Burgh Island Hotel in Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon — Art Deco Island Hotel

Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon

An Island Frozen in Glamour

Where the tide cuts you off from the ordinary world, and you find you don't mind at all.

There are hotels, and then there are destinations that exist entirely outside of time. Burgh Island Hotel belongs emphatically to the latter. Perched on its own tidal island off the rugged Devon coastline, this gloriously restored 1929 Art Deco landmark is reached — thrillingly — by sea tractor when the tide rolls in, instantly signalling that what awaits is something altogether extraordinary. Surrounded by golden sands and silver seas, with Dartmoor brooding just fifteen miles inland, the setting alone is worth the journey.

Step inside and the 1930s envelop you completely. Each of the 25 boutique rooms and suites is named after a legendary guest from the hotel's colourful past, furnished with the kind of period detail that feels genuinely earned rather than contrived. Agatha Christie was among those who famously never wanted to leave — and having dined in the Grand Ballroom beneath original Art Deco fittings, or settled in for an evening at the intimate Nettlefold Restaurant, it is entirely easy to understand why. The award-winning dining alone justifies the pilgrimage to South Devon.

Burgh Island is, at its heart, a love affair — with glamour, with history, with the wild and beautiful British coast. Whether you come as a couple seeking romance, an architecture devotee chasing the golden age of design, or simply a traveller hungry for something genuinely one-of-a-kind, this is a place that will linger in the imagination long after the sea tractor has carried you back to the mainland. Book it. Book it now.

Notable Features

What Sets It Apart

  • Private island
  • Art Deco design
  • 25 boutique rooms
  • Award-winning dining
  • Old-world glamour

Gallery

Inside & Out

Burgh Island Hotel — interior and exterior view 1
Burgh Island Hotel — interior and exterior view 2
Burgh Island Hotel — interior and exterior view 3
Burgh Island Hotel — interior and exterior view 4
Burgh Island Hotel — interior and exterior view 5
Burgh Island Hotel — interior and exterior view 6
Burgh Island Hotel — interior and exterior view 7
Burgh Island Hotel — interior and exterior view 8
Burgh Island Hotel — interior and exterior view 9
Burgh Island Hotel — interior and exterior view 10

Guest Voices

What They Say

An outstanding visit to this well known hotel. It's good to read reviews but ultimately you have to do the visit to find out ! We celebrated my wife's birthday and had afternoon tea in the Nettlefold Restaurant. Being January the weather absolutely was awful but this was not an issue. I called the hotel just prior to arrival and they sent a 4x4 car driven by the lovely August who met us in the car park and chauffeured us across the beach and right up to the front door of the hotel. (No charge for this). We were then met by Vlad who was so welcoming and took the time to show us around the ballroom and adjoining areas. There was no hurry and everyone was delightful. Afternoon tea was superb and we were looked after by William who was simply amazing and a true gentleman. His knowledge of the menu and associated teas was spot on. He was kind, funny and just a nice guy who knew his stuff - sincere thanks. We had a table with a view across the bay and we just took our time to enjoy. My wife received a complimentary drink by way of a 'happy birthday' and it was a very kind gesture. Afterwards we wandered around the hotel to look at some of the art deco furnishings and design. The place really does have that 1920s appeal. I would highly recommend giving the Burgh Island Hotel a try. First class job by William and the team- thank you.

Dave5/5

We recently stayed at Burgh Island and wanted to share our thanks for such a memorable experience. The hotel truly lives up to its iconic reputation — beautifully restored, unique and full of character — yet never once did it feel pretentious. From the moment we arrived, we felt comfortable, relaxed and genuinely welcomed. The staff were consistently lovely and the atmosphere they created was something quite special. The food was absolutely delicious, which is no small achievement given the size of the party during our stay. Thank you for a truly unforgettable experience.

Karen Roem5/5

This is such a unique property from the historic hotel to the setting on Burgh Island. Staying here is a full experience. The sea tractor ride over at full tide is exciting. Food and drinks are top notch. The rooms have historic features. All in all, a great time.

Wychiwoman5/5

This is the most fabulous place. Particularly if you like the 1920's and are prepared to dress the part. The rooms are beautiful. This is not " just a hotel". It is an experience that is really not like any other. You are on your own island and so if the weather is good it is so amazing. Make an effort to swim in the emerald pool. It can be a bit chilly but it has to be done. Food and staff are brilliant.

Paul Bateman5/5

Beautiful Deco hotel famous for Agatha Christie connection and features in the books/TV shows. Exceptional waiter and the lady who greeted us was fantastic. There's a lovely cocktail bar and lounge and the dining room had views across the coast. Being picky, it would be great if there was a bit more variety in the lunch menu and some things we ordered could have been elevated in keeping with the surroundings. Overall a very good experience

Karie Matthews5/5

Burgh Island Hotel

Bigbury-on-Sea, Kingsbridge TQ7 4BG, UK

Guest Rating

4.7/ 5

Based on 626 reviews

Category

Luxury

Location

Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon

Price Range

£400+/night

Style

Art Deco Island Hotel

Best For

couplesArt Deco loversunique stays
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