Regenerative Tourism & Environmental Policy

At Saunton Sands, we believe our responsibility goes beyond simply reducing our environmental impact. As part of a family-owned collection of hotels rooted in Devon & Cornwall for generations, we are committed to helping protect, support and positively contribute to places, communities and landscapes that make this part of the world so special.

The coastlines, countryside and communities surrounding our hotels are at the heart of the guests' experience we provide. From sweeping beaches and dunes surrounding Saunton Sands to the countryside and harbours across Devon and Cornwall, we recognise the importance of caring for these environments not only for today's guests but for future generations to enjoy.

Our approach combines environmental responsibility with regenerative tourism principles, focusing not only on reducing harm, but on supporting the long-term well-being of our local communities, natural landscapes and regional economy. 

Our Commitment 

We are committed to continually improving our environmental performance across all areas of our business by: 

• Reducing our carbon footprint and energy consumption
• Supporting local communities and suppliers 
• Protecting biodiversity and sensitive natural environments 
• Reducing waste and unnecessary plastic use
• Encouraging responsible tourism
• Supporting local employment and skills development 
• Investing in renewable energy and efficient technologies 
• Promoting year-round sustainable tourism 
• Continually reviewing and improving our environmental practices 

Our dedicated environmental and operational teams work across all hotels to monitor energy use, reduce waste, improve efficiency, and identify new opportunities to operate more sustainably.

Supporting Local Communities 

As a local family business, we believe tourism should positively contribute to the communities that make Devon and Cronall so unique. We are proud to support local employment opportunities across our hotel and continually invest in the training, development and future careers of our teams.

Wherever possible, we prioritise working with local suppliers and producers, helping to strengthen regional businesses whilst reducing unnecessary transportation and food miles. Many of our suppliers are located in close proximity to our hotels, helping us maintain strong relationships with the surrounding communities.

We also value opportunities to work alongside local schools, colleges, charities and community organisations supporting skills development, hospitality careers and community initiatives across the region.

By encouraging guests to explore independent businesses, local attractions and authentic regional experiences, with arranged exclusive guest discounts, we aim to ensure tourism benefits the wider local economy. We also promote year-round travel and off-season breaks to help support a more sustainable visitor economy beyond the peak summer months.

Nature Restoration & Biodiversity 

We recognise that protecting the environment is not only about reducing our impact, but also about helping the natural world thrive. Surrounded by some of the UK's most spectacular coastline, countryside and wildlife habitats, we understand the importance of preserving and enhancing the landscapes that make Devon and Cornwall so special.

As proud partners of the North Devon Biosphere, we are committed to supporting biodiversity, conservation and responsible stewardship across the regions in which we operate.  

We are also committed to reducing plastic waste across our operations through initiatives such as removing plastic straws, introducing refillable toilitries, using reusable containers where possible and continually reviewing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics and packaging.

Beach cleans, dune protection, responsible waste management and reducing pollution all form part of our wider commitment to protecting the natural environment and preserving these landscapes for future generations. 

Alongside this, we continue to review opportunities to improve water efficiency and reduce our environmental footprint across all areas of the business.

Renewable Energy & Carbon Reduction 

Reducing our carbon footprint remains a key priority. Over the past 10 years, we have reduced our carbon emissions across the group by the more than 6,000 tonnes through investment in renewable energy, energy-efficient systems and operational improvements. 

We operate a biomass woodchip boiler, currently providing approximatley 70% renewable energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact across all of our hotels.

Waste Reduction & Recycling 

Reducing waste and improving recycling practices remains a major focus throughout our hotels and restaurants.
Across the group, we recycle metal, glass, plastic, cardboard and paper, with more than 95% of our waste diverted away from landfill through recycling and reuse initiatives.

Food waste generated across our hotels is processed through Andigestion, where it is converted into renewable energy, helping reduce landfill waste whilst supporting green energy production within the South West.

We also continue to review operational practices to reduce unnecessary waste, improve resource efficiency and encourage more sustainable purchasing decisions across the business. 

Responsible Food & Drink 

We are committed to sourcing responsibly and supporting regional producers wherever possible. 

Across our hotels and restaurants, we purchase as much local fish, meat, dairy, and produce as possible, helping support local businesses whilst reducing unnecessary food miles. Seasonal sourcing and responsible procurement remain an important part of our approach to food and hospitality. 

We also continue to review opportunities to reduce food waste, improve kitchen efficiency and promote more sustainable dining practices across the group.

Sustainable Guest Experience

We encourage guests to enjoy our area responsibly whilst helping to preserve the landscapes and communities that make the region so special.

Initiatives include: 

• Electric vehicle charging points 
• Low-energy LED lighting 
• Refillable toiletries in selected hotels
• Reusable flip-flops
• Encouraging responsible waste disposal and recycling 
• Promoting local experiences, walking routes and outdoor activities
• Refillable water stations on each floor

Spa & Wellness Products 

At Source Spa & Wellness, we carefully select products that align with our environmental values wherever possible. 

We are pleased to introduce our new refillable Source Spa bathroom amenities across all guest bathrooms. This project was driven by several key objectives: reducing single-use plastics, creating a more sustainable in-room offering, strengthening awareness of the Source Spa brand, and you can purchase them to take a little bit of Saunton home with you. 

Our products use botanically sourced ingredients derived from herbs, plants and flowers and are free from SLS, MI (Methylisothiazolinone) and MCI. These products are also cruelty-free and not tested on animals. iS clinical products are likewise certified cruelty-free. 

Looking Ahead

We recognise that sustainability and regenerative tourism are ongoing journeys and not fixed achievements. As environmental challenges continue to evolve, so too will our approach. 

We remain committed to continually reviewing our operations, investing in sustainable technologies, supporting our local communities and protecting the landscapes that define Devon & Cornwall. 

By working together with our teams, guests, suppliers and communities, we hope to ensure these extraordinary places remain vibrant, thriving and welcoming for generations to come.