Part-owned by Love Island alumna Montana Brown, this chic bolthole on the dramatic North Yorkshire coast is a dreamy spot for rest, relaxation and first-rate dining
Location
Saltmoore is located an easy 10-minute walk from Sandsend and its golden stretch of coast. Surrounded by picturesque gardens, the hotel feels serene, despite being just steps away from a main road. It’s approximately two and a half miles northwest of the Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby, known for its dramatic abbey ruins and harbour.
Whitby is the nearest station, where direct services primarily run to Middlesborough, with a handful of direct trains to Newcastle per week. Visitors travelling by car from the south should take the A64 from York before changing to the A169 from Pickering, a picturesque route that traverses the top of the North Yorkshire Moors. Travellers coming from the north should take the A171 south from Middlesborough. The Arriva North East X4 bus service between Middlesborough and Whitby also stops on the A174, just minutes from Saltmoore.
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The vibe
Saltmoore opened its doors in November 2024, following a major £100m redevelopment of former hotel The Raithwaite Estate, which was once a local shipping magnate’s country retreat and dates back to the 19th century. But there’s nothing vintage about Saltmoore. For a start, it’s owned by a reality TV star Love Island’s Montana Brown, and her property mogul fiance Mark O’Connor.
The result is serene and stylish. Saltmoore offers a warm Yorkshire welcome with a colour palette that is earthy and muted, while the coastal location contributes to a feeling of getting back to nature. The entire estate comprises 85 acres, including landscaped gardens and a lake, but the main house feels quite cosy.
The focus is very much on rest and recuperation, meaning no loud music or frenzied staff; your shoulders will drop within minutes of entering.
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Service
Professional, informed and personable, there’s a sense that staff genuinely enjoy working here. The spa team are chatty and welcoming, while restaurant staff are passionate and knowledgeable about both the produce and giving top-notch service.
Bed and bath
Saltmoore comprises 43 contemporary rooms in Saltmoore House and 29 rooms in the Beach House, from its smallest Snug rooms to a selection of suites and cottages. Colour schemes reflect the nearby moors and sands, with heather, gorse and greens well represented throughout, alongside vintage pieces and tactile furnishings.
Master rooms include four-poster emperor beds, freestanding bathtubs, double sinks and walk-in rainforest showers. Suites include outdoor terraces, reading nooks and outdoor bathtubs.
All rooms come equipped with either a ghd or Dyson hairdryer, Wildsmith skin products, Egyptian cotton sheets, smart TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
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Food and drink
Food at the main restaurant, Michelin Guide-recommended Brasserie, is headed up by Adam Maddock, whose focus is on classic dishes that make the best of local Yorkshire produce.
I visited on a Sunday, meaning I was offered the Sunday roast – and it did not disappoint. My beef was tender and cured in black treacle; Yorkshire puddings were fluffy and golden brown, and sufficient gravy was provided. The pigeon starter was pink and succulent, while the chocolate and chicory pudding was decadent and delicious. Meals are “Yorkshire portions,” so guests should leave plenty of room.
There are several vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available, though the kitchen caveat that they cannot guarantee that any of their dishes are totally allergen-free.
Breakfast is served in the light-filled Orangerie, where elaborate, giant dried-flower garlands are suspended from the ceilings. My omelette Arnold Bennett took nearly 30 minutes to arrive, but was worth the wait.
Guests can enjoy afternoon tea and cocktails in the Orangerie Bar, and a pre-dinner tipple or nightcap in the cosy Lounge Bar in the main house. Try classic cocktails such as a Kir Royale, or the hotel’s “Sandsend” spin on the Negroni.
Other food and drink options include The Beach House, a relaxed spot serving up pizza and pasta dishes that’s also home to a bar, and the Wellness Cafe, offering bone broths and nutrition bowls. At The Terrace guests can enjoy drinks or dine al fresco in the warmer months, and Calluna, an “immersive fine dining restaurant”, is planned to open at Saltmoore later in 2026.
Facilities
Saltmoore’s piece de resistance is its restorative, natural light-flooded Sanctuary Spa. There’s a 17 metre indoor pool to float around in, plus a steam room, sauna, hot tub, ice bath and even a cryo chamber.
While non-guests can book packages at the spa, there is a sensible cap on the number of visitors, meaning it never feels too busy and loungers are always available. Treatments include massages and facials, and there’s a small gym with free weights, a rowing machine, treadmill, and a SkiErg machine.
Outside, there’s a small lake to sit beside, and guests can take a tour of the no-dig kitchen garden. Staff can also assist with arranging a host of activities in the local area, from surfing to cycling, or taking part in a run club.
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Accessibility
Three rooms have fully accessible en-suite bathrooms designed for guests with reduced mobility. These include roll-in showers with grab rails, a fold-down shower seat, raised toilet and a lowered sink with space for wheelchair access.
Pet policy
Dogs are welcome at Saltmoore for a fee of £25 per pet, per evening. There are five pet-friendly rooms at the Beach House, plus eight pet-friendly cottages adjacent to the main house. While dogs are not permitted in the Brasserie or spa, they are welcome in the Orangerie and on the terrace.
Check-in/check-out
Check-in from 3pm, check-out by 11am.
Family friendly?
A children’s menu is available day and night in the Brasserie and Orangerie. Children are welcome to use the spa swimming pool during the designated family swim times of 7am to 9am, and 5pm to 6pm daily.
At a glance
Best thing: The sense of tranquility that imbues the hotel.
Perfect for: R&R with a friend or partner.
Not right for: A rowdy group getaway.
Instagram from: The beach. Guests prepared to tear themselves out of bed can look forward to a wonderful sunrise just minutes away.
Joanna was a guest of Saltmoore.
Address: Sandsend Road, Whitby YO21 3ST
Phone: 01947 661 661
Website: saltmoore.co.uk
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