The Best Spa Retreats to Book in Cornwall, UK
Soothing spa hotels are in no short supply in Cornwall – but there are some that really go the extra mile. Guests get special treatment at these sigh-worthy stays where treatments will make your shoulders unfurl, and superb pools, steam rooms and saunas will have you saying “oooh” and “ahhh” in no time. Join a group yoga session, grab oh-so virtuous food or shortcut straight to champagne-sipping for some serious R and R. From the north coast to the south, here’s our pick of the best spa hotels in Cornwall – all bookable with Culture Trip.
1. Carlyon Bay Hotel, for post-spa coastal walks
Spa Hotel, Luxury
An outdoor pool, tennis courts, sparkling sea views… This clifftop spa hotel in Cornwall near St Austell comes into its own in the summer, but the Elemis spa is an essential pitstop whatever the weather, thanks to its indoor pool, jacuzzi, heated stone sunbeds, steam room and sauna. Oh, and there’s also a heated outdoor pool for the summer months, too. If you need a further dose of the great outdoors to lift your spirits, you’re in luck. A short stroll along the South West Coast Path will take you to the golden sands of Carlyon Beach, while the Eden Project is just a 15-minute drive away.
2. Tregenna Castle Resort, for subtropical gardens in St Ives
Spa Hotel
3. The Cornwall Hotel & Spa, for wine-inspired treatments
Boutique Hotel, Budget Hotel, Spa Hotel
Ideally positioned for exploring the Lost Gardens of Heligan, one of the best things to see in Cornwall, this luxury manor house hotel sits within its own glorious 43-acre (17ha) estate. The curved infinity pool looks out over a walled Victorian garden – in summer, the concertina glass windows are flung open to let in a gentle breeze. Wine lover? Soothing spa treatments – such as the crushed cabernet body treatment and vinosource facial – take inspiration from grapes. Handy, since you’ll also find a well-curated list of whites, reds and bubbles at the bar.
5. The Headland Hotel, for the expansive Aqua Club
Spa Hotel
Newquay’s grandest hotel may have Victorian roots, but it’s recently been brought bang up to date with the multi-million-pound Aqua Club – a swimming and wellbeing centre with six indoor and outdoor pools (including a children’s pool), sun terrace and Mediterranean-themed restaurant, the Deck. Guests can dip in the pools, throw on a fluffy robe and tuck into garlic flatbreads and local tapas-style dishes. In the hotel, the main spa offers treatments like heavenly Elemis facials.
6. Polurrian on the Lizard, for a clifftop position
Budget Hotel
Wellness is on tap at this clifftop hotel, which stands proudly on the Lizard Peninsula. Outside, sink into the pool with the sea breeze in your hair and those big ocean views stretching out like an especially limber yogi in front of you. Speaking of which, you too could roll out your mat and join one of the yoga and meditation sessions here, followed by a jaunt to the indoor pool, hot tub and gym. In the treatment rooms, drift off with a cleansing salt scrub, tranquility scalp massage or age-defying facial.
7. Gannet Inn, for restorative treatments
Pubs with Rooms
Guests at the Gannet Inn are in for a treat if they’re partial to a bit of pampering. They get access to the C Bay Spa at sister property Carbis Bay, one of Cornwall’s best luxury hotels – which is excellent news given its array of pools, subtropical gardens and sumptuous relaxation rooms. The treatment list has enticing options, such as a “sleep deeply” massage designed to relieve physical, mental and emotional stress. There are also treatments tailored to men and mums-to-be.
8. Fowey Hall, for a family-friendly spa trip
Hotel
If you’ve got kids in tow, the spa at Fowey Hall is just the ticket. The indoor and outdoor pools allow children, so you can swim as a family. Or book the little ones into the crèche while you enjoy a soak in the sea-view hot tub. The treatment area is a tranquil place to unwind – book everything from a deep-tissue massage to a manicure. There are even men’s treatments and “mini me” manicures for kids, too.
9. St Michaels Hotel and Spa, for the Cornish sea salt steam room
Spa Hotel
The spa at St Michael’s is superb – it has a bespoke hydrotherapy pool, indoor and outdoor saunas, 10 treatment rooms and the world’s first Cornish sea salt steam room. A group of up to four can also share a rejuvenating Moroccan-inspired rhassoul mud experience, where you cocoon your body in restorative clay and bask in a traditional hammam-style steam room. Beauty treatments, including waxing and lash lifts, are available for added wow factor.
10. St Moritz Hotel, for mood-boosting treatments
Spa Hotel, Hotel
Near Rock, St Moritz has the UK’s only Cowshed Spa outside the Soho House properties. Expect the trademark rustic-luxe feel and moo(d)-enhancing botanicals. There are six treatment rooms, including a couple’s room. We love the sound of the “sun and sea” treatment, involving body brushing using sea salt mixed in peppermint oil, a deep sea detoxifying body wrap and full-body massage.
Want more options? Discover our top pick of hotels in Cornwall, or what we think are the best boutique hotels in the county, and book now on Culture Trip.
Ellie Ross contributed additional reporting to this piece.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
- Post ID: 1001636957
- Sponsored? No
- View Payload