SUBSCRIBE

Cornwall LivingIssue #154

Winter Escapes

Escape the hustle and bustle of summer, embrace the season’s charm and experience Cornwall’s rugged beauty this winter, with our selection of luxury accommodation.

As winter descends upon Cornwall, the landscape transforms into a serene wonderland, making it the perfect time to escape to the Duchy. With incredible coastal views, charming villages to explore and endless miles of beach and coast path just waiting to be discovered, Cornwall offers a host of cosy retreats for those looking to unwind during the colder months. From luxurious hotels to unique self-catering options, there’s something for everyone. Join me as I explore some of my favourite winter stays in Cornwall.

Located right on the edge of the north Cornish coast, the St Moritz Hotel (www.stmoritzhotel.co.uk) is a destination that perfectly blends elegance with coastal charm. This hotel boasts stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, offering guests a beautiful backdrop for a winter retreat. Each room, suite and apartment are thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and style, complete with a host of modern amenities.

After a long walk along the South West Coast Path or a cold-water dip from the beach below the hotel, guests can indulge in the luxurious brand-new spa. The restaurant serves delicious dishes created from locally-sourced ingredients, perfect for warming up after a day of exploring. If you’re looking to experience Cornwall’s winter beauty, the St Moritz Hotel is an ideal base.

Staying on the north coast, Watergate Bay Hotel (www.watergatebay.co.uk) is a vibrant beachfront destination that offers a lively winter escape. With stunning views of the beach, guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including surfing and invigorating coastal walks, even during the cooler months. The hotel features a relaxed atmosphere, luxurious accommodation and the choice of three amazing restaurants; The Beach Hut, The Living Space and Zacry’s on the sea wall. Families will appreciate the child-friendly amenities, which include a kid’s zone and family suites, while couples can enjoy romantic walks along the shore, before a soak in the spa. Striking the perfect balance between fun and relaxation, Watergate Bay offers a warm welcome to all.

Just up the hill from the Watergate Bay, you’ll find Cornwall’s first lifestyle-driven aparthotel SeaSpace (www.sea.space) Perched on a cliff top overlooking the Atlantic, just a short walk from Porth Beach, it’s tailored to those seeking flexibility, style and community.

It features 56 studios and two to three-bedroom apartments, designed for open-plan living and relaxation. Each unit features fully equipped kitchens, dining/work tables and lounge areas making them hugely versatile for work or play. With vibrant community spaces such as a café offering delicious breakfasts, lunch, fresh pastries and barista coffee, as well as an onsite restaurant serving woodfired pizzas and local craft beers, SeaSpace makes for a hugely versatile out-of-season stay as it blends hotel-like service with the freedom of self-catering.

If you prefer more of a town-chic stay, then the Penventon Park Hotel (www.penventon.com), a historic Georgian property in Redruth, offers an inviting atmosphere that is perfect for a winter getaway. With its beautifully appointed rooms and cosy lounges, guests can relax in comfort while enjoying the warmth of traditional Cornish hospitality. The hotel’s restaurant specialises in delicious, locally-sourced dishes that make for a delightful dining experience, and its wine list is the talk of the town! Guests can unwind by the fire in the lounge or indulge in a spa treatment to rejuvenate after exploring the surrounding area. The Penventon is conveniently located for both the north and south coasts as well as the area’s historic mining landscape.
With a blend of charm and modern comforts, this hotel is a perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a tranquil retreat in Cornwall.

Moving over to Cornwall’s gentler south coast, St Michaels Resort (www.stmichaelsresort.com)  in Falmouth is a luxurious spa destination that promises a rejuvenating winter retreat. With its breathtaking views of the coastline, the resort features an incredible hydrothermal pool as well as a huge outdoor hot tub in the spa garden, perfect for unwinding under winter skies. Dining options boast the best of the Duchy on your plate; the newly opened Nourish café is a celebration of both food and community, while the Brasserie on the Bay is a relaxed AA Rosette Cornish dining experience. Nestled in sub-tropical gardens and near Falmouth’s beautiful coastal paths and cultural attractions, St Michaels Resort is a place where relaxation comes easy with a choice of hotel rooms, apartments and spa garden lodges.

The stunning Roseland Peninsula feels like a world away with its mild climate and sheltered shores. The Nare Hotel (www.narehotel.co.uk) offers a luxurious winter experience and offers the kind of old-world hotel charm that makes you instantly feel at home. Known for its warm hospitality, this elegant hotel features beautifully decorated rooms and a cosy lounge, perfect for enjoying afternoon tea by the fire. The Nare’s fine dining restaurant emphasises local produce, offering a unique culinary journey for all those who visit. With the beach literally on the hotel’s doorstep, you can effortlessly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Cornwall during your stay.

For self-catering options Forever Cornwall (www.forevercornwall.co.uk) offers a collection of unique self-catering properties that provide the perfect retreat during winter. Ranging from charming cottages to stylish beach houses, each accommodation is designed with comfort in mind. Many of the properties feature wood-burning stoves, creating a warm atmosphere for chilly evenings. From chic townhouses and cosy cottages to historic farmhouses and beach front chalets, there is a property to suit all tastes with many being dog-friendly and having the benefit of a hot tub. Each home is unique and cherished by its owner, is kept cleaned and polished by a brilliant local housekeeping team, all while being carefully quality managed by Forever Cornwall.

Wooda Farm Holiday Park (www.wooda.co.uk), a family run business, has been welcoming visitors to its five-star farm since 1975. Set in 40 acres of parkland, close to the coastal town of Bude, visitors find that from the moment they arrive their shoulders drop and there’s an instant reconnection with nature and the simpler ways. Whether it’s a touring pitch, a luxurious lodge or a gorgeous holiday home, all benefit from some of the finest facilities in Cornwall and the Wooda team work tirelessly to create holiday options for all, encouraging quality time spent with loved ones in the countryside. There’s a range of accommodation to suit different needs and price points, with complimentary access to activities such as a playground, nature trail and secure dog field, ensuring guests can enjoy a full holiday experience without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking to return to Cornwall again and again for your winter escape, then ownership could be the answer. With villas, lodges and cottages for sale, and set in 450 acres of farmland that runs down to the north Cornish coast near Bude, Whalesborough (www.whalesboroughliving.co.uk) is renowned for its outstanding five-star accommodation, its natural environment, mindfulness, relaxation, sustainability, family-friendly experiences, and its field-to-fork ethos. Here, located in an idyllic meadow-setting blessed with stunning countryside views, is its collection of architecturally outstanding four-bedroom eco-villas, each swathed in green roofs with wildflower blankets. Built using exposed timber cladding and traditional Cornish stone, these luxury single-storey eco-villas wear their eco-credentials well. Each one comes with access to the spa resort’s enviable leisure facilities. These include a heated indoor pool with swim-in spa, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, a well-equipped gym, a fabulous outdoor pool, and miles of walks through fields and woodland down to the nearby Water Cove Beach.

Whether you want to experience the wilds of the South West Coast Path, wave watch when the winter storms arrive, experience the warmth and relaxation of a spa or simply hunker down with a good book in front of a woodburner, the choices are endless when it comes to winter stays in Cornwall. Why not immerse yourself in the Duchy’s rugged beauty this season? You won’t be disappointed.