Devon Langstone Cliff Hotel Review, Dawlish Warren

Langstone Cliff Hotel ©Solange Hando

As the name indicates, this lovely family-run hotel is situated on a cliff top with spacious grounds, trees and lawns, overlooking the Exe estuary. 

There's plenty of private parking, bus stops just outside the entrance and a shaded footpath leading to the rail station and the beach with eating places and entertainment. The hotel is family and dog friendly. 

Pleasant Room at the Langstone ©Solange Hando

The Langstone has 64 rooms on two floors with all the amenities you would expect, free WiFi, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, biscuits included, comfortable beds and a choice of bath or walk-in shower.

Luxury rooms boast private balconies or patios, with lawn or sea views.

Orchids a Treat ©Solange Hando

The hotel is justly proud of its flowers, from orchids to hanging baskets, hydrangeas and more.

If you love flowers and colour, this is the place for you, all beautifully tended and in perfect condition.

Lincoln Restaurant ©Solange Hando

With its adjoining bar, the Lincoln serves delicious food, in smaller areas with waiter service or in the main restaurant which offers a buffet with a wide choice of starters, main courses and desserts with clotted cream if you wish. 

Food and snacks are also available in a range of connecting rooms overlooking the lawn and pool. Look out for afternoon tea on the lawn.

Guests Lounge at the Langstone ©Solange Hando

Plenty of comfort and space to chat and meet friends, share a drink or read the free paper.

Though if you want to be active, there are two swimming pools (in and outdoors), tennis court, a fitness room and a beauty-therapy room to pamper yourself.

The Verandah ©Solange Hando

The veranda is a lovely place to relax, in the shade or in the sun, close to the bar and looking across garden and pool and the estuary beyond.

Relax with a View ©Solange Hando

Langstone Cliff Hotel

Spice Village Hill Resort in Kerala

Cottage in Spice Village ©Solange Hando

Close to spice plantations and the Periyar National Park, Spice Village is a CGH Earth resort, 'clean, green, healthy' Located on the edge of Kumily village, it's in the Thekkady district of the Kerala's Western Ghats.

Accommodation is in traditional bungalows scattered in the greenery, built with local materials and thatched with elephant grass. It's an oasis of peace, beautifully quiet at night.

Guest Room, Spice Village ©Solange Hando

Rooms are spacious and clean and at over 700 metres, pleasantly cool so no need for air conditioning. Furniture is made of recycled pine wood and floors are tiled, with coir mats as needed.

It may look a little spartan but with hot water, soft lighting and all the usual amenities, everything you might need is at hand.

Lawns and Trees in Spice Village ©Solange Hando

There's a lovely garden to relax in the shade, enjoy your lunch or perhaps a cool drink or herbal tea. Friendly staff make you feel most welcome and although you may well be tempted by the colourful stalls along the lanes, take time to unwind at least for a while in your little haven.

Other facilities include a Green Leaf Ayurveda Centre, yoga and meditation, badminton, tennis and activities such as trekking, bamboo rafting or visiting a spice plantation.

Tamarind Restaurant at Spice Village ©Solange Hando

Overlooking the swimming pool is Tamarind, the main restaurant serving regional and international fare. Or you could try the '50 mile Diet Restaurant' which guarantees that all ingredients are produced within a 50 mile radius. There's is also a pleasant Woodhouse Bar where you can meet and chat with your friends. 

Spice Village Organic Garden ©Solange Hando

Then wander up the slope and right at the top, beyond the last cottages, you will discover the resort organic garden where fruit, vegetables, lettuce, spices and more are grown for healthy and tasty dishes. 

Besides sheer eating pleasure, it's good to know that so many local people have found employment in this caring Spice Village  hotel, grounds and garden.

The Periyar National Park ©Solange Hando