The Best Bells-and-Whistles Resorts in Cornwall, England

With 72 acres, tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor pools and a superb spa, you could happily spend your whole stay inside Tregenna Castle Resort’s serene gates. Step outside, and you’re in the heart of St Ives with its art galleries, cobbled streets and pretty harbour. Back at base, refuel in the Brasserie or cook up a storm in your self-catering home from home. There’s a great choice of accommodation options here, from bright hotel rooms to contemporary apartments.

Couples and families are cosseted at this beachside resort on the edge of Newquay. Unwind with a treatment in the spa, take a dip at the indoor and outdoor pools, hit the gym or detoxify in the steam room. Rooms range from sea-view suites to family rooms, and there are splash pools, kids’ menus and art clubs to keep youngsters entertained – even buckets and spades to borrow.

Whether you’re a keen golfer, spa aficionado or foodie, St Mellion Estate has you covered. Located amid the verdant landscape of the Tamar Valley, it has two championship golf courses (one designed by Jack Nicklaus) plus an Elemis spa with a gym, indoor pools, Jacuzzi and sauna. Fitness fans can choose from over 50 classes, play tennis on the outdoor courts or book a personal trainer. Order your eggs royale to your room, or head to the elegant restaurant. By night, feast on West Country dry-aged moorland sirloin, burgers topped with Cornish blue or posh St Mellion beer-battered fish and chips.

On Cornwall’s south coast near Looe, this dog-friendly beach resort offers smart apartments, cocktails by the sea and a range of dining options. Accommodation is in apartments that sleep up to four guests, with whitewashed walls, open-plan living spaces and kitchens. There’s a welcome pack with tea and essentials, and a handy shop on-site selling everything from snacks to toiletries. If you don’t feel like cooking, the cucumber-cool beachside bistro, with its garland lighting, wood-panelled walls and fire-warmed deck, serves fresh fodder with an even fresher sea view.

Water sports, rooms with hot tubs and family-friendly touches are on tap at Retallack, handily positioned a short drive from Padstow’s harbour and some of north Cornwall’s best beaches. Rooms range from lakeside boltholes for two right up to lodges that can sleep 12. Active guests will love the FlowRider wave machine and indoor pool, while those wishing to keep their hair dry can watch the action through the Lookout restaurant’s window, where the menu ensures kids are as well catered for as adults. With fuss-free mealtimes mastered, you can reward yourself at the ESYA spa.

A great choice for families, Atlantic Reach has a host of activities to keep the whole brood busy, including tennis, golf, swimming (both indoor and outdoor) and soft play. There’s also an excellent gym and oodles of fitness classes, plus a cafe and a family-friendly restaurant. Venture out, and you have a string of north-coast beaches nearby. Keep the cost down by camping, or book a self-catering suite – they sleep up to eight.