Runaway Keep | A truly relaxing Devon hot tub break for couples

There are Devon hot tub breaks for couples, and then there is Runaway Keep. Tucked away in the heart of the South Hams, this beautifully designed annexe is one of those rare finds — somewhere that feels entirely private, quietly luxurious, and completely yours from the moment you close the gate behind you.

Set within the grounds of a newly built property in the charming market town of Modbury, Runaway Keep occupies its own self-contained wing with a separate entrance and an enclosed outdoor courtyard that manages to feel genuinely secluded. There is no sense of compromise here. The owners, who live next door, take meticulous care of every detail — fresh flowers, spotless interiors, a warmth of welcome that never tips into intrusion. Guests consistently remark on how at ease they feel from the start.

The centrepiece of any stay here is the hot tub, and it earns its reputation. Whether you slide in as the afternoon light softens over the surrounding Devon countryside, or wait until after dark to watch the stars appear above you, it has the quality of a genuine pause — the kind you travel for. Couples planning a Devon hot tub break will find it difficult to imagine a more atmospheric setting for that experience.

Inside, the accommodation is all considered comfort rather than clutter. The super king bedroom is beautifully calm, with soft lighting, a wardrobe and chest of drawers, and a smart TV for evenings you choose to stay close. The en suite is a proper wet room with a power shower that earns its own quiet admiration. Underfloor heating runs throughout — the sort of detail you notice only when you realise you have never once been cold. The living and dining space is airy and light-filled, with views over the gardens through large windows, a Nespresso machine, Quooker tap, air fryer and everything else you could need to eat in beautifully, should the mood take you. A small BBQ and alfresco table sit just outside the front door for evenings with a glass of something cold.

The position in Modbury gives the stay a particular ease. The town is independent-spirited and unhurried — famously the first in Europe to ban single-use plastic bags — with a handful of excellent pubs and restaurants within easy walking distance. The Exeter Inn is a proper 14th century coaching inn with log fires and a walled garden. Bistro 35 does good wine and excellent food just along Church Street. For a more special evening, Plantation House at nearby Ermington is a beautifully restored Georgian rectory with a kitchen that makes a strong case for staying in South Devon rather longer than planned.

Beyond the town, the surrounding landscape is extraordinary. Bantham Beach, one of the finest surf beaches in England, is around five miles away, looking out over Bigbury Bay and the iconic silhouette of Burgh Island. Bigbury-on-Sea, Mothecombe, and the secluded Ayrmer Cove are all within easy reach. Dartmoor National Park lies to the north, its moorland walks and ancient tors offering a different kind of beauty altogether. The South West Coast Path threads through the area, connecting village to cove to cliff with a reliability that rewards any effort spent on it.

Two dogs are welcome here, with a small garden and a sheltered courtyard that previous guests — and their puppies — have made good use of. Starlink Wi-Fi runs fast and reliably throughout.

For couples looking for Devon hot tub breaks that combine genuine privacy with beautifully judged interiors and one of England’s most quietly spectacular corners on the doorstep, Runaway Keep is the one to bookmark.