Whitby is such a tourist magnet — thanks to its Dracula backstory, with brooding abbey ruins and an unbeatable position between the North York Moors and a dramatic stretch of coastline — that it always seemed baffling it didn’t have a truly great hotel.
That anomaly was finally corrected when Saltmoore opened at the tail end of 2024. Set back from the sea at Sandsend, just five minutes’ drive from Whitby, this spa‑led retreat brings a level of polish and ambition the area has long deserved.
The estate spans 85 acres of woodland, with 72 rooms spread across two distinct hotels: the romantic, grown‑up Saltmoore House, and the more affordable, family‑friendly Beach House, which opened in early 2024. Both share a design language that feels coastal without cliché think chalky whites, soft greys, natural textures and a sense of calm that mirrors the North Sea on a still morning!
Rooms are generous and thoughtfully composed. High ceilings, plush beds dressed in crisp cotton and bathrooms that feel like mini‑spas: walk‑in rainfall showers, deep tubs in the larger categories, heated floors and full size botanical toiletries. Amenities are quietly luxurious – fast Wi‑Fi, proper workspaces, curated minibars and small touches like pillow mists and herbal teas that make late‑night arrivals feel cared for.
Saltmoore’s dining options are unusually varied for a coastal retreat. There’s a classy brasserie for long lunches and seafood suppers, an informal pizzeria for relaxed evenings, and a healthy café that caters to early risers and wellness‑minded travellers. If the North Sea proves a little bracing, the estate’s spa offers heated indoor pools, saunas and botanical treatments designed to soothe both jet lag and laptop shoulders.
What sets Saltmoore apart is its sense of glamour. Unsurprising given its owner, entrepreneur and former Love Island contestant Montana Brown, whose vision blends escapism with modern luxury. Yet the hotel never feels showy. Instead, it’s warm, polished and deeply connected to its landscape.
Whitby itself remains one of England’s most unusual coastal escapes. Gothic, atmospheric, creative and framed by some of the country’s most dramatic scenery.
How we review
Travelling for Business pays for the rooms, flights and products we review unless we explicitly say otherwise. We never accept paid reviews or gifted stays in exchange for coverage.
