Where To Stay In Cornwall

Inspired by the backdrop to this month’s G7 summit? Plan a stay at one of these luxury Cornish retreats.

Set that next trip across the Atlantic apart by seeking out the cliff-sheltered coves and sweeping stretches of beach in the far west of England.

Steps leading down to the beach from The Scarlet.

The Scarlet

The Pig at Harlyn Bay

The most recent addition to The Pig hotel collection made its debut in Harlyn Bay on the North Cornish coastline last summer. Embracing the same restaurant-with-rooms concept as its sister properties, the coastal hideaway places much of its focus on the gastronomic experience, growing ingredients in its own kitchen garden and sourcing produce from a 25-mile radius. Guests dine on dishes like ‘Sea Shore’ Linguine from The Restaurant’s 25-mile menu or tuck into the daily catch, wood roasted or chargrilled, at The Lobster Shed.

Inside The Pig at Harlyn Bay, which opened in 2020.

Pig Hotels

The hotel takes over an historic Grade II listed mansion of 16th-century origin with almost five acres of gardens and views over the sea. A sense of place is instilled in the main house’s 11 bedrooms, accompanying Stonehouse’s 15 bedrooms and four standalone Shepherd’s Huts, as well as its cozy snug and Map Room with wood-burning stove. Spa treatments are offered in the kitchen garden’s two Potting Sheds and it’s all just a short stroll from the village of Harlyn, Constantine Bay beaches and Trevose golf course.

The hyper-local Restaurant at The Pig at Harlyn Bay.

Pig Hotels

The Scarlet

Uninterrupted sea, shore and cliff views come with a stay at beach-facing luxury eco hotel, The Scarlet, in Mawgan Porth. Each space, from the light-filled guest rooms to Cliff Top Hot Tub and glass-fronted Scarlet Spa, is designed to make the most of this coastal outlook. A wealth of terraces, lounges and outdoor space further connect you to the privileged setting.

Coastal views from a room at The Scarlet.

The Scarlet

Unwind in the indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows, natural reed-bed outdoor pool that’s designed to feel like a secret wild swimming spot, The Retreat Terrace and sea view Restaurant, or retreat to an art-filled lounge, Relaxation Room and Meadow Garden, which runs from the spa down to the coastal path. Guest rooms and suites featuring free-standing bathtubs come with gardens, terraces or private rooftop sitting rooms.

A Cliff Top Hot Tub at The Scarlet.

The Scarlet

Bodmin Jail Hotel

May saw the grand debut of this brand-new hotel taking over a sensitively restored and strikingly transformed 18th-century landmark. Twelve Architects restored and enhanced the 18th-century jail, which was built during the reign of King George III, into a luxury boutique hotel that immerses guests in the historically significant location.

The newly transformed interiors of Bodmin Jail Hotel.

Bodmin Jail Hotel

Original features have been preserved in a space that now encompasses 70 plush guest rooms—each transforming three former cells—along with a restaurant, bistro and cocktail and gin bar, exhibiting contemporary design and the addition of new design elements like a full-length skylight flooding the space with natural light. A nod to the Duchy of Cornwall is integrated into the interior design. Bodmin is located on the edge of Bodmin Moor and within easy reach of major draws like Eden Project, Padstow and several long sandy beaches.

The bar in Cornwall’s new Bodmin Jail Hotel.

Bodmin Jail Hotel

Artist Residence Penzance

A part of the boutique Artist Residence hotel collection, this Penzance retreat is designed to bring a slice of eclectic charm to the historic Cornish town. Just 16 art-filled rooms, three luxurious suites—The Chapel Suite, Sail Loft and The Lookout—and a three-bedroom cottage accommodate guests in the revitalized Georgian property.

The Lookout suite of Artist Residence Penzance.

Artist Residence

Hand-picked furnishings, reclaimed materials and an extensive collection of art distinguish each room of the art-focused property where notable artworks include prints by Tracy Emin and Peter Blake. The Clubhouse provides a space for both hotel guests and locals to work, socialize, dine and drink. This social hub is then complemented by private dining space The Banquet Room and spacious decked garden home to the Seafood Shack & Bar.

The restaurant and bar of Artist Residence Penzance.

Artist Residence

Watergate Bay Hotel

The beachfront Watergate Bay Hotel reopened last month with a new culinary concept and seven new beach lofts with ‘surf-in, surf-out’ access bringing a ski chalet inspired experience to the north coast of Cornwall. Floor-to-ceiling glass on each beach- and sea-facing side of these new suites provides wide-angle coastal views from wherever you are in the room, with décor that emanates the modern feel of a city loft.

Sea views from a beach loft at Watergate Bay Hotel.

Lewis-Harrison-Pinder

Designed by Cornwall-based Dynargh Design firm, the lofts’ interiors are distinguished by their warm textures, sustainable design approach and unbroken sea views, with private access to the beach just steps away. Some suites have deep Japanese baths and others have freestanding bathtubs, fireplaces and hanging chairs. Elsewhere in the hotel, guests can dine in the new hyper-local restaurant, Emily Scott Food, by chef Emily Scott, among other drinking and dining venues highlighting brands like Cornwall-based Origin Coffee Roasters.

The new Emily Scott Food dining spot at Watergate Bay Hotel.

Watergate Bay Hotel

Padstow Townhouse

The acclaimed chef Paul Ainsworth and his wife Emma are behind this six-suite guesthouse in the old town of Padstow, close to the chef’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Paul Ainsworth at No.6, and laidback dining spot Caffè Rojano. The highly rated accommodation of this 18th-century townhouse is individually styled by Emma and the interior designer Eve Cullen-Cornes.

Inside the boutique guesthouse, Padstow Townhouse.

Padstow Townhouse

Appealingly named after sweet treats—Rhubarb & Custard, Popcorn, Marshmallow, Bon Bon, Toffee Apple and Honeycomb—these six suites combine plush décor exhibiting distinct color schemes and styles with luxurious design elements like freestanding bathtubs. The Kitchen Pantry is the heart of the house, with everything from Cornish cream tea to champagne to enjoy through an honesty box system. Room service includes the delivery of steaming hot chocolate each evening and picnics or private boat charter are arranged on request.

Inside one of the individually styled suites at Padstow Townhouse.

Padstow Townhouse

From the historic town of Penzance, take the boat or helicopter over to the Scilly Isles, part of the Duchy of Cornwall, for a taste of island life.