Honeymooning at home has never been so hip. Wed samples some of Cornwall's most idyllic love nests...

You’ve said ‘I do’. After months of planning, negotiating and decision-making, the wedding whirlwind has receded and, whether you’re left feeling happy, complete or sad it’s all over, you’ll almost definitely feel exhausted. The last thing you’ll want to do is hang around for hours at an airport, right?


photo Mark Noall
Honeymoons in Cornwall

There’s a lot to be said for honeymooning at home – even if you’re planning an exotic getaway at a later date. The thought of a long haul flight and the sheer logistics of foreign travel can be a daunting prospect when all you want to do is chill out and spend some memorable down time with your new spouse.

Cornwall has some chic and dreamily romantic self-catering boltholes tucked away on its shores. Offering the ideal blend of privacy and luxury, the hassle-free nature and sheer beauty of these locations is an appealing draw for honeymooners. I’ve had the pleasure of sampling some hidden treasures.


photo Mark Noall
Honeymoons in Cornwall

THE SEASIDE RETREAT
I was only a few miles from home but, winding my way through St Ives’ cobbled streets towards my Sail Loft retreat, I slipped into that blissful holiday vibe. There’s something about St Ives – and the Sail Lofts in particular – that whispers blissful shoreline relaxation.


Honeymoons in Cornwall

A collection of boutique self-catering apartments housed in a former pilchard-pressing factory, the Sail Lofts are located in the heart of St Ives’ jumble of streets and just a stone’s throw from the silken sands of Porthmeor and Porthgwidden.


Honeymoons in Cornwall

I savoured the murmur of the tide as my fiancé Brendan and I approached our apartment for the weekend. Harbour is an endlessly cosy bolthole with contemporary open plan living space, a deluxe kitchen, snug beds and plush bathrooms. The crisp whitewashed walls are teamed with splashes of colourful detail, from original paintings and artful sculptures to a chest that could have been seized from a pirate’s cave. The vibe is very much one of oceanic Cornish charm meets mellow Eastern ambience. I felt instantly at home.

Waking the next morning – after quite possibly the most restful night’s sleep I’ve ever had – I went for a stroll across Porthmeor Beach, revelling in the exhilarating blast of fresh sea air, the pound of the surf and the cry of the seabirds. Brendan and I then tucked into a tasty breakfast in Porthgwidden Beach Café with its breathtaking views across the bay to Godrevy Lighthouse, then pottered around the town, perusing the art galleries and shops.


Honeymoons in Cornwall

To take the relaxation to another, altogether more sublime, level, we paid a visit to the Sail Lofts’ Ocean Spa. Nestled amidst restaurants and boutiques on the harbourside, the spa is an intimate sanctuary with a friendly and skilled team of therapists and a treatment menu utilising the sumptuous products from Cornish skincare company Spiezia Organics. Lying alongside one another in the candlelit treatment room, the thick scent of aromatherapy oils hanging in the air, I relished every heavenly moment of my ‘Relax and Rejuvenate Facial’. Brendan described his ‘Deep Tissue Massage’ as “divine”.


Honeymoons in Cornwall

Walking on air, we took a stroll across the beach and watched the waves pummelling the shore before returning to our beachside bolthole.

Sail Lofts’ concierge service allows for an entirely hassle-free honeymoon. Whether it’s arranging for foodie goodies to be delivered to your apartment, booking spa sessions or organising surf lessons and artistic activities, the welcoming team will put out all the stops to ensure you enjoy the cream of this exceptional town. You might even have dinner served in the privacy of your apartment from a team of gourmet chefs. Quite simply, it’s a dreamy setting for a spot of loved up and laidback living after the wedding.

Sail Lofts, St Ives
01736 799175 www.thesaillofts.co.uk

THE HIP HIDEAWAY
Heading deep into the wildly beautiful outer reaches of West Cornwall, through Lamorna Valley and towards The Cove, I was overcome by the rather wonderful feeling of leaving the real world behind. Tucked away in a hidden and utterly enchanting corner of Cornwall, the seclusion of The Cove is one of its key charms – that, and its jaw-dropping location.


Honeymoons in Cornwall

Situated in an atmospheric 19th century building, the cluster of boutique self-catering apartments perches on the hillside, overlooking the dramatic, wave-beaten beauty of Lamorna Cove.

Our apartment was breathtaking. Designed to make the most of the glorious 180-degree views, the apartment hangs over the valley and natural light pours in through the floor to ceiling windows. Outside, sun loungers encircle the heated outdoor pool and a dense stretch of trees frames the ocean beyond – it is a view that fuses the savage beauty of the Cornish coast with a twist of the tropics.

