The Best Places to Stay in Cornwall

Praaloha boasts its own 15m heated swimming pool overlooking the Atlantic and jaw-dropping views from almost every room. This stunningly located beach house is set within private ocean-front gardens, a few minutes’ stroll from the famous mile-long beach and some of the best surf breaks in the area. Built by a previous owner who had purchased the private nineteen acre ‘Sea Meads’ estate, the stunning Praaloha is the jewel in this exclusive enclave consisting of only a handful of private beach houses.

This cosy, two-bedroom fisherman’s cottage is set in an awe-inspiring location, nestling in two acres of private grounds, sweeping down to the very edge of Priest’s Cove at the tip of west Cornwall. The west facing garden room offers breathtaking views over the majestic Brisons Rocks and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.

Blue Waters is a luxurious retreat with private access directly onto Porthmeor beach. The large, glass doors perfectly capture the stunning vista, while outside, leading off the main living area, the balcony comes with front-row seats overlooking the soft sands below. The cinema-style TV in the downstairs living area will prove a real hit for less clement days.

Tregwylan is a detached residence with commanding views towards Falmouth and the Lizard from all the main rooms and bedrooms. The brand new garden kitchen is the perfect spot for an evening barbecue, while the open plan living invites the outside in with bifold doors that can be flung back to access the outside deck and let in the sea air.

Providing you with the peace and tranquility that’s often missing from Cornwall’s more buzzing towns like St Ives and Polzeath, this up-scale Airbnb in Portloe offers seaside vibes and quaint coastal white, grey and blue décor straight out of an interiors magazine. Boasting a huge patio with panoramic views of the ocean, the place is ideal for small families with a dog, with one king-size bed and two single beds where weary heads can rest.

An easy stroll from Newquay’s pubs and restaurants, Breakers is popular with young surfers and couples on a budget break looking for a good time. Rooms range from a 10-bed mixed dormitory to a double room with a private shower – other bathrooms are shared – and all guests can take advantage of surfboard storage and the BBQ terrace out front; it’s the perfect place to make new friends. Plus, there’s a cute dog on site, so extra brownie points to Breakers.

A short cycle from Falmouth, yet buried deep within dense Cornish woodland, this four-guest rustic retreat is just the ticket for adventurers partial to a few home comforts. Lovingly handcrafted by its owner, Ben, the place will take you back to basics with a compost loo and an al fresco hot-water shower, but the gas-burning stove, electricity and wifi keep things firmly in the 21st century. Trust us; you won’t be complaining when you’re sipping rosé in front of the crackling fire under romantic fairy lights.

For a budget stay that doesn’t skimp on the details, this traditional cabin allows you to wake up in the middle of nature. Don your hiking boots for the one-mile (1.6km) walk to the cascading St Nectan’s waterfall before returning for a relaxing beer on the balcony. The cabin is equipped with a mini oven, hob, fridge and sink, while milk and a light breakfast are provided. Cute and cosy Dragonfly only sleeps two, so save this for a romantic getaway.

The Artist Residence group is known for its eclectic style, making this Georgian mansion in the heart of Penzance a bucket list experience. Farrow & Ball-painted walls marry with reclaimed furniture and murals from local artists, and all rooms come with luxuries including espresso machines, organic Bramley toiletries – some also have brass bathtubs. Some dishes at its restaurant may change with the seasons, but all are rustled up with local Cornish produce.

The only British resort with its own Blue Flag beach, Carbis Bay is the place for an exclusive Cornish getaway. While its standard rooms aren’t to be laughed at – think gilt mirrors, chandeliers and sweeping sea views – its beach lodges sit directly on the sand with private hot tubs and either a roof or beach garden with a sun deck or a bay-facing balcony. The serene 125-acre (51ha) estate also has a fine dining restaurant, swanky spa, pool and watersports galore.