There are places designed for relaxation, and then there are places that seem to exhale it. The Mole Resort in the heart of Devon belongs firmly to the latter. Cradled by rolling countryside, framed by ancient woodlands, and blessed with a hush that feels a world away from everyday life, this is a retreat where comfort blends seamlessly with quiet adventure. Whether you arrive seeking nature, nourishment, or simply the pleasure of slowing down, The Mole Resort has a way of giving you exactly what you need, plus a little extra sparkle along the way.

Our stay began in one of the resort’s beautifully appointed three-bedroom lodges, a harmonious balance of rustic charm and contemporary luxury. Designed to feel like a home rather than a holiday rental, the lodge opened into a spacious living area with soft, warm lighting, natural textures, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Devon hills. The sense of space was instant and soothing, as if the entire building had been crafted to encourage you to breathe deeply.

Outside, the private hot tub waited on our deck, bubbling gently beneath the open sky, a promise of long evenings spent beneath the stars. And what a sky it was. With minimal light pollution and a wide, uninterrupted horizon, the night unfurled in dazzling constellations. We found ourselves lingering outside far longer than planned, wrapped in the rising steam as the Milky Way stretched lazily across the dark velvet sky above.

But The Mole Resort is more than a comfortable lodge, it is a living landscape. The grounds are truly expansive, offering miles of greenery where every turn seems to reveal a new postcard-perfect view. Wide lawns unfurl like soft green carpets, ponds glint in the sunlight, and woodland trails tempt you to wander a little deeper. There is a tranquillity here that feels both grounding and revitalising, the sort of peace that seeps slowly into your bones.

At the heart of the resort stands the old manor house, a building rich with character, history, and charm. Its warm stone façade and traditional architecture create an immediate sense of heritage and stepping inside feels like entering a world where time moves gently. This is where the main restaurant is housed, and dining here adds a further layer of enchantment to the experience. High ceilings, wooden beams, and views stretching across the grounds make each meal feel both intimate and atmospheric.

One of the highlights of our visit was the resort’s cheese and wine tasting, an experience that celebrated the very best of local produce paired with refined international flair. Nyetimber sparkling wine, crisp, elegant, and delicately effervescent, set the tone beautifully. Alongside it, a wonderfully smooth Le Chardonnay offered a rich yet balanced complement to the selection of cheeses. The local cheeses were creamy, complex, and full of soul, each one telling a story of Devon’s terroir and artisan traditions. It was the sort of tasting that encourages you to linger, savour, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind every bite.

Dinner that evening, taken in the old house, continued the theme of indulgence. We began with a classic prawn cocktail, an old favourite executed with fresh, sweet prawns, crisp lettuce, and a beautifully tangy Marie Rose sauce. Crispy prawns added golden crunch and tenderness in equal measure, while the red pepper hummus and warm flatbread brought a smoky, vibrant note to the table.

Our steak was exceptional, deeply flavourful, perfectly cooked, and served with all the right accompaniments. Dessert, an iced raspberry parfait, was light, refreshing, and beautifully balanced, the perfect finale to a beautifully paced meal.

Back at our lodge, we ended the evening where we began, outside, wrapped in starlight, the countryside quiet and soothing around us. It is rare to find a place that blends such a sense of luxury with such an abundance of natural beauty, but The Mole Resort does so with ease.

Days at The Mole Resort come with as much or as little activity as you desire. One morning, we ventured to the coast, Devon’s shoreline being one of the great treasures of this region. The beaches nearby offer everything from dramatic cliffs to soft, golden sand, and the smell of salt on the breeze mingles with the cry of seabirds in a way that instantly resets the senses. Returning to the resort afterwards feels like slipping into a soft robe after a day in the sun, comforting, welcoming, and effortlessly luxurious.

This is a retreat that feeds the senses, restores the spirit, and invites you to fall in love with Devon’s gentle charm. Whether you come for the lodge life, the food, the wine, the scenery, or simply to reconnect with yourself, The Mole Resort makes every moment feel like a gift, one wrapped in comfort, beauty, and the enduring warmth of the West Country.

For more information or to book, visit www.themoleresort.co.uk