Cornwall Honeymoons - Romantic Hideaways

It's difficult to imagine a prettier town than St Ives, with its huddle of fishermen's cottages, tiny artists' studios and cobbled streets flanked by sandy beaches - and this stunning apartment offers the perfect vantage point to appreciate its charm and beauty. 

 

 

 

Boasting an exceptional location on the brow of the hill that slips down to the little town, East Penthouse looks out across the blue sweep of St Ives Bay, from the sands of Gwithian and Godrevy lighthouse and around to the higgledy-piggledy cluster of buildings that juts out into the Atlantic. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony wrap around the luxury apartment, allowing its fortunate guests to bask in the staggering panoramas from dawn to dusk, when the lights of the town cast magical reflections across the water.

 

 

Contemporary design and extraordinary attention to detail is evident in every luxe corner of this stylish sanctuary. A soothing palette of cream, taupe and latte sets the serene mood; there's a super king-size bed piled with luxurious linen, a beautifully designed bespoke kitchen, and a sumptuous bathroom with a deep bath and spacious shower for two.

 

 

You'll also find all manner of mod cons, from the atmospheric lighting and Miele kitchen appliances to the Smart TV and sound system; there's even a bedside switch for the shower to ensure the water is suitably steamy when you hop in.

 

 

It would be easy to while away a blissful few days in this gorgeous spot: wake to the sound of the sea, eat al fresco on the balcony, watch the fishing boats bob across the water and the sun drift across the sky. If you can drag yourself away, there's plenty to do nearby. Take to St Ives' turquoise waters for a surf or stand-up paddleboarding session, or, for the less active, a sunny snooze on the sands. Catch the train at the little station below and enjoy the prettiest of rail journeys around the coast. Or simply explore this picture-perfect town, visit the galleries, wander the beaches and dine at one of the town's many top-notch restaurants: the acclaimed Porthminster Beach Cafe is just a short stroll from East Penthouse.

 

St Ives is a little town which is big on culture. The rare quality of light makes St Ives a magnet for artists, and, having boasted its own school of artists since the 19th century, its rich artistic legacy spans the likes of Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson and Alfred Wallis through to Peter Lanyon, Terry Frost and pioneer potter Bernard Leach. Be sure to visit The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, The Leach Pottery and, of course, The Tate St Ives, which offers constantly changing exhibitions against the stunning seascapes of Porthmeor Beach. St Ives and its surrounding area has also inspired a host of writers: retrace the footsteps of Virginia Woolf, who spent her childhood holidays in the town, D.H. Lawrence, who lived near Zennor from 1916-1918, and Rosamunde Pilcher. Head to the town for St Ives Literature Festival in May or St Ives September Festival and its programme of music, poetry, theatre and art exhibitions.

www.boutique-retreats.co.uk 

 

Enjoy sundowners before the rosy skies of sunset over Mount's Bay from a cosy summerhouse for two and watch the sunrise over Mousehole's little harbour from the comfort of a king-size bed cloaked in Egyptian cotton - Kittiwake offers a dreamy vantage point to enjoy this storybook village. 

 

 

The luxurious seaside bolthole also offers a charming mix of old and new: an original Cornish range, inglenook granite fireplace and original beams sit alongside a modern kitchen, eclectic furnishings and a Victorian-style bathroom complete with a slipper bath. 

 

 

 

Revel in a loved-up few days watching the fishing boats pootle across the bay, moseying around the winding streets and dining on fresh seafood. Heaven.

 

Described by Dylan Thomas - who spent his honeymoon in the village in 1937 - as "the loveliest village in England", Mousehole is a favourite haunt of poets and painters. Located between the fishing port of Newlyn, famed for its colony of painters, the Newlyn School, and Lamorna, the home of the Lamorna Group of artists, it's not difficult to see why this charming corner of the coast proves an inspiration to this day. Be sure to visit Newlyn Art Gallery, Penlee House Gallery in Penzance and, just along the coast, the spectacular open-air Minack Theatre.

