There are some rare moments in family life when everything seems to align. The children are happy, the grown-ups are relaxed, and the setting feels designed to make both possible at once. That was our experience as a family at Saltmoore – a much-hyped, relatively new, coastal retreat on the edge of Whitby that promises calm, coastal-luxe living while still being family-friendly.
As a journalist and content creator, I’m often fortunate enough to stay in beautiful places, but some real life realness here… it’s always a gamble taking two energetic boys along. Will it be too formal? Too fragile? Too ‘grown-up’? Saltmoore’s Beach House, I discovered, manages that delicate balance of luxury and family with remarkable ease.
A Calm, Coastal-Luxe Haven
We were staying in the Saltwick Suite, tucked inside the Beach House, which is a gorgeous almost castle-esque building just 300 yards from the main Saltmoore House, yetit feels like a tranquil retreat of its own. From the moment we opened the door, I felt that exhale moment: light pouring in through a bay window, gorgeous views swaying outside from our small but perfectly formed balcony, plus (an absolute highlight) that stunning freestanding bath just waiting for bubbles! The decor was elegant but not intimidating, modern but with coastal touches that rooted us firmly in Whitby’s shoreline.
The boys immediately laid claim to their space (the generous lounge area doubled up as their bedroom and “den”), while the husband and I marvelled at the emperor-sized bed and our own private terrace. Note to selves; come back for a romantic adult-only trip sometime soon!
The Beach House Vibe
The Beach House itself is a stylish hideaway; a place you can drift back to after adventures at the nearby beach or in Whitby town itself, or never leave at all. Its lounge and bar area had a laid-back elegance, perfect for an afternoon glass of wine or a pre-dinner drink. One evening, after a busy day in Whitby, we curled up here together before wandering back to our suite and it felt like having our own private members club by the sea.
And while the Beach House is close to Saltmoore House, the hotel doesn’t miss an opportunity to allow for a little extra fun, Guests can hop into a golf buggy for the short journey between the two buildings. We tried it both ways: with robes on for our spa visit – which was suggested by the hugely helpful staff – and then again later, when dressed up for dinner. The boys thought it was hilarious, and I have to admit, there was something delightfully boujee about gliding through the grounds in a buggy, wrapped in a Saltmoore dressing gown.
Spa Time, Family Time
The Sanctuary at Saltmoore Spa at Saltmoore House deserves a moment of its own. Many luxury retreats shy away from mixing children with wellness spaces, but Saltmoore gets it just right. Family splash times run daily from 7am – 9am and again from 5pm – 6pm, which meant the boys could swim and play together without us worrying about disturbing anyone. They absolutely loved it, perhaps this was the highlight of the trip for them I think. Watching them splashing, full of joy, then chilling on the beds by the pool, while we alternated between the sauna and steam room, was the perfect compromise.
It was the little touches that elevated the experience further. The private changing spaces made everything calmer, easier, and more discreet than the usual crowded spa environment. And for me, the GHD styling tools provided in the spa changing area were a godsend! No hurried hair-drying with a weak hotel dryer, but proper kit that made me feel polished again before dinner. It’s such a small detail, but it made a huge difference, and it’s exactly this kind of thoughtfulness that makes Saltmoore feel a cut above.
Dinner in the Main House
Evenings were a highlight. Once ferried over to the Main House, we settled into the Brasserie for dinner. The atmosphere struck that sweet spot between elegant and relaxed, with fresh, seasonal dishes that felt rooted in Yorkshire while being polished enough for a luxury hotel dining room. Our boys can be fussy eaters, but even they tucked in happily – which, as any parent knows, feels like a victory.
One night, after dinner, we lingered over dessert while the boys chattered about their favourite parts of the day. I realised I wasn’t doing that constant parental calculation; “Are they tired? Are they noisy? Is this too formal?” Saltmoore had created an environment where everyone felt welcome. And that, more than anything, allowed us to properly relax.
Adventures by the Sea
Of course, part of Saltmoore’s magic is its location. The Beach House sits just a short walk from the sands and is therefore perfect for sandy-toed adventures, stone skimming, and blustery walks.
We also ventured into Whitby itself, which is just a few minutes away. The cobbled streets and fish-and-chip shops are as charming as ever, and we couldn’t resist a climb up the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey. The best part was knowing that within minutes, we could be back in the calm embrace of Saltmoore.
Making Memories
Some of my favourite moments weren’t the headline experiences, but the quiet in-betweens. Playing games together in the suite’s lounge. Watching the boys call dibs on the golf buggy seats. Standing on the terrace at dusk. It was in these little moments that Saltmoore really worked its magic. Because luxury travel isn’t just about chandeliers and fine dining; it’s about creating the space to reconnect as a family, to press pause on everyday chaos, and to come home with memories that feel golden.
Would We Go Back?
Without hesitation, yes. Saltmoore managed to feel indulgent enough that my husband and I felt spoiled, yet welcoming enough that the boys were completely at ease. It’s a rare combination, and one that means we’re already daydreaming about our next visit.
Find out more and book your stay here: https://saltmoore.co.uk/
Stays in the Saltwick Suite at the Beach House start from around £600 per night in peak summer weekends (approx. £1,200+ for a two-night stay for two adults and two children, including spa access when booking direct).
Review and images by Victoria Reddington @vic_reddington
