out for Men, ideal for small stag groups, and the Hen Day Spa package. The Sheer Indulgence package for two includes a full afternoon tea, a Caudalie facial and a relaxing and nourishing body wrap. Ceremonies take place in a choice of stylish rooms including the Chatsworth, ideal for intimate groups, and the Cavendish Suite and the Devonshire. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 0800 005 2244, grandtorquay.co.uk We love… the superb sea views from the 1881 restaurant and the coastal- inspired menu including king scallops and locally landed lemon sole fillets. 22