Meet the Team

General Manager

Having worked for Brend Hotels for more than 28 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. 

Hotel Manager

I am responsible for making sure all areas of the Hotels environment run smoothly and work well together. I have been with the company for 13 years offering both a friendly face to guests and a helping hand to team members.

What is your favourite thing about Saunton? The location 

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.

PA to Director

Since starting as a front desk receptionist at only 18 years old, I am now celebrating more than 21 years of working for the company. As Peter Brend’s personal assistant, I am responsible for coordinating diaries, booking meetings, organising events and note-taking during Head of Department meetings. 

What is your favourite thing about Saunton? Working with an incredible team and making life-long friendships. That, alongside the stunning location and view of course! 

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!

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.

Housekeeping Manager

I have worked at Saunton for more than 13 years. Since previously managing the restaurant and bar teams,  I am now the manager of Housekeeping. I oversee the entire housekeeping operation and team on a daily basis, looking after all public areas, bedrooms and apartments, aiming to provide the highest level of care and service to all residents.

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

Front of House 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. My job is to ensure a warm welcome and great guest service

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. 

Food and Beverage Manager

Having recently joined the team here at Saunton, I am hoping to be a fresh pair of eyes and put my 13 years of hospitality experience to use, refining the food and beverage department and building upon an already impressive reputation for the hotel and restaurant. 

What is your favourite thing about Saunton? The relationships you build with guests over time, I’ve already met plenty of ‘regulars’ and am looking forward to seeing them all again.

Restaurant 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.

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. 

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.

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!