I had to pinch myself when I woke up in the gorgeous bedroom, which brushes the treetops. The sunlight streamed in through the windows as warm croissants were delivered to our room. Brendan and I sat on our private terrace and munched them in the morning sunshine, while The Cove’s resident pet rabbit ambled by.


Honeymoons in Cornwall

After breakfast, we took a leisurely stroll down to the harbour and along the coastal path where we found a suitably flat outcrop of granite to lounge on, and absorbed the sunshine, the sight of the seabirds and the sound of the tide lapping the rocks below. The lure of The Cove called us back before long and we wiled away a divine few hours relaxing by the pool; after sunset, we supped on wine and stargazed from the terrace.

The chic, candlelit setting of The Cove’s restaurant, The Fireside, offers an atmospheric setting for a romantic meal if you’re not in the mood for cooking. You might decide to dine poolside overlooking the valley or, for greater intimacy, dinner can be served in the privacy of your apartment as the sun slips behind the sea.


Honeymoons in Cornwall

There’s plenty to do, whether you envision a laidback or action-packed honeymoon. The team at The Cove can arrange activities such as sailing, kayaking, diving and fishing or relaxation via a private yoga session or pamper treatment in the hotel’s spa, where an indulgent menu of therapies are available. For a romantic afternoon or evening out, catch a show at the nearby Minack Theatre with its dramatic ocean views before returning to your snug and stylish haven.

Tucked away in our tree-skimming sanctuary, I decided I had discovered the ultimate love nest – the perfect setting for those first, precious starry-eyed days.

The Cove, Lamorna
01736 731411 www.thecovecornwall.com

THE COUNTRY ESCAPE
Hidden in a tranquil glade between St Austell and Pentewan Sands, Natural Retreats is a veritable village of luxurious pads designed for unwinding in peace and privacy. Surrounded by acres of farmland, as soon as Brendan and I approached the cluster of timber-clad retreats, the sense of serenity and escapism was palpable – the hum of wildlife the only sound.


photo Thomas Foreman Photography
Honeymoons in Cornwall

Stepping into our retreat, I was met by light, airy interiors and oodles of space. And there it was again – that feeling of coming home. Everything felt so fresh, new and squeaky clean you could almost smell the paint.

Perfectly positioned to maximise the sunlight, the sleek modern design of the architecture is mirrored in the contemporary vibe of the interiors. The open-plan living space comes with a touch of glamour: a modish kitchen and lounge area, complete with a luxe sofa piled with colour-pop cushions, opens onto a private balcony bedecked with dining furniture and sun loungers – an idyllic spot to unwind with a bottle of wine on a balmy evening.


photo Thomas Foreman Photography
Honeymoons in Cornwall

The bedrooms are sleek and ultra stylish. Think lofty ceilings, unfeasibly comfortable beds and modern bathrooms with huge walk-in power showers. In the master bedroom, French doors open onto a balcony with views across the picturesque countryside.


photo Thomas Foreman Photography
Honeymoons in Cornwall

Although it was tempting to spend the day simply lounging in our chic sanctuary, with a choice of picture-postcard settings on the doorstep, we decided to head out and explore the charms of Cornwall’s south coast.

Charlestown was our first port of call and, after skimming stones on the twinkling waters and a stroll around the historic harbour, we headed to the sands of Pentewan, where we lounged in the sunshine. We then travelled a little further around the coast to Mevagissey, where we wandered around the winding streets, ate ice creams on the harbourside and drank in the prettiness of the fishing village.


photo Thomas Foreman Photography
Honeymoons in Cornwall

Back at our retreat, we cooked up a feast and enjoyed a leisurely dinner on our terrace in the evening sunshine. It was the perfect day out – and the perfect setting to retire to.

As suggested by their title, Natural Retreats have an ethos of sustainable development and a strict eco policy, making their accommodation a fitting choice for eco-minded couples. A concierge service will ensure you get the most from your honeymoon, whether it’s making reservations in restaurants, making bookings for local attractions or advising on activities. With the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the quaint town of Fowey and miles of spectacular coastal path on the doorstep, this is a snug and stirringly beautiful setting to commence married life.


photo Thomas Foreman Photography
Honeymoons in Cornwall

Natural Retreats, St Austell
0844 384 3166 www.naturalretreats.co.uk


words Rebecca Matthews

Copyright WED Magazine 2011