The Best Places to Stay in and Around Carbis Bay, Cornwall

With spectacular views of St Ives, Godrevy Lighthouse and the ocean beyond, this guesthouse is easy to love. Bedrooms are bright and spacious; the family room has a handy separate sleeping area for children – over six-year-olds only – that can be curtained off and parking is free: a big bonus in a town as busy as St Ives in summer. If you don’t fancy the two-minute walk to join the crowds on the beach, relax on a sun-lounger in the lovely lawned garden overlooking the Atlantic. Sunsets are particularly special here, too.

Having found international fame when it hosted the G7 summit, Carbis Bay Hotel has high standards to live up to. And it does. It has access to a Blue Flag beach, lodges with hot tubs and a luxurious spa. You can even charter a hotel-owned Sunseeker motor yacht for the day. The decor is serious seaside chic with floor-to-ceiling windows, gilt mirrors and cosy contemporary touches. Be sure to taste their celebrated pornstar martini on the spacious terrace as you drink in the Atlantic views.

It’s all about families at this Grade II-listed castle overlooking St Ives Bay. With indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a golf course, tennis courts and 72-acre (29ha) of subtropical gardens and woodland, you might not need to explore far. But if you do, it’s a 15-minute walk into St Ives – just be prepared for the uphill hike on the way back.

The Mustard Tree is a fabulous B&B with high standards, sea views and a warm welcome. The owners pride themselves on attention to detail, offering nine spotless rooms, tastefully decorated in calm neutrals – and snacks and sandwiches in the afternoons and evenings. With free parking, you can ditch the car and walk 0.2mi (0.4km) to the beach – or a little further into St Ives – or take the five-minute train ride from the station down the hill.

A classy but cosy boutique inn on the main road into St Ives. Double-glazing keeps road noise to a minimum and country-home style – leather drawer handles, woollen throws and crisp cotton bedding – keeps the vibe relaxed. Aromatherapy Associates toiletries and homemade biscuits add a luxurious and thoughtful touch. Guests can also use the restaurants, spa and beach at the bigger sibling hotel Carbis Bay, just 10 minutes away.

A collection of architect-designed ‘upside down’ villas just outside St Ives, complete with hot tubs on the deck, infinity pool and an Elemis spa. Living accommodation sits above the bedrooms and double-height windows flood the rooms with light. Decor feels more city apartment than seaside and villas are brilliantly equipped. If you don’t fancy cooking, head to Una Kitchen for the freshest fish and pizzas from a wood-fired Gozney oven.

Most of the rooms at this immaculate B&B – just minutes from St Ives – offer sea views. Beds are super comfortable – rooms are bright, clean and tasteful and come with wine glasses, tea, coffee and water. The traditional English breakfasts are generous, hot and delicious and vegetarian and lighter options are also available.

With an entire wall of floor-to-ceiling glazed doors providing sea views, this is a holiday house with a serious wow factor. From the Douglas Fir floors to the Conran and Alessi furniture and large oak dining table, the Salt House is stylish with a capital S. And there’ll be no fighting over who gets the best room as all bedrooms – it sleeps 10 – have spectacular sea views. Spacious, open-plan and peaceful, the only noise you’ll have to contend with here is from the Denon surround-sound music system.