If you’re searching for luxury lodges with hot tubs in Devon, look no further than The Mole Resort. Nestled in the rolling hills of North Devon, this resort blends countryside charm with high-end comfort—ideal for families, couples, and relaxation seekers alike.. We all know that when it comes to holidaying with the kids, it’s not just about finding a spot to unwind, but a place that conjures up those ‘we’re making memories’ warmth. So let me whisk you away to a little treasure we uncovered: The Mole Resort in Devon. Trust me when I say, this gorgeous haven is the answer is the perfect short break for families.
Lodges with Hot Tub in Devon: The Mole Resort – A Family Getaway
Lodges with hot tub Devon
As a car-free family, we jumped on a train from Cardiff to Eggesford Station and from there a 13-minute transfer to The Mole Resort. You could also take the train to Umberleigh which is equidistant (but a stop further on the train). Pulling up to the most charming lodges dotted around the sweeping greenery of the grounds. We arrived a few hours before check-in time so that we could make the most of the free activities and the dry weather and were greeted warmly by the staff.
Why The Mole Resort is a Top Choice for Hot Tub Lodges in Devon
- Location & Arrival:
Tucked in Chittlehamholt, The Mole Resort is easily reachable by train (Eggesford or Umberleigh stations) and a short transfer. The journey sets the tone – peaceful, scenic, and away from the hustle. - Eco Lodges & Accommodation:
The resort offers 58 beautifully crafted eco lodges set within mature woodlands, lakes, and meadows. The lodges range in size (from 4 to 8 people) and all come with private hot tubs and balconies. - Design & Comfort:
Rustic meets modern: timber cladding, muted tones, open-plan layouts, and furnishings designed for comfort. The hot tubs are placed for privacy, with views of surrounding landscape but with enough seclusion for tranquil moments. - Amenities & Dining:
From a farm shop stocked with local produce and food hampers to options at Cellars Restaurant in the original Arts and Crafts manor house – The Mole offers both self-catering flexibility and fine dining. The meals celebrate Devon’s local ingredients. - Entertainment & Activities:
Whether it’s board games in the games room, lazy swims, woodland walks, or more adventurous options like archery and den building – there’s something for all ages. Kids (and adults) will love the free-to-use facilities.
What Makes The Mole Resort Stand Out
Views & Setting: Many lodges are positioned to take advantage of sweeping views over valleys, Exmoor, woodland, or meadows. It’s not just staying somewhere, but immersing yourself in Devon’s countryside.
Quiet Luxury: No TVs in bedrooms in many lodges – emphasising calm, rest, and disconnecting from everyday buzz.
Sustainability: The lodges are built with eco-principles in mind, fitting naturally into the landscape.
Family / Pet Friendly Touches: With large grounds, dog-friendly policies, lots of space, and thoughtful amenities, The Mole works well for families travelling with children or pets.
The Games Room
The games room was fantastic and one of our kids’ highlights. With most of the activities being free there was plenty to do including ping pong, fuzzball, shuffleboard, and tons of board games. There was also a mini retro game arcade machine which my 12-year-old loved and a spacious hall for playing ball games. There is also a bar and coffee station in the games room which adds a great element for parents to be able to unwind with a glass of wine over a board game or game of Pool.
The Mole Resort Devon
I loved the design of the Mole Resort and their lodges with hot tubs. The wood makes them fit perfectly with their surroundings whilst also being high spec and design-led. I also love how the hot tub area is really private, so you can look out on the landscape but no one is overlooking you. There are a few different lodge designs from single-layer to two-storey lodges depending on your party size. The two-story lodges are semi-detached but we didn’t find that we could hear much of our neighbours coming and goings. Which, considering they had a baby does say a lot about how soundproof they are! They are also able to be interconnecting if you want to holiday with friends but also have your own space.
The Swimming Pool
After checking out the games room we headed down to the pool for a splash about. Whilst the pool was perfectly spacious and clean it was clear that this part of the resort had been built a while ago. In fact for those who think these pictures might look familiar the manor house was previously named the Highbullen Hotel. The addition of the lodges and rename to The Mole only happened very recently in July 2023. There were plenty of activities and classes you could take part in at the gym or pool (think aqua aerobics and spin class) if you were inclined but I’m not too much of a gym bunny myself.
It’s also worth noting The Mole Resort also has an outdoor swimming pool that will open as soon in the Spring and Summer months. I think it would be so nice to be sat outside on a lounger in the summer whilst the kids splash about in the pool.
