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Meet the Team

Peter Brend, Director

Passionate People

Led by Hotel Director, Peter Brend, Saunton Sands Hotel is a team of passionate people, with a warm and welcoming ethos that embraces everything we do. We are proud to be a part of the family-owned and run Brend Collection and of our hotel’s exceptional reputation for providing fantastic hospitality. We strive to create the most enriching and rewarding experiences for our guests – which is why they choose to stay with us again and again. 

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Anthony Kingdon, General Manager

Anthony Kingdon

General Manager

Having worked for the Brend Collection for more than 29 years, my role is to oversee the daily hotel operations, being responsible for all hotel services which include guest relations, housekeeping, maintenance, revenue management and employee development. 

What is your favourite thing about Saunton? The guests, the team and of course our fantastic location. 

Staff Saunton Sands hotel | Jack Brend

Jack Brend

Assistant Hotel Manager

My role is to assist in daily operations, overseeing guest services, staff coordination and problem resolution, ensuring a smooth and exceptional guest experience. I am proud to contribute to a family-run business where excellent levels of service are at the heart of everything we do.

What is your favourite thing about Saunton? The location...what more can I say!

Kevin Burnett, front of house manager

Kevin Burnett

Assistant Hotel Manager

I joined the Brend Group in 2009, and left Cornwall and move to Devon in 2017 which is when I joined the Saunton team. I oversee and coordinate all of the front-of-house teams including guest relations, porterage, and housekeeping.

What is your favourite thing about Saunton? It’s great to be a part of something which has so much legacy and constantly evolves in such a beautiful place. 

Liz Toogood

Liz Toogood

Rates & Revenue Manager

I am now celebrating my 23rd year with Brend Hotels. My role is to use data and other information to forecast future levels of demand, with a view to optimising our strategy and managing reservations.

What is your favourite thing about Saunton? The people - both the guests and colleagues.

Stella Lethaby, Human Resources Manager

Stella Lethaby

Human Resources Manager

Although I am now based at head office, I have worked for the company for 9 years and have been based at Saunton Sands Hotel for over 7 of those years. I run the Human Resources and payroll functions for Saunton, including recruitment, performance management, absence management, employee engagement and retention. I also manage the Brend Training Academy and look after all of the Brend Apprentices across the Brend Group.

What is your favourite thing about Saunton? The people!

Head Chef Mathias Oberg

Mathias Oberg

Executive Head Chef

I have cooked at multi-Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide, but decided to leave the frenetic buzz of service at London's Shard to cook by the beach - and I've never looked back! Leading the kitchens at Saunton, my approach to menus focuses on serving the freshest of ingredients, sourcing locally, and cooking simple food in innovative and exciting ways.

Ania Sala, Housekeeping Manager

Ania Sala

Guest Services and Housekeeping Manager

I have worked at Saunton for more than 16 years. Since previously managing the restaurant and bar teams,  I am now Guest Services and Housekeeping Manager.  I oversee all aspects of guest services to ensure a seamless and positive experience for all our guests. Additionally, I manage the entire housekeeping operation and team on a daily basis, striving to provide the highest level of care and service to all of our guests.

What is your favourite thing about Saunton? I love working for a family business and feeling like part of the family. 

Alex Reed, Food & Beverage Manager

Alex Reed

Events Manager

I have been at Saunton Sands for almost 3 years.  After a successful two years as Food and Beverage Manager, I am now The Events Manager, responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all aspects of events held within the hotel. With 13 years of hospitality experience, I bring a wealth of industry knowledge and a passion for creating exceptional events that leave lasting impresssions.

What is your favourite thing about Saunton? The stunning coastal backdrop and the chance to create unforgettable tailored events.

Liam Bailey, Restaurant Manager

Liam Bailey

Food and Beverage Manager

Having worked for Brend Hotels for 7 years, I have been at Saunton Sands for 2 of them and was awarded 'Apprentice of the year' in 2019. I have a huge passion for hospitality and love giving our diners an experience of a lifetime, working hard to create a warm and welcoming environment for all of our wonderful guests and staff.

What is your favourite thing about Saunton? Leading a team within one of North Devon's flagship hotels and building a relationship with both guests and staff.

Jasmine Tucker, Spa Manager

Jasmine Tucker

Spa Manager

I have worked at Saunton for just over 3 years and was recently promoted to Spa Manager earlier this year. In my role as the Spa Manager, I ensure the spa is always running to the highest of standards with Spa days, Treatments and Spa Breaks &  just generally oversee the spa.

What is your favourite thing about Saunton? My favourite thing about Saunton is how everyone is like one big family and the stunning coastal views I can see whilst I’m working. 

Natasha Burgess, Spa Membership Manager

Natasha Burgess

Spa Membership Manager

I joined Saunton 8 months ago and I am in charge of the memberships at Source Spa and Wellness. This includes taking prospective members on tours around the spa, being ‘the face’ of memberships for our Source Spa and Wellness members, coordinating the fitness timetable, arranging members' events and keeping the members in the loop and happy. I also teach fitness classes within our timetable, introducing some dance-based classes to the timetable including ‘All Style Dance Workout’. 

What is your favourite thing about Saunton? The breathtaking view at Saunton and our brand new fitness studio.

Antonia Wren, Playroom Manager

Antonia Wren

Playroom Manager 

I have worked at Saunton for more than 19 years. I organise a range of children’s activities and manage the playroom, ensuring the kids have a lovely time during their time in the kids club. 

What is your favourite thing about Saunton? Building relationships with the regular children who return year after year - watching them grow up from babies to toddlers, to grown-ups!

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