Forget the tradition for skiing in February, and start planning a seaside escape. Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa is the place for sandy toes, salty adventures and an adult-only spa sanctuary.
For many of us the sea is one of the most calming places we can spend time - an inherent part of rest and relaxation, watching the waves roll in, breathing in the fresh air, and exploring the great outdoors. Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa is one of the most idyllic places to do all of that and more.
Perched on a cliff top overlooking the ocean and mere moments from the eponymous Fistral Beach, it sports coastal chic interiors and gives you every opportunity to enjoy the view. Every aspect of the hotel celebrates the local area, from the food to the style, while the hotel also offers you easy access to the best of the local area.
Accommodation at Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa is light and contemporary, letting in lots of natural light and really letting the views of the sea do all the talking. Reasonably priced, there's a range of options, from the Suite which includes a generous seating area, to Sea View Balcony rooms (definitely worth the upgrade), and cosy Economy options.
The thematically named Dune Restaurant is the focal point of the hotel, with an AA Rosette for its menu showcasing local ingredients that change with the seasons. Once again, those views of the water are second to none, and there's an easy going sense of style that permeates from dawn 'til dusk. Alongside the restaurant is the Bay Bar - a convivial hub for hot drinks, tapas and light bites throughout the day, as well as an excellent range of cocktails (we're partial to a Spicy Watermelon Margarita). Don't forget to try their signature Storm in a Teacup afternoon tea as well!
The spa at Fistral Beach Hotel has been really carefully considered, delivering an adult-only hideaway that's perfect for seaside escapism or post-surf relaxation. Set over two floors, the first is all about facilities, with the swimming pool forming the main attraction. It sits under a domed, starlit ceiling complete with underwater music and massage jets ready and waiting to soothe aching muscles. There's also a steam room and a spa bath, and a fitness suite for those in the mood for a workout. The second floor is all about spa treatments, using the acclaimed, natural GAIA Skincare brand in a collection of holistic therapies. The finishing touch is the Little Fistral Spa where you can get your hair, make-up and nails done.
Cornwall is well known for its beautiful beaches and dramatic coastline - a surfer's paradise for good reason, but also prime territory for summer days spent building sandcastles, or bracing walks along the clifftops. Fistral Beach is amongst the best, located in Fistral Bay on Cornwall's north coast.
Not far from the popular seaside town of Newquay, the sandy beach looks out towards the Atlantic, backed by dunes, and framed by high cliffs and dramatic headlands. The west-facing orientation of the beach exposes it to the Atlantic swell and winds, and as such it has become synonymous with British surfing, whether you're learning, a pro, or a spectator.
Fistral Beach has become a haven for surfers, with the International Surfing Centre established in 2003, surfing events located there throughout the year, and the opportunity to learn at local surf schools. With the beach less than 100 metres from the hotel, they invite you to head on over to The Quiksilver Surf School, where all instructors are qualified beach lifeguards and BSA accredited, and you can hire all the kit you need, whether you're a beginner or improver.
It's not just surfing that gets you out and about on this blissful beach. The Quiksilver Surf School also offers coasteering sessions from March to October, taking you to nearby secluded beaches, smugglers coves and secret caves for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure and the chance to see seals and sea life.
Of course, when the weather is calm, one of the best ways to enjoy the beach is to spend time lounging on the sand and swimming in the sea. Fistral Beach has RNLI lifeguards in attendance from March to November, 10am to 5pm, making that the best time for swimming as long as the weather and waves allow. It's a joyful part of a summer spa escape in Cornwall - just remember to stay safe.
One of the great attractions of the South West is the South West Coast Path, one of the UK's longest and best-loved National Trails, stretching 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset. Thankfully, you don't have to do the entire thing, but there are lots of beautiful loops and routes to enjoy near Fistral Beach, for all ages and activity levels, including a recommended 4.6 mile route from the National Trust Car Park at Crantock.
The hotel is walking distance to the seaside town of Newquay, which has become a favourite holiday destination over the years, and for good reason. Famous for its surfing culture and buzzy summer atmosphere, it's bordered by miles of sandy beaches, but also offers plenty of entertainment from popular bars and restaurants to nearby activities. A few favourite local attractions include:
Aside from Fistral Beach, there are lots of other beautiful bays to visit in the surrounding area, from Watergate Bay to Crantock Beach, Great Western Beach, Lusty Glaze and many, many more.
Since you're by the sea, it makes perfect sense to learn a little more about its magic, and the Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay is the perfect place to do just that. Teaming with marine life and a popular underwater tunnel, it's ideal for rainy days, as well as entertainment for kids.
Time on the Cornish coast really is all about enjoying the great outdoors and there are lots of opportunities to do that. Boat tours, sea safaris and more await. For example, Cornwall Waverunner Safaris offer jet ski and boat trips along the coast so you can learn, explore, and see the world from a different perspective.
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