Another de Savary family project, The Cary Arms combines all the charm and characteristics of a good English pub with the luxury and style of a boutique hotel. 'Gastropub food cooked simply' best describes the style, and daily changing menus reflect coast and country in equal measure. Expect superb Devon beef, Lyme Bay lobster and local, line-caught seafood. With beamed ceilings, original stone walls, planked floors, log fires, books and board games, this is a place to eat, drink and unwind. Big windows show off views across Babbacombe Bay and, 50 miles away, Dorset's southernmost tip - Portland Bill - is visible on clear days.

The watchwords in the kitchen are freshness and seasonality, underpinned by a deep-rooted respect for the surrounding waters and pastures. Choose from baked Cornish goat's cheese or a rare roast Devon beef carpaccio to start, then linger over garlic-and-pepper-crusted rack of Devon lamb or get stuck into Brixham crab salad, complemented by a chilled glass of Sancerre and a fantastic sea view. In the winter, a crackling log fire, slowly cooked specials and the lure of a proper local pint makes The Cary Arms feel special and secluded. In the warmer months, dine outside and watch life in the bay unfold - the gently sloping herb garden, communal barbecue (to cook a choice of local sausages on) and a fabulous, wood-fired, outdoor pizza oven all add to the experience.

The same quality and attention to detail extends to the accommodation. Choose between a sea-facing, en-suite room with plenty of coastal character or, for a little more freedom, a well-equipped and spacious self-catering cottage. Young children are welcomed with their very own fishing net and bait for days exploring the rock pools and gentle waters. If you're arriving by boat, overnight mooring and a water taxi to shore are available. Part of the South West Coast Path, this is a place that's ripe for discovery. The walking is superb, fishing trips can easily be arranged and the sunsets are fantastic.