Before arriving at Saltmoore, I drove for an hour through the North Yorkshire moors. Heather filled almost every inch of land, rolling hills stretched for as far as I could see, and eventually, the sea became in sight.
The sea could mean only one thing: we were nearing the quaint seaside town of Whitby, which not even a year ago welcomed a rather swanky new hotel: Saltmoore.
Perfectly positioned between the sea of Sandsend and the North York moors, Saltmoore is a 43-bedroom hotel that opened in November last year.
We drove a short while along the coast before turning left into the long driveway that would lead us to Saltmoore and its 85-acre estate. Upon stepping through the front door of Saltmoore House, we were immediately welcomed by a team of unmistakable friendly Yorkshire locals. Bags were whisked away, a glass of sparkling tea was placed in my hand, and before I knew it, I was being handed the key to my room.
We were lucky enough to be staying in the Orchard Suite, which is complete with an emperor sized bed, private terrace with an outdoor freestanding bathtub, and separate living area.
No detail has been overlooked in the rooms and suites. In the Orchard Suite, the bed is a rich velvet red, with two armchairs to match at the foot of it. The soft pink walls and dim lighting feel calming, while the pops of vibrant red and a striped ottoman feel lavish and indulgent. The ensuite bathroom features a double vanity unit and walk-in shower, while the standalone bathtub outside demands a bottle of champagne and a long soak.
Another suite – The Nest – even has its own reading nook in the original 19th century hall which overlooks the orchard from its top-floor vantage point.
Later, we managed to pull ourselves away from our room for a walk around the hotel’s grounds, although we didn’t stretch quite as far as the North York moors which are loved by many for walking, cycling, and horse riding along hundreds of paths and tracks that cross the 500 square miles of land.
All things food is led by Head Chef Adam Maddock, the former Head Chef of The Fife Arms in Braemar. Joining him as Consulting Exec Chef is award-winning chef Tommy Banks – one of the UK’s most innovative restaurateurs behind the Michelin-starred The Black Swan at Oldstead and Roots York. Tommy was raised just across the moors from Saltmoore in Oldstead and comes from a farming background and commitment to local produce, so it’s no surprise that dining at Saltmoore is a combination of simple, unfussy dishes using only local produce.
The Brasserie at Saltmoore is the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, and coming soon there’ll be another and more immersive fine dining experience available, too – Calluna.
The Latin name for heather and the name of the variety that grows on the North Yorkshire moorlands, Calluna will represent Maddock and Banks’ dedication to elevated yet uncomplicated cuisine. Gastronomic experiences and events will include masterclasses and guest chef pop-ups, and in the summer months there’ll be live music and barbecues al fresco on the terrace.
When I wasn’t eating or drinking my way through a stay at Saltmoore, I found myself being continually pulled to the hotel’s spa. The phrase state-of-the-art can be thrown around a lot, but at Saltmoore, it’s not an overstatement.
Complete with an indoor heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and relaxation room, as well as five treatment rooms – it sounds like what you’d expect from a hotel spa. But Saltmoore goes a step or two further.
Guests also have access to a cryotherapy chamber, a Brass Monkey Ice Bath, and a Wellness Café which serves fresh smoothies, bone broth, seasonal salads, and protein shakes.
The Sanctuary at Saltmoore – as it’s officially known – is entirely glass fronted and looks out over the hotel’s gardens, so whether you’re sitting in the jacuzzi or swimming lengths in the pool you feel utterly surrounded by nature, and when you’re lying on one of the indoor sun loungers, you’re bathing in warm light that beams through the glass.
In February of this year, Saltmoore also opened another property just a stone’s throw from Saltmoore House. Located within the same grounds, The Beach House is a 29-bedroom property with a slightly different feeling.
Some bedrooms are more snug and have views of the local woodland, while others feature private outdoor terraces with bathtubs. There’s also a Saltwick Suite and The Sandsend Suite – both of which feature typical coastal-inspired interiors like wood paneling and ocean tones, as well as freestanding bathtubs and separate lounge areas.
Saltmoore is undoubtedly a welcome addition to North Yorkshire, and gives visitors even more reason to visit beyond its beautiful sandy beaches and quaint seaside towns.
Room rates start from £350 for a midweek stay at both Saltmoore House and The Beach House. At the weekend, rates start from £420.
Sandsend Road, Whitby YO21 3ST
