Renowned for its blend of natural beauty, rich history and cultural identity, Cornwall offers a variety of options for luxury coastal holidays in the southwestern tip of England. We visited Gwel an Mor (translated from Cornish to mean “View of the Sea”) for a weekend stay in their Signature Lodge, one of a variety of high-end accommodations featuring private hot tubs, scenic vistas and innovative technology.

Why Take a Luxury Coastal Holiday?

The variable British weather can make UK staycations a gamble. However Cornwall, thanks to its comparatively mild climate which makes it one of the sunniest and warmest regions of the UK, remains an appealing destination for most of the year.

Cornwall boasts a stunning coastline with over 400 beaches interspersed with rugged cliffs and secluded coves, sand dunes, picturesque villages and harbours. You could literally drop a pin on any location along a map of the coast and you’re immediately surrounded by multiple options for things to do and places to explore. 

Rich in history, dotted with ancient castles and ruins, and home to a unique Celtic cultural heritage, this fascinating UK destination offers something for every type of traveller including history buffs, naturalists, outdoor enthusiasts, romantics and gastronomes.

Where to stay?

Gwel an Mor, a luxury coastal holiday resort by Cove UK provides exceptional facilities and amenities for families and couples seeking accommodation with options for self-catering or on-site dining. Options include Signature Lodges, Scandinavian-style Lodges and Lakeside Studios.

We stayed in a 3-bedroom Signature Hot Tub Lodge option which included a large sundeck, private hot tub, log burner, barbecue, and modern kitchen. The Signature Lodge sleeps six and comes with a primary bedroom and an ensuite bathroom. The living room is spacious with furnishings finished to a high standard and featuring the latest audio/visual and heating/cooling technology.

Check-in is quick and easy. With timely and detailed communications sent in advance by their staff, we downloaded the recommended mobile app and received details for a keyless entry. This meant that we were able to dispense with any formalities and start our holiday as soon as we arrived. 

We found our fridge was stocked with breakfast items we could use for self-catering, with locally sourced and fresh produce. Perhaps suggesting that we immediately experience a taste of Cornwall, our hosts had laid out an array of welcome treats that showcased local Cornish food and beverage producers including scones, clotted cream, fudge, shortbread and cider.

Onsite activities at Gwel an Mor include a wild kitchen, fire lighting and outdoor cooking workshops (weather dependent). Recreational activities include a nine-hole golf course, a heated indoor pool and a 2000 sq.ft indoor childrens soft play area called Base Camp which includes ziplines and games. Children will also enjoy wandering around Feadon Farm, their mini zoo and wildlife centre, spotting birds of prey and learning about local conservation efforts.

Adding to the wealth of activities on offer, adrenalin-sport enthusiasts can indulge in axe throwing and archery with Gwel an Mor staff on hand to offer instructions and of course ensure safety!

What to do?

Gwel an Mor is located in the village of Portreath and serves as the perfect base for exploring this part of Cornwall. From the resort, head to the beautiful and serene Gwithian Towans Beach in St Ives Bay to enjoy walks on soft and golden sand. Parts of this stretch of coastline offer surfing and swimming opportunities.

Head to Godrevy Point on the northernmost point of St Ives Bay to see the 19th century Godrevy Lighthouse. Drive or take the bus to the beach town of St Ives and dive into art and culture at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.

The village of Portreath itself is a fishing port with a nice beach and a few cafes. Whilst there, stroll to the Pepper Pot, a coastguard lookout built in 1846 and now an iconic part of the landscape. Be sure to note the tidal rock pools, part of a series of small hand-cut baths, hidden in the rocks. Local historians claim that they were created for the pleasure of Lady Bassett, the wife of the Lord of the manor of Tehidy.

Where to eat?

The charm of Cornwall, and availability of fresh seafood and fresh ingredients are some of the reasons why Cornwall has attracted creative chefs and top restaurateurs who have enhanced its reputation as a renowned gastronomy destination.

While modern versions of Cornish cuisine are available at many establishments, cooking traditions and a spirit of foraging the natural environment for fresh ingredients remain alive and well. 

The Terrace Restaurant at Gwel an Mor is the resort’s onsite dining option. Among other Cornish culinary favourites, you can enjoy a traditional Cornish beer-battered haddock served with a medley of fresh vegetables.

Alternatively, check out Chomp at Three Mile Beach, a gastro beach bar with a colourful and vibrant setting serving family-style plates of food inspired by the international travels of the chefs. Sip on a Cornish Pimms or a whimsically-named mocktail called ‘Cuddle on the Beach’ (white grapefruit, cranberry juice and peach nectar).

While in Cornwall, you must try local delicacies such as the Cornish pasty, the nationally famous pie filled with sliced or diced potato, swede, onion, and seasoned diced or minced beef. 

If you do not mind wandering further afield, a 30-minute drive should take you to the nearest cider producer or winery offering tours and tastings. You might get the chance to accompany a glass of Cornish cider or English Sparkling wine with Cornish Yarg, a regional speciality. This unique type of cheese is traditionally wrapped in nettle leaves that forms an edible rind and contributes to its flavour and texture.

We especially liked…

The Wellbeing Spa at Gwel An Mor!

This oasis of calm is warm and welcoming and offers treatments featuring locally sourced products like Made for Life Organics. We enjoyed a rejuvenating foot, leg, and shoulder massage treatment using products that had such a beautiful and fresh scent reminiscent of walking by the sea.

Our massage therapist, Sara Hussey, knew instinctively where to focus and soon, we abandoned ourselves to the feeling of relaxation that consumed the body. 

In the moment, all we needed to do was inhale and exhale and enjoy the luxury of time.

To find out about stays at Gwel an Mor, visit their website at cove.co.uk/gwelanmor.