Woodland Luxury in South Devon: A Stay at Dittisham Hideaway ★★★★★
Luxury Glamping in Devon
There are certain places that manage to stop you in your tracks the moment you arrive. The kind of places where the air feels fresher, time slows down and everyday life quietly melts into the background. Hidden among the rolling hills and ancient woodland of South Devon, Dittisham Hideaway is exactly that sort of place — an escape so peaceful and beautifully designed that within moments of arriving, you begin wondering how soon you can return.
Set in a secluded woodland near the idyllic riverside village of Dittisham, this luxury retreat offers a collection of cedar-clad treehouses, shepherd lodges and an iconic 1950s American Airstream, all thoughtfully positioned among the trees to create a true sense of privacy and immersion in nature. It feels wonderfully remote, yet perfectly placed for exploring one of the UK’s most desirable coastal regions.
We stayed in one of the treehouses and quickly realised this wasn’t simply a countryside break — it was one of the loveliest places we’ve ever stayed.
Designed to sleep two adults, up to three children and an infant, the treehouses strike that rare balance between rustic charm and boutique luxury. Although elevated among the woodland, everything is incredibly accessible, and the positioning is so cleverly done that you genuinely feel tucked away in your own private corner of the forest. There are no distractions here; no noise from neighbouring guests, no interruptions — only birdsong, rustling leaves and the occasional crackle of firewood drifting through the trees.
Outside, each treehouse comes with its own expansive private deck complete with a hammock, outdoor dining area, seasonal barbecue, sun loungers and a traditional wood-fired cedar hot tub. Evenings quickly fell into a blissful routine: lighting the fire beneath the hot tub, pouring a glass of wine and watching the woodland slowly darken around us while our little dog happily explored the deck before curling up by the stove indoors. Three of the four treehouses are dog friendly, making this an ideal retreat for those unwilling to leave their four-legged companions behind.
Step inside and the attention to detail becomes even more impressive. The interiors are beautifully styled, blending natural textures and rich timber finishes with luxurious comforts throughout. Egyptian cotton bedding, underfloor heating, a wood-burning stove and two immaculate en-suite bathrooms create an atmosphere that feels both indulgent and deeply relaxing. The fully equipped kitchen is spacious enough for proper family cooking, while thoughtful touches such as books, board games, Wi-Fi, hot chocolate, fresh milk and even dog treats make the experience feel effortlessly welcoming from the moment you arrive.
What elevates Dittisham Hideaway beyond simply being a beautiful place to stay is the atmosphere across the site itself. Wandering through the woodland paths at dusk, there’s an almost storybook quality to the setting. Families gather around fire pits, couples soak in steaming hot tubs beneath the trees and children run between hidden woodland trails and outdoor games areas. Scattered throughout the site are little surprises — a teepee tucked among the trees, hammocks swaying gently in the breeze and quiet woodland nooks that invite you to pause and simply enjoy the surroundings.
Discover beautiful South Devon
And then there’s South Devon itself.
The location of Dittisham Hideaway places you in the heart of the South Hams, one of England’s most breathtaking regions. Here, winding estuaries meet dramatic coastline, hidden coves sit beneath rolling green hills and postcard-perfect harbour towns feel untouched by time. It’s little wonder this stretch of coastline has become one of the UK’s most coveted staycation destinations.
During our stay, the area was alive with the energy of the Salcombe Crab Festival — an event that perfectly captured the magic of South Devon in late summer. Salcombe’s narrow streets were transformed into a vibrant celebration of food, music and coastal living. Artisan makers lined the town with stalls selling everything from handcrafted ceramics to local produce, while incredible street food vendors filled the air with the smell of fresh seafood and wood-fired cooking.
Every pub seemed to have live music spilling onto the streets, terraces overflowed with people enjoying the sunshine and the beaches were packed with paddleboarders, swimmers and families soaking up the glorious weather. There was an unmistakable buzz in the air — lively but relaxed, sophisticated but unpretentious. It felt like the very best version of a British seaside holiday.
And yet, despite South Devon’s reputation as one of the country’s most desirable destinations, Dittisham Hideaway somehow still feels refreshingly attainable. This is luxury without the stiffness often associated with high-end escapes. It’s thoughtful, beautifully designed and genuinely comfortable — the kind of place where muddy dogs are welcome, children can roam freely and adults can completely switch off.
Beyond Salcombe, the surrounding area offers endless opportunities for exploration. Dartmouth, just a short drive away, is one of Devon’s most beautiful harbour towns, with pastel-coloured houses climbing the hillsides above the River Dart. Independent boutiques, waterside restaurants and historic streets make it perfect for an afternoon wandering, while nearby Dartmouth Castle and Bayard’s Cove offer fascinating glimpses into the region’s maritime history.
The village of Dittisham itself is equally enchanting. Sitting quietly on the banks of the River Dart, this tiny waterside village is all winding lanes, colourful cottages and bobbing boats. Ferries glide along the estuary, kayakers drift past waterside pubs and life seems to move at an altogether gentler pace.
For beach lovers, South Devon delivers some of the finest coastline in the country. Blackpool Sands, with its crystal-clear water and evergreen backdrop, feels almost Mediterranean on a sunny day, while nearby Slapton Sands and Beesands offer quieter stretches of unspoiled shoreline. Walkers, meanwhile, are spoiled by the South West Coast Path, where dramatic sea views and hidden coves unfold around every headland.
Further inland, Dartmoor National Park offers a completely different landscape of wild moorland, ancient forests and rugged granite tors — all within easy reach for a day trip.
But despite everything the surrounding area has to offer, there was always something deeply comforting about returning to the woodland stillness of Dittisham Hideaway each evening. Lighting the wood burner, sinking into the hot tub beneath the trees and listening to the sounds of the forest became part of a rhythm we didn’t want to leave behind.
Some places simply offer accommodation. Others create experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home. Dittisham Hideaway belongs firmly in the latter category — a rare blend of luxury, nature and escapism in one of the most beautiful corners of the UK.
Our verdict: ★★★★★
We left already planning our next visit.