Saltmoore: Award-Winning Recognition in just 18 months of trading
Since opening its doors in November 2024, Saltmoore has rapidly established itself as one of the UK’s most exciting luxury hospitality destinations. In less than a year, the coastal wellness retreat in Sandsend, North Yorkshire, has earned some of the industry’s most respected accolades and being acknowledged by some of the most respected names in travel, dining and wellbeing. — a remarkable achievement for a newly reimagined hotel estate. boutiquehotelier.com
Saltmoore Continues Its Award‑Winning Momentum Into 2026
Condé Nast Traveller: Nominated in the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
In 2026, Saltmoore was nominated for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, placing the retreat among the most admired hotels in the world as voted for by global travellers.
This nomination is particularly significant as it reflects direct guest sentiment, recognising destinations that deliver memorable experiences, distinctive design and a strong sense of place. Being shortlisted by one of the most influential luxury travel publications underscores Saltmoore’s growing international profile and appeal.
Top 50 – The Times & The Sunday Times: Best Places to Stay Awards – 2026
Saltmoore was also named in the Top 50 Best Places to Stay in The Times & The Sunday Times Best Places to Stay Awards 2026. This highly respected list celebrates hotels that demonstrate excellence across hospitality, design, food and overall experience.
Earning a place in the Top 50 further cements Saltmoore’s reputation as a standout destination not just regionally, but nationally, and highlights the consistency of quality delivered since opening.
Number One – The Times: Best Seaside Hotels in the UK – 2026
Capping off an outstanding year, Saltmoore was ranked Number One in The Times’ Best Seaside Hotels in the UK for 2026 — the publication’s highest possible accolade within the category.
This recognition acknowledges Saltmoore’s unique blend of coastal location, wellness‑led offering and contemporary luxury, setting it apart from established and long‑standing seaside destinations across the country. Achieving the top position reflects both the ambition of the original vision and the excellence of its execution.
Awards & Accolades in 2025:
Best Beach Hotel – The Times & Sunday Times 100 Best Places to Stay 2025
Named Best Beach Hotel, The Times & The Sunday Times: Best Places to Stay Awards – 2025
Just months after welcoming its first guests, Saltmoore was named Best Beach Hotel in The Times & The Sunday Times 100 Best Places to Stay 2025. The award recognised the retreat’s unique coastal setting, refined interiors and emphasis on restorative experiences rooted in nature — an exceptional endorsement for a hotel still in its first season of operation.
Securing a place on this influential national list within four months of opening highlights both the strength of Saltmoore’s concept and the quality of its execution.
Two MICHELIN Keys – A Global Mark of Excellence
In 2025, Saltmoore was awarded Two MICHELIN Keys, placing it among the UK’s most outstanding places to stay. Introduced by the MICHELIN Guide as the hotel equivalent of MICHELIN Stars, Keys recognise properties that deliver exceptional hospitality, design and sense of place.
Two Keys are awarded only to hotels offering an exceptional experience, positioning Saltmoore alongside some of the most celebrated boutique and luxury destinations in the world — an extraordinary milestone less than a year after opening.
National Geographic Hotel Awards 2025 – Wellness Haven Recognition
National Geographic: Runner-up “Wellness Haven” at the Hotel Awards 2025.
Saltmoore’s wellness‑led approach also gained international recognition when it was named Runner‑Up for “Wellness Haven” at the National Geographic Hotel Awards 2025. The accolade celebrated Saltmoore’s “very British spin on wellness”, drawing on the dramatic landscape where the North York Moors meet the North Sea. thenorthernecho.co.uk
Judges highlighted the retreat’s integration of outdoor swimming, nature‑led exploration and carefully considered spa experiences — all designed to encourage guests to slow down, reset and reconnect with their surroundings.
MICHELIN Guide Recommended: The Brasserie at Saltmoore – 2025
The Sanctuary at Saltmoore was Awarded 5 Bubbles in The Good Spa Guide – 2025
A Landmark First Year for a New Coastal Retreat
These accolades build on what has already been an exceptional first year for Saltmoore, following its reopening in November 2024 as a 72‑room luxury wellness retreat comprising Saltmoore House and The Beach House. The estate’s transformation has played a central role in repositioning Sandsend and the wider Whitby area as a destination for high‑quality, design‑led hospitality. boutiquehotelier.com
At PLACE Group, we are proud to have supported the delivery of Saltmoore alongside an outstanding project team, helping to bring this ambitious vision to life. The recognition received to date is a testament to the collaboration, creativity and technical excellence involved at every stage of development.
Looking Ahead
With the holiday homes of Saltmoore Collection due to complete shortly, and continued investment across the estate, Saltmoore’s early success marks only the beginning of its journey. Its first year has firmly established the retreat as one of the UK’s most celebrated new hotel openings — setting a strong foundation for future growth and long‑term success.