 

The view from Barnacles' balcony - the Fowey estuary curling away into the distance, the Bodinnick Ferry slipping slowly across the river, the boats chugging by from sunrise to sunset - is utterly enchanting and the perfect spot for morning coffee through to post-dinner bubbles. 

 

 

 

Inside the waterfront apartment, the vibe is light, airy and oh-so snug; think nautical-inspired decor, melt-into-me sofas piled with plump cushions and a free-standing bath. 

 

 

 

Housed in a building that was formerly a chandlers, there are steps leading down to the little stretch of sand below, while Fowey's pretty jumble of shops, restaurants and historic buildings are just a short walk away.

 

The picture-perfect village of Fowey offers breath-taking coastal views, winding, characterful streets - and a host of impressive literary connections. Famously a source of inspiration for Daphne Du Maurier, the writer spent a large part of her life in and around Fowey and set many of her books in this scenic corner of Cornwall, while Fowey Hall Hotel is thought to have been the inspiration for Toad Hall in The Wind in the Willows after Kenneth Grahame's frequent visits to the stunning spot. Visit in May for Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature.

 

Silvertide
The first thing that greeted us was the sound of the sea. The second was an expansive sense of space. Teetering on the cliff overlooking Whitsand Bay lies Silvertide, a luxury beach hut with panoramic ocean views that instantly lulled us into a state of blissful relaxation the moment we stepped onto the cliff path and wound our way down toward this exceptionally beautiful bolthole.

If seaside escapism is your thing, you'll find it here in abundance. And with it, the pace begins to slow. At Silvertide, daily activities assume a new artful quality as we lounged on the sun-spilled decking and terraced garden, soaked in the hot tub, and sunk into the sofa while imbibing those breathtaking views and refreshing sea air. The ambience continues inside with stylish interiors that reflect Silvertide's prime coastal position. Neutral tones of clotted cream and cool whites are peppered with sea blues and natural textures, while potted plants and shells are scattered throughout.

Every need and mood are effortlessly catered for. There's a fully equipped kitchen, utility area, walk-in (and warm outdoor) shower, barbecue, SONOS sound system, Smart TV, wood burner and underfloor heating. Glass bi-fold doors frame the bay-wide views that are visible from the comfort of the master bed courtesy of remote-controlled photovoltaic glass, which takes a Sunday morning lie-in to new, uber-scenic heights. So whether it's a hot summer's day or there's a storm on the horizon, the space remains deliciously toasty and light-filled.

Should a visiting guest or child require somewhere to sleep, there's a lovely snug second double bedroom, while the entire property is fantastically dog-friendly, combining ample outside and indoor space with the sweeping three-mile beach that's accessible via a short stroll down the cliff (take a pit stop at the charming Eddystone Beach Cafe). Baxter was thrilled by his sand-between-the-paws escapades as he bounded across the shoreline during our serene morning walk, especially since we were the only souls along the entire stretch.  

And for explorers of both the two and four-legged variety, there's so much see and do nearby including walks around Rame Head, destinations to discover including Portwrinkle, Looe, Polperro, Cawsand and Kingsand, and ' should you feel the urge to pop over the border ' Plymouth is a brief drive or ferry ride away.
boutique-retreats.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honeymoon Cornwall

 

Hotel Meudon
Concealed down a country lane in Mawnan Smith between Falmouth and the Helford, Hotel Meudon presents couples with a private 'mid-century modern' themed haven while remaining tantalisingly close to an array of Cornwall's hotspots.

Dinner was a divine three-course feast of executive head chef Darren Kerley's signature 'nouvelle cuisine'. He worked his culinary magic on a medley of fine local produce to create one of the most memorable of mouth-watering meals we've ever devoured ' the raspberry and white chocolate soufflé was to-die-for, while the service was top-notch. Fit to burst, we opted out of a nightcap at the hotel's speakeasy-style Freddie's Bar, whose mood lighting and cocktail list are the perfect lure for those wanting to further explore the many flavours of Meudon's intoxicating menus.

