Romantic Escapes in Devon and Cornwall
Devon and Cornwall have some perfect places for couples seeking a romantic weekend away (or longer of course). Here are a few suggestions for that ideal escape.
The Scarlet is an eco hotel and spa at Mawgan Porth on the north coast of Cornwall and it’s for adults only. The location is stunning and is best experienced from a cliff-top hot tub or the natural, reed-filtered outdoor pool. You can’t escape the ocean; from the moment you walk in to the entrance your eye is drawn across the indoor pool to the sea beyond through a wall of windows, and from the spa you can walk down and join the coastal path. If that’s all a bit energetic, simply indulge yourself in one of the tented treatment rooms in the spa. Or else, simply make the most of your private space – all rooms have their own outside space, perfect for sitting back and listening to the draw of the ocean.
Glazebrook House Hotel is another hotel for grown-ups only, this time in South Brent on the southern edge of Dartmoor in Devon. Set in secluded gardens the inside of this boutique hotel has nine ‘sophisticated but fun’ rooms, romping through Alice in Wonderland with names such as White Rabbit, Tweedle Deez, Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat, all a riot of creativity, curiosities and handcrafted furniture, and all luxurious and indulgent. It’s pretty eccentric but very stylish and isn’t at all what you’d expect from the outside. Sip cocktails before sitting down to an equally creative dinner.
StarBed Hideaways is glamping at its most luxurious – there really is no roughing it here. Halcyon and Aurora are the two StarBeds in question: bespoke shepherd huts complete with curvilinear glass ceilings, perfect for star gazing. They can be found on the Buckland Abbey estate on the western side of Dartmoor, set on a secluded hillside with wonderful views. Think kingsize bed, roll top bath, deluge shower, wood-burning stove, firepit and handcrafted oak interior and you’ll be along the right lines. Very intimate, ultimately romantic.
Padstow Townhouse in Cornwall has just six suites, all individually designed, with names such as Rhubarb & Custard, Marshmallow and Toffee Apple. The rooms are spacious, filled with vintage hand-finished furniture, velvet and leather sofas and luxurious bathrooms (Toffee Apple has a handmade oak and copper bath tub). Breakfast is at Rojano’s in the Square and you’re are able to book dinner at the Michelin-starred No.6 (both the hotel and restaurant are owned by Paul Ainsworth).
Black Moon is a one-bedroom holiday home set on Bamaluz Beach at St Ives where you’ll drift off to sleep to the sound of the sea. The interior is decadent and gorgeous, rich and striking, yet intimate and romantic. It even comes complete with its own cave. The open-plan living space has floor to ceiling doors opening up to the ocean. The bedroom (complete with superking bed) is separated from the living area by a sliding mirrored wall so you can make the most of the spectacular sea views without having to stir from your bed.
