Cornwall’s rugged, ocean-whipped beauty makes it a perfect fit for serene spa experiences. Whether you want to reward yourself with a massage after pounding the breathtaking South West Coast Path, or simply fancy a night away from the strains of everyday life, here are 10 of the best spas in Cornwall to unwind, recharge and indulge. From day spas and hotels with treatment rooms to sophisticated spa retreats, there is a Cornish spa for every budget and occasion.
Scarlet
One of the founding Cornish List hotels, in no small part because of its stunning spa, The Scarlet Hotel is the epitome of eco chic. You’ll find a bromine-filtered indoor pool, an outdoor pool cleansed by its living reed bed, a clifftop sauna, steam room and endless ocean views. Treatments are inspired by holistic Indian Ayurveda principles, and are each tailored to individual needs following a consultation. As with the rest of the hotel, the spa is designed around the natural environment– flooded with light and natural materials. The rugged coastline it calls home inspires every corner of the spa from many of its facilities you can hear crashing waves and the roar of the Atlantic. It makes for a seriously serene and sumptuous setting that is distinctly Cornish. The hotel is sophisticated and romantic and a Scarlet spa break is always a memorable way to mark a special occasion or celebration, or to simply unplug from the stresses of daily life.
Bedruthan
Sister hotel to Scarlet, Bedruthan holds its own as a strong spa offering. It offers a gorgeous thermal spa, sauna, steam room, caldarium and hydropool for some serious relaxation. Its fantastic dining options make it an indulgent option for a spa day – with delicious lunch menus and afternoon tea options. Bedruthan spa has embraced hot/cold therapy – with Seven stages at different temperatures. Those seeking a bolt of rejuvenation can warm up in the heated sauna before pulling a cord to for a blast of cold water. For something a little more serene, the spa garden is a blissful spot to get back to nature among a heady mix of aromatic herbs and plants.
Fistral Spa
A welcome retreat from the action in Newquay, Fistral Spa offers a comprehensive treatment menu in tranquil surrounds. Open only to hotel residents and spa day guests, the atmosphere is serene and standards high. Their aim is to restore guests to a state of inner- calm and outer-beauty – using a selection of carefully chosen Gaia therapies and products made in Britain, free from parabens, sulphates, synthetic colours and fragrances. Fistral Spa’s nine treatment rooms are designed with total relaxation in mind, with a heated vitality pool, hot tub, relaxation room, steam room, sauna and state-of- the-art fitness suite creating a welcoming, relaxing space.
The Pig at Harlyn Bay
Another Cornish List hotel, The Pig at Harlyn Bay is one of the best places to stay in North Cornwall. Its Potting Shed Treatment Rooms are tucked away through the walled Kitchen Garden, perched picturesquely by the brook. Open to all, you do not need to be a hotel guest to experience a relaxing treatment here – it’s a lovely way to visit this exclusive property. Like much of the hotel’s rustic and relaxed design, treatments at the Pig are inspired by the hotel’s coastal surroundings. Experience deeply relaxing full-body treatments using natural and organic products accredited to the highest standards by the Soil Association. After a day on the North Cornwall coast or a brisk walk along the headland, there is nowhere better to unwind with a full body massage or sugar scrub or to embrace the healing powers of the sea with a hydrating body wrap or rejuvenating facial.
Crantock Bay Spa
At the end of West Pentire headland, overlooking Crantock Beach and the dramatic coastline beyond, Crantock Bay Spa is a haven for spa seekers. They are led by a strong philosophy – to respect and protect their natural surroundings and to keep the oceans clean. Their spa products and tyreatments clearly reflect this ethos. As well as treatment rooms guests can enjoy a relaxation area, a 12.5m indoor heated pool, and a spa bath with floor to ceiling ocean views. The spa prides itself on its friendly, experienced team and its range of holistic treatments. From manicures and pedicures to beautifully crafted spa rituals and Touch Therapy, all complimented by a tasty spa menu of light dishes and heartier classics.
The Headland
This award-winning spa offers luxurious twinkly treatment rooms, sea views from the spa lounge, pristine pools, Swedish saunas and more. Its high-end design aesthetic makes it a sumptuous spot to soak up the serene surroundings and to indulge in restorative treatments. Choose from manis & pedis and facials to couples experiences and bespoke massages. Enjoy an inviting hydrotherapy spa pool complete with bubble seats, swan jet, hot tub, a Cornish salt steam room, and aromatherapy showers, to create a blissful Cornish spa experience.
St Moritz Cowshed Spa
The St Moritz Hotel in Polzeath is the UK’s only Cowshed Spa outside Soho House properties. Based on the beauty philosophy perfected at Babington House in Somerset, using mood-enhancing botanical products. Inspired by an English country garden, Cowshed products are blended to soothe and revive. St Moritz Spa has six stylish treatment rooms offering everything from a quick beauty fix to indulgent head-to-toe Cowshed packages. For a romantic experience, couples can book a side-by-side massage in the double room. Or, choose from their all-inclusive packages such as the Full Day, or Half Day Package. And, if you fall in love with the lotions and potions used in your treatment, you can pick up your own goodies to take home in the Cowshed shop.
Carbis Bay Spa
Carbis Bay Hotel is a perfect setting for a memorable spa experience – scenically located on one of the world’s most beautiful bays. The C Bay Spa is a real gem in West Cornwall offering relaxation, replenishment and rejuvenation. Its breathtaking outdoor infinity pool offers swimmers showstopping views. Or, if you’re looking for something more tranquil, the invigorating hydropool is a paradise of bubble jets, best enjoyed with a chilled glass of Champagne. The spa has been recently enhanced and enlarged, and offers a tempting array of high quality treatments and services for the most discerning spa guests.
St Michaels Cornwall Spa
St Michaels boasts the largest hydrothermal pool in the South West, with 21 massage stations. It’s also home to a herbal Finnish sauna, showers, and steam rooms. The spa’s gorgeous French windows give views across the sun-drenched south-facing spa garden, so you can enjoy Cornish countryside views while you are pampered. Meanwhile, its Brasserie on the Bay makes a picturesque spot for lunch as you gaze out over glittering Falmouth Bay. Choose from a wide range of treatments, including facials, signature massages, men’s services or a Moroccan steam chamber experience using lava clay and mineral muds. And if you want to make a weekend of it, book an overnight stay to enjoy a traditional Cornish breakfast and a truly rejuvenating night away.
Fowey Hall
As a mum of three, I had to include Fowey Hall’s superb spa offering – but as it’s currently undergoing a really substantial redevelopment this one is currently a ‘watch this space’ situation. What I will say, is that Fowey Hall effortlessly blends family-friendly and luxury in a way that many try but few master. Here, kids can swim and splash or they can be entertained in the wonderful, Ofsted registered creche whilst parents enjoy some hard-earned pampering. Full review of the new spa facilities – which will include a stunning outdoor pool – to follow!
