by There is arguably no better place in Britain for a wellness break than the Cornish peninsula, where sun, sea and stunning scenery come together in a way that instantly lifts the spirit and soothes the soul. It is perhaps for this reason that spa hotels in this part of the world tend to seek to supplement rather than replicate the restorative qualities of nature: after all, what is the need for ice rooms or therapeutic treatments when the Atlantic is on doorstep? ?
Instead, you tend to find the basics done well: cosset treatment rooms where massage therapists can soothe away the aches and pains after a day of swimming, surfing or hiking the coastal path; Scandi-style saunas where you can wash the salt spray off your skin; and cliff top infinity pools with some of the best ocean views anywhere. These are the best spa hotels in Cornwall.
How we review
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, and is usually hosted on a free basis. They stay for at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel (in this case, the Spa) might have.
If it’s a spa in Cornwall you’re looking for, chances are you want to be away from children (yours or others) and the Scarlet is just one of a very small circle of adults. only on the market. hotels in the UK. Comfort and relaxation are at the heart of the hotel’s spaces: you’ll find underfloor heating, low lighting, indulgent sateen sheets, deep mattresses and cloud-like robes in the bedrooms and the spa is as soothing as it is almost womb-like. Specializing in Ayurvedic ‘tours’ it has lantern-lit tented treatment rooms, a eucalyptus steam room, a cedar-barrel sauna, a reed-filtered natural pool and a meditation room. The biggest selling point has to be the hot tubs perched on the edge of the wind cliff top.
Bedruthen is only five minutes’ drive from Newquay airport, so a ‘fly and flop’ weekend break is more than possible here. And flopping is so easy too, as not only are there three outdoor pools to choose from, but the golden sandy beach is just a stone’s throw away. The outdoor spa concept is quite unique: called a ‘Nordic thermal playground’ you can take yourself on a sensory journey through the spa garden. An awakening mix of ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ experiences also await – wake yourself up in ice-cold water, before heading back to the sauna, then back out into the skin-puffing Cornish air and plunge into hot tub Finish it off by sitting by the fire pit, sipping a mug of herbal tea.
Mullion Cove offers a light, relaxing and unassuming space, ideal for a refreshing break, with sweeping views around the headland (overlooking the Atlantic). This is one of the most relaxing spa hotels in Cornwall due to its soothing interior, which uses speckled granite and natural wood, with copper or bronze accents warming the palette. Your favorite is a voyager massage: a massage that takes the whole body – including face and scalp – using slow, deliberate controlled movements to (presumably) reflect the movement of the waves. Don’t plan anything else afterwards (except maybe a swim in the outdoor hot tub) because you’ll probably want to give up.
This is one of the largest hotels in Cornwall, and wellness is a huge part of its ethos. So it’s clear that the Spa is very involved. It is at the heart of the hotel and has been designed with cosseting in mind: expect a hydro pool, Swedish sauna, Cornish salt steam room and treatments including radiance boosting facials, relaxation massages and couples treatments. Heavyweight Elemis is the hero product here, so you know you’re in for a great experience. There is also a gym with Life Fitness equipment including weights, cardiovascular machines, cross trainers and treadmills. Regular fitness classes are also available, including yoga and Pilates.
This cool adults-only spa hotel offers incredible sea views, an innovative cocktail menu and superbly fresh seafood caught off the Cornish coast – all the essential ingredients for a pampering break. Wake up on Saturday morning to the sound of the waves breaking, and (depending on the previous Friday night’s activity) order a homemade smoothie for breakfast, or take advantage of the bottomless blood Marys, before hitting the Spa. There is a vitality pool, steam room, sauna, hot tub and several treatment rooms including a room for couples. There is also a gym which runs 20 classes a week, from yoga to boxing and beach fit.
The St Moritz was an original hotel from the 1930s that stood until the late 1990s before undergoing a major makeover. Now it is one of the best spa hotels in Cornwall; think Soho House and 1920s Miami Beach with a family twist. Palm-fringed gardens and whitewashed Art Deco-inspired architecture give way to quiet coastal style with chic interiors. It is very special as it is home to the only Cowshed branded Spa (outside of the Soho House area) and is a major draw for locals and visitors from far and wide. They offer full-day and half-day packages, but the latter (for £200) is just as beautiful as the former and still includes two treatments. You can also get extra treats like a plate of chocolate, a quick manicure or pedicure and a bottle of champagne.
Budock Vean is an unsung hero for its health and wellness offering – especially when the hotel itself is a bit old fashioned (in a charming, country house sort of way). It was the first spa in Cornwall (and one of the first partnerships in the UK) to include the innovative use of CBD oil in its treatments to reduce stress and aid in pain relief. In addition to its huge list of treatments (including a nail bar) there is a wonderful 15-meter swimming pool sheltered in a huge hexagonal gazebo with a beautiful wooden ceiling, an open-log fire, a sauna, and an outdoor hot tub on super-. chic Scandinavian style raised deck with views over the grounds.
Spa The Nare has no bells and whistles but that’s not the point – it’s small and unassuming (just a simple reception and a few rooms), but its therapists pack an impressive punch. Locals Anne and Sarah are the stars of the show, delivering their signature work to guests with years of knowledge. Anne has worked there for over 13 years and works wonders with a combination of Thai massage and reflexology techniques to bring life to loyal clients, while Sarah’s faces are talked about locally. Elsewhere, each of the 40 bedrooms is individually decorated with the emphasis on a homely feel: antique furniture, printed wallpaper and Persian-style rugs are involved.
Spa’ing is taken very seriously here and it’s all in the little details (for example, the massage beds are not only deliciously heated, so are the stone rooms in the relaxation area). It may not be the most cutting-edge in terms of design (they’re obviously big fans of neon blue lighting), but the extensive menu has over 40 treatments with special sections for men and teenagers (very popular on the Elemis facial, ie the OPI manicure or pedicure) so there really is something for everyone. The dedicated Spa Bar is a great space created specifically for kicking back in your ex-boy robes, but when you want to go further afield, Charlestown has a galleon-lined wharf – used in Poldark – in its boat beautiful thousand miles on the Coast. Corridor.
The setting of Carbis Bay, guarding the stunning St Ives Bay, immediately calls for a slower pace. Guests are encouraged to unwind the moment they walk through the door and the newly spruced up C Bay Spa embodies this relaxed attitude. It has a modern look (in fact you can swim in the outdoor infinity pool) but it also has beautiful natural features: its treatment rooms are softly lit with candles, ingredients such as organic seaweed are used in facials . , and there is plenty of wood used in the design – the outdoor barrel sauna is particularly peaceful. You can even request a beachside massage in a dedicated pavilion.
Contributions from Ros Belford, Jade Conroy, Sherelle Jacobs, Richard Mellor & Natalie Millar-Partridge
Frequently Asked Questions
Which luxury spa hotels in Cornwall are romantic?
All of the hotels on this list could be considered romantic, however, for an adult couples retreat choose The Scarlet (it’s adults only).