Retiring to our Garden View Room with balcony, we bedded down for a blissful night's sleep as Storm Arwen blustered on, rising to tuck into a delicious breakfast that we had no option but to walk off through the gorgeous valley gardens ' Meudon's crowning glory.

The giant palms, towering trees, colour-pop perennials and lush vegetation transported us into a beyond-beautiful botanical elsewhere while we strolled the gold and crimson leaf path to another of Meudon's hidden jewels: Bream Cove. With direct access to these picturesque sands, couples can swim, paddleboard, sunbathe or simply sit and admire the far-reaching views of Falmouth Bay before returning to the hotel for lunch, afternoon tea or a sense-spoiling break in the Sanctuary Suite.

I selected the sleep-inducing Scalp Therapy, with its mix of acupressure, massage and exquisite essential oils providing the blissful endnote to what was a truly sensational stay. If you're a couple seeking a private luxury escape while deliberating between country and coast, Hotel Meudon is an absolute must.
meudon.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Honeymoons in Cornwall

Mount View Sunrise Safari Tent
If you're bringing the kids on your honeymoon, then Mount View Sunrise Safari Tent was made for you. Offering oodles of outside space with a play area alongside a giant safari tent equipped with everything required for an impossibly comfortable stay, expect kid-friendly glamping at its best.Situated just over two miles north of Penzance in Cornwall's wild far west, the location affords spectacular views over Mount's Bay and St Michael's Mount that enhance the already-palpable otherworldly vibe.

It was off-season and dusk when we pitched up, but the kids were immediately at home in their private adventure wonderland. After a stint in the saucer swing, climbing frame and giant trampoline, they joined me in the huge hot tub before snuggling down into the nest-like double cabin bed.

With the youngsters fast asleep and the wood-fired range roaring, we indulged in a spot of stargazing (and bubbly!) before stretching out on the sofa with books in hand to relish a rare moment of quietude. Turning in for the night in our comfy double bed, the lullaby of the breeze gently flapping the canvas walls reminded us that the outdoors was but a whisper beyond us, leaving us soundly cocooned until daybreak.

Mount View's glorious al fresco experience is enhanced via an outdoor picnic table, hammocks, firepit and covered deck (with private hot tub) surrounded by impeccable lawns, rugged farmland and wildflower fields.

Meanwhile, every whim (and weather scenario) is taken care of in the safari tent in pared-back yet well-considered style ' including WiFi, electric heaters, walk-in (hot and cold water) shower with heated towel rail, separate toilet, lighting, fully equipped kitchen area and two bedrooms (that can be separated with a roll-down canvas panel). There's also a washing machine and on-site honesty shop chock-full of essentials and goodies, ensuring that a honeymoon here is an alluring mix of heavenly and down to earth.
uniquehideaways.com

 

 

 

 

 

Honeymoon Cornwall

The Meadows
This secret moorland cottage fuses rustic stone with modern interiors for a sojourn as snug as it is stylish. Concealed in the countryside just seven miles inland from Crantock and Watergate Bay on Cornwall's rugged north coast, The Meadows can be found within an old farm settlement: a stunning retreat that redefines away-from-it-all for a honeymoon steeped in romance.

Outside, a rockery garden trails the eye toward distant hills, while a hot tub and outside fire beg couples to linger awhile after dusk for open-air nights infused with silent, star-filled beauty. Step inside for modern, stripped-back style with the likes of poured concrete floors, lime-washed wood worktops and high apex ceilings that fulfil the light and contemporary aesthetic, while design touches from local artisan producers add a bespoke flair to the cool and inviting interiors.

The green factor extends beyond the surrounds with an electric car charger and even bee bricks incorporated into the build. Couples are pampered by additions both big and small, from the welcome hamper brimming with treats such as organic gin to the underfloor heating and king-size bed dressed in luxurious The White Company bed linen.

Roam the landscapes, take a coastal excursion or simply lavish in the floating egg bath as you drift amongst uninterrupted views of land and sky for a luxury slice of country life, while celebrating those precious first days of being freshly married.
uniquehomestays.com

 

 

 

 

Images David Curran