Cornwall has always had a special place in my heart. Which was one of the sentimental reasons my now husband and I got married there earlier this year. After a perfect few days at our venue in Liskeard, we caught the train to Carbis Bay for a few nights of pure relaxation and luxury.
We’d wanted somewhere by the sea, somewhere that offered an indulgent stay and would cater to our newlywed excitement. And Carbis Bay Estate really did tick every box.
The hotel
Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate is a 4* coastal property, located very close to St Ives. It’s also walkable from Carbis Bay train station – a big plus for us as we made the long journey home to London.
Overlooking St Ives Bay, it promises beautiful ocean views from its many restaurants, onsite spa and variety of bedrooms, with easy access to its beach below. The beach is privately owned by the hotel, but is open to the public, with a cafe, restaurant and small shop selling classic British seaside accessories.
Accommodation
We’d originally booked a stay at one of Carbis Bay’s luxury glamping pods, in partnership with POD St Ives. Promising pure privacy, your own spacious living area and outdoor hot tubs we were sold.
However… upon arriving at the hotel reception to check in, we discovered the Pods were a 10 minute drive away from the main estate. Not the 10 minute walk I’d thought. Realising this would mean a taxi every time we wanted to use the spa or dine onsite, we were a little stuck. But it was an easy fix. Immediately we were offered a junior suite within the main house and thank goodness we accepted.
The Main House is the central part of the hotel, with subtle, chic interiors that feel very modern, clean and in line with the seaside location. Originally a Victorian building, it’s a little creaky in the best way possible – I much prefer accommodation that feels like a home rather than a sterile hotel corridor!
There are also Beach Lodges closer to the sands with private hot tubs (expensive but looked incredible), private Beach Houses and Valley Cottages & Suites dotted around the property.
With a giant bed, roll top bath and rain shower, we were thrilled with our luxury Junior Suite. We didn’t win out on a sea view, but spent so much time watching the waves from various spots around the hotel that it didn’t particularly matter.
I’m afraid I was too in the minimoon spirit to take pictures of the rooms but the website images are very true to reality.
C Bay Spa and pool
The main attraction of Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate is the spa. All the facilities point to the ocean, including a large infinity pool and toasty hot tub surrounded by loungers. We spent most of our time going between the beds and the water, excitedly looking at wedding photos and warming up in the hydro pool.
There’s also a sauna, indoor relaxation room and gardens. As well as a number of treatment rooms offering up a bunch of different packages from traditional facials to signature rituals. I opted for a full body massage whilst Allyn had his first facial designed for male skin using Bamford products.
Restaurants and bars
I’m a girl that likes variety when it comes to onsite food and drink. I rarely go to the same place twice so the fact Carbis Bay is home to multiple restaurants was a big plus.
The closest is The Orangery, an all-day eatery overlooking the ocean. Here guests come for a sit-down breakfast (with tons of choice from pancakes to a full English – and the most delicious apple and elderflower juice), as well as afternoon tea, a casual coffee or relaxed lunch. We opted for their Sunday lunch and as roast dinner snobs, we were over the moon to be served a hearty, rich portion.
Down by the beach you’ll find The Beach Club Restaurant with a fantastic pizza menu, and Walter’s On The Beach which offers an array of dinner choices, as well as a sophisticated bar. We headed here for a cocktail on our first night and were delighted by their creative drinks menu. The barman was also so lovely, giving us a complementary glass of champagne to sip on the sands as newlyweds.
There’s also a small deli on the promenade which is good for a coffee, pastry or sandwich, as well as The Hungry Gannet, a cosy boutique restaurant that offers British classics and local ales.
We didn’t dine here, as back in June, the space was taken over by the Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling, which has since moved to Newquay.
Whilst the restaurant is no longer at the property, here’s a bit about our experience…
The Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling
Many know Adam Handling for being the name behind London’s Frog, a Michelin-starred restaurant that focuses on sustainability and using the entirety of an ingredient. And with The Ugly Butterfly being by the ocean, I could only imagine how incredible the seafood would be.
We indulged in the tasting menu with a bottle of white from their ‘weird wines’ selection, as chosen by our sommelier who admitted it to be her favourite. Our waiter was also an absolute delight, explaining every dish and welcoