Cornwall LivingIssue #158
The Lure of Luxury
Cornwall has long held a magnetic pull for those seeking more than just a holiday.
Cornwall’s circuitous coastline, golden beaches washed by clear waters and patchwork of hedged fields, create a landscape where time seems to shift down a gear and life takes on a more natural and relaxed rhythm.
Aligned to its natural beauty, the county is also home to exceptional hotels that pay homage to luxury and acknowledge a connection to Cornwall’s unique history and surroundings. These are places where refined comfort is framed by the raw energy of the elements, offering guests a chance to unwind in style while immersing themselves in the Celtic spirit of this ancient land.
From clifftop retreats with panoramic sea views to historic edifices brimming with character, Cornwall’s finest hotels cater to those who appreciate both elegance and authenticity. Whether it’s a contemporary spa sanctuary, a grand Victorian landmark, or a design-led boutique escape, each hotel offers something unique – an experience that is unlikely to be found in other parts of the kingdom.
For those in search of a destination where exceptional hospitality meets wild nature, Cornwall’s best hotels provide the perfect setting.
Showpiece by the coast
Approaching the St Moritz Hotel through Trebetherick’s winding lanes makes its reveal all the more special. The white art deco-inspired building stands elevated above Greenaway Beach, with views stretching to Stepper Point. The welcome is warm, the scent of ylang-ylang and rose drifting through the vaulted atrium, setting a tone of relaxed luxury.
Guests move with ease – families in wellies heading to Rock, spa-goers wrapped in robes, locals checking into the gym. The hotel offers a mix of accommodation, from traditional rooms to coastal villas and interconnected room pods, perfect for families seeking a home-away-from-home. Ground-floor suites are an oasis of calm, their minimalist elegance punctuated by turquoise accents, mid-century modern furnishings and sun-drenched private terraces.
The newly developed spa boasts the UK’s only Cowshed Spa outside Soho House, with a swim-out hydro pool, saunas and a crystal steam room. Dining at the Shorecrest restaurant celebrates Cornwall’s hyper-local larder, with exceptional dishes by Chef Jake Grove. After a night’s rest, a bracing sea dip on Greenaway Beach, pockets filled with sea glass and cowrie shells, make for the perfect farewell.
Curated in Cornwall
The Cornwall Hotel Collection curates dream escapes with a touch of luxury. Cornwall’s sweeping countryside, wild moors and sandy shores have long drawn visitors seeking adventure and tranquillity. Its rich history and vibrant communities continue to make it a beloved holiday destination.
With three iconic hotels, the Collection preserves the unique stories of each. The Alverton, located in Truro’s heart, was once home to the Tweedy family before becoming a convent in 1883. Its chapel, now The Great Hall, adds to the grandeur of this Grade II-listed retreat. Ivy-clad and dignified, it offers elegant rooms, exquisite dining and a haven for weddings and events.
On Falmouth’s riverfront, The Greenbank dates back to 1640 and has welcomed guests like Florence Nightingale and Kenneth Grahame, who found inspiration here for The Wind in the Willows. Stunning river views, fine dining and stylish suites make it an unforgettable retreat.
Completing the trio, The Falmouth, a Victorian landmark since 1865, overlooks the ocean. Now entering a new era, it promises refined hospitality with sea-view rooms, spa facilities and a fresh culinary offering. Book direct for the best rates on a Cornish escape.
www.thealverton.co.uk | www.greenbank-hotel.co.uk | www.falmouthhotel.co.uk
Embrace a little grandeur
Like a fine wine, The Penventon Park Hotel has matured over time. Originally purchased in 1969 by David and Paola, alongside David’s brother George and his wife Joan, it has grown into a charismatic retreat infused with art and European charm. David, an established artist, adorned the hotel with intricate paintings, while Paola’s love of Venice influenced its opulent décor.
The hotel offers a range of rooms, from classic doubles to superior family rooms, all rich in character. Wanderlust rooms feature vintage artefacts, while Artist’s Palette rooms embrace vibrant colours. Georgian Glamour rooms exude elegance, and Botanical rooms bring nature indoors. For a truly special stay, feature rooms include hand-carved four-poster beds, while the Penventon Suite offers a roll-top bath and monsoon shower.
Blending Georgian splendour with modern comfort, the hotel provides fine dining, a leisure club and indulgent spa treatments. Seasonal packages, including a magical Christmas stay, enhance its appeal. Families, business travellers, and even dogs receive a warm welcome, with thoughtful extras ensuring a personal touch. As one guest put it, “We feel like we’ve been wrapped in cashmere and spoon-fed warm brandy!”
Swathe yourself in luxurious coastal care
St Michaels Resort in Falmouth offers a sanctuary of coastal luxury, where comfort and wellbeing meet. Overlooking the bay and just a short stroll from Gyllyngvase Beach, the resort provides elegant accommodation designed for relaxation and renewal.
At the heart of this retreat are the Spa Garden Lodges – private, beach-chic sanctuaries set below the main hotel. Designed with soothing neutral tones, soft textures and minimalist style, each lodge invites guests to unwind. A spacious open-plan layout features a king bed dressed in Egyptian cotton, a plush sofa bed and a stocked minibar with local treats. Thoughtful details, such as interconnecting gates for families or groups, enhance the experience.
Each lodge boasts a private terrace with an outdoor copper bathtub and an al fresco shower, perfect for post-swim refreshment. Guests enjoy unlimited access to the Hydrothermal Experience, which includes the southwest’s largest hydrothermal pool, a barrel sauna with ocean views and a blissful hot tub. Complimentary e-bike and paddleboard hire add to the sense of freedom.
With first-class facilities and an ethos of relaxation, St Michaels Resort offers the ultimate coastal retreat, where every stay is an invitation to recharge and reconnect.
A world away
Perched above the craggy Cornish coastline, Polurrian on the Lizard offers a coastal retreat where contemporary comfort meets the wild beauty of the Atlantic. With sweeping sea views and direct access to hidden coves, the hotel provides an escape that feels both restorative and effortlessly indulgent.
Accommodation at Polurrian blends modern design with a relaxed, beachside appeal. Rooms are airy and inviting, with plush beds, soft linens and large windows that frame expansive ocean views. Families and couples alike will find a sense of space and calm, whether in sea-view rooms or the private, self-catering villas situated within
the grounds.
Guests can unwind in the heated outdoor pool or stroll down to the secluded beach below. The hotel’s spa offers holistic treatments designed to soothe and restore, while the Vista Lounge is the perfect spot for sunset drinks.
Dining at Polurrian is an experience in itself, with a menu championing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you seek adventure along the coastal path or quiet moments by the fire, Polurrian on the Lizard is a place to recharge, reconnect, and embrace the rhythm of the sea.
