Luxury from coast to coast

We explore the stunning hotels and holiday homes that allow you to enjoy everything that Cornwall has to offer.

Words by Bethany Allen

There’s an incredible array of luxurious accommodation in Cornwall. However, I’m a firm believer that luxury lies not only in the indulgent beauty of your hotel room, or your wonderfully unique holiday home; it also lies in the stunning locations that staying in these places allows you to access.

Cornwall’s south coast is renowned for its fair weather, tranquil coves and world-class sailing waters. As far as visiting the south coast goes, the Roseland peninsula offers an unspoilt rural landscape with stunning gardens, mysterious creeks, pretty coastal villages, medieval castles and historic churches. The Nare Hotel (narehotel.co.uk) couldn’t be better positioned to enjoy the beauty of the Roseland peninsula. Recently awarded AA five-star status, when discussing the hotel’s most impressive features, Marketing Manager Jamie Moore tells us: “The Nare’s location is definitely its most impressive feature – situated in a secluded bay with stunning sea views and a beautiful sandy beach, it is a genuine sanctuary away from the madding crowds.”

If you’re after a more lively atmosphere, Falmouth is a brilliant location from which to explore the delights of the area. The coastal town has an exceptional variety of bars and restaurants and is famed for having the third largest natural harbour in the world, with everything from navy ships to super yachts seeking respite from ocean crossings here. Overlooking Falmouth Bay, The Falmouth Hotel (falmouthhotel.co.uk) is just metres from the clear snorkelling waters and reef at Castle beach and with Gyllyngvase beach around the corner, the grand hotel is in a prime position to enjoy the delights of Falmouth.

If you prefer the sound of a secluded cottage, Forever Cornwall’s (forevercornwall.co.uk) property, Little Wood on the Helford is located on the opposite side of the Helford river to Falmouth and is the perfect base from which to explore the wild beauty of Cornwall’s Lizard peninsula. The property sleeps six and features tempting views through the trees with glimpses of the Helford river beyond. It’s also just a two minute stroll from the fabulous food, drink and atmosphere of the Shipwrights Arms by the river.

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Fowey is also a stunning south coast spot to visit. Cornish Traditional Cottages (corncott.com) has some great properties in the area and the Fowey Harbour Hotel (harbourhotels.co.uk/fowey) provides the pinnacle of coastal luxury.

MORE STAYS IN FALMOUTH

Merchants Manor:
merchantsmanor.com

St Michaels Resort:
stmichaelsresort.com

Oceanic Hotel:
oceanichotelfalmouth.co.uk

Or, for a hotel stay on the Lizard peninsula, Housel Bay Hotel (houselbay.com) is perched on nature’s edge above the secluded and beautiful Housel Bay. When discussing the draws of the hotel, Marketing Manager Phoebe says: “When you arrive at Housel Bay, you are welcomed by peace and tranquillity. Our secluded location allows guests to completely relax and unwind. We are a place to take a pause, breathe in the fresh sea air, and to immerse yourself back with nature. Providing the perfect tranquil retreat from the rest of the world.”

Land’s End, on Cornwall’s other peninsula, is located on the west coast near Penzance and the Penwith Heritage coast. This is a beautiful corner of Cornwall to explore, steeped in myth and legend; Penzance overlooks Mount’s Bay and St Michael’s Mount, a breathtaking tidal island. Marazion affords some of the most exceptional views of Mount’s Bay and Forever Cornwall’s property, The View, does as its name suggests and capitalises on the incredible panoramas. Sleeping 11, The View is perfect for two families or big groups, with six spacious bedrooms and two generous living areas to socialise in, plus unbeatable views across Mount’s Bay to St Michael’s Mount. One guest has said of their experience: “It had everything we needed to enjoy the holiday and enhance our experience. This is our third time in Cornwall and it’s by far the best place we have stayed in. I would highly recommend this house to anyone, the location is fantastic and the views are nothing short of incredible.”