The Mole Resort Farm Shop
After we left the pool I had a text to say our lodge was ready an hour early so we headed back to the main hub to pick up keys and check out the farm shop. I was impressed with the quality of the products in the farm shop and we picked up some delicious pre-made homecooked meals for dinner. There was a great range of local produce and ciders which we took advantage of being able to try. The prices seemed pretty reasonable for most of the items, but I found it strange that there were no tea bags apart from some bundles of four individual teabags for £2.50. Just a little thing but as we had forgotten to bring some, but worth noting as we only had four in our lodge to last the three days. So my tip would be to remember your tea bags!
Luxury Lodges with Hot Tub
Ok, now let me paint you a picture of the hot tub lodges at The Mole Resort. Think modern rustic chic meets the cosiness of a log cabin. Spacious? Absolutely — you could twirl around and not bump into a single piece of furniture, which is saying something because, well, enthusiastic twirling is just part of holiday mode, right? It is for my eight-year-old!
But here’s the jewel in the crown — the hot tubs. I feel like one of my biggest Google searches is ‘holiday lodges with hot tub’ because that’s what we are all searching for right? Picture this: you’ve tucked the kids into their snug beds after a day of exploring, and now it’s just you and the stars and that glorious hot tub. It’s the grown-up sort of magic, isn’t it? That little pocket of time that’s purely yours amidst the beautiful whirlwind of family life. Add a glass of local cider and there isn’t much to top that feeling.
Short Breaks in Devon
Life at The Mole Resort is like stepping into a world where every detail has been tailored for families. Activities? Oh, they’ve got you covered. From morning till dusk, there’s something to delight every age. Whilst we weren’t super lucky with the weather, the times it was dry we had a lovely stroll around the grounds. We even (with some googling) worked out how to play the game Petanque. If the grass had been dry we could also have tried some of the other free activities such as croquet. There are also tons of other activities to try from Nerf Guns to Pottery Painting.
The Cellars Pub
Whilst we were largely self-catering we did eat out at one of the dining options on the resort, the Cellars Pub. It’s such a cosy little spot and perfect for eating out with kids as it felt really chilled and not like we needed to be on our ‘best behavior’. We played cards and had a pre-dinner drink (top marks to a very well-made Margarita!). Our meal was very much ‘pub grub’ with Tom and I going for the veggie burger and chips and the kids going for pizza but it was all a great spot for filling a hungry tummy without having to cook back at the lodge.
Self Catering Lodges Devon
On evenings when you fancy a quiet night in, their lodges are equipped with beautiful kitchens that invite you to cook. I think that it’s so important with kids to be able to have a space to relax and make foods that the kids are used to. Or even just to be able to eat at odd times or rustle up a snack. There is an oven, microwave, dishwasher, and huge fridge freezer (with ice machine!) as well as all the pots and pans, bowls and plates and different glasses you need. The microwave meals at the Farm Shop were also so delicious, would recommend giving yourself a night off and ordering one of those. On that note, they do also have a takeaway service for things like pizza and burgers from the pub (as well as alcohol too).
Tips for Making the Most of Your Stay
- Best Time to Visit
Spring to early autumn brings warmer outdoor weather, ideal for using external hot tubs, enjoying walks, and relaxing outdoors. - Packing Essentials
Bring swimwear, flip-flops, waterproofs (Devon weather can surprise you!), and those small comforts like your favourite tea bags (you might want extras). - Planning Meals
Reserve dining spots in advance if using the Cellars Restaurant. For evenings in, use the farm shop for inspiration or order-in options if available. - Booking Advice
If travelling with friends, look for inter-connecting lodges. Early booking helps get the best lodges (with the best views or higher privacy).
Comparison: What Guests Love (and What to Know)
| Strengths | Things to Keep in Mind |
|---|
| Stunning location & views | Some indoor facilities (e.g. pool, spa) might be older or less glossy than brand-new resorts |
| Excellent for disconnecting & relaxing | Remote: transport options need planning if not driving |
| Very family and dog friendly | Hot tub privacy depends on the lodge layout |
The Mole Resort Devon
In every corner of The Mole Resort, there’s a feeling that this is a place that welcomes families. From those gut-laugh moments to the quiet cups of tea with a backdrop of Devon’s ever-rolling hills, this place is a family enclave wrapped up in countryside splendor.
Until our next adventure!
We were guests at The Mole but all words and thoughts are my own