From Penzance it’s possible to get the Scillonian III ferry over to the Isles of Scilly where the glorious Karma St Martin’s resort awaits, providing the epitome of island luxury just a stone’s throw from the beach and a world apart from everyday life (karmagroup.com). One visitor says of their stay: “The resort sits unobtrusively just feet from the water’s edge – an unbeatable location from which to enjoy the native beauty of the Isles of Scilly.”

THE LIZARD

Another stunning hotel on the Lizard is Polurrian on the Lizard (polurrianhotel.com). Situated above Polurrian cove, it features uninterrupted ocean views and an indulgent spa. 

PENZANCE

The Hotel Penzance (hotelpenzance.com) is an elegant coastal hotel that provides a stunning base from which to explore Penzance and the surrounding area.

Back on the mainland, St Just is located to the north of Penzance and allows you to access the wild-untamed beauty of the Penwith Heritage Coast. Helpful Holidays (helpfulholidays.co.uk) have some great properties here; one that caught my eye in particular is See Two Seas, a fabulous barn conversion situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that overlooks Cape Cornwall. “See Two Seas is more than just a home from home,” says one review. “It also brought a luxury and celebratory element to our stay. Lorna and Harvey have thought of everything! Robes, reusable coffee cups, wellies – every need is catered for. Its decor is further complemented by the idyllic location, allowing you to explore the coastal paths before a dip in the hot tub.”

Then you have St Ives, a destination hotspot for art, ocean and surf lovers. The Harbour Hotel Group has a gorgeous hotel located in prime position next to St Ives harbour; it also has hotels in Padstow and Fowey that capitalise on these exceptional coastal locations, all featuring stunning water views and sophisticated rooms. Regional Manager, Paula Dupuy, says of the St Ives hotel: “St Ives Harbour Hotel and Spa offers the idyllic Cornish seaside getaway. With jaw-dropping sea views, it’s just steps from Porthminster Beach, and a short stroll from postcard-perfect St Ives harbour. The restaurant, bar and terrace are perfect for enjoying a meal or drinks while soaking up the sea views. For those looking for something more rejuvenating, the ‘HarSpa’ offers a range of treatments to revive and restore.”

Last but not least, the north coast features a rugged and beautiful coastline and exceptional surf. The Headland Hotel (headlandhotel.co.uk) provides the height of luxury, a five-star hotel and spa (read more here) with award-winning self-catering cottages set upon an exclusive cliff-top overlooking Cornwall’s stunning Fistral beach. We hear from Marketing Executive, Jack Mooney, who tells us: “The complete Headland experience starts the moment you enter the revolving doors, from reception to your very own luxury bedroom with coastal, beach or Atlantic views. Guests can enjoy the many quiet coastal footpaths or swap windswept walks for a more relaxed setting in our award-winning spa. And as the evening draws in, enjoy an indulgent dining experience at the Rosette-awarded restaurant paired with unparalleled Atlantic ocean and Fistral beach views.”

Cornish Horizons (cornishhorizons.co.uk) has some great properties in the area too. If you’re looking for a sophisticated family stay, Egret View stands out for its spacious and family friendly layout. “Egret View is not only five-star luxury with its perfect sundowner balcony showcasing picture perfect views of the Gannel Estuary and Crantock beach,” says Cornish Horizons Marketing Manager, Harriet Wills. “But it’s gorgeously playful too! With a slide from the top to the bottom of the kids bunk bed and a colourful fishing boat in the middle of the playroom, it even has an indoor kids climbing wall.” Making it perfect for families looking for a fun, spacious and impressive holiday home, right next to one of Newquay’s most picturesque beaches.

When it comes to choosing where to stay, there’s a lot to be said for each of Cornwall’s coasts. After your daily excursions, there’s nothing like returning to the luxury of an immaculate hotel room or a spacious holiday home to reflect on your day and make plans for the next adventure that sits expectantly on the horizon. So, whatever coast takes your fancy, you can be sure to find accommodation that encapsulates the beauty of Cornwall and that provides a luxurious retreat to return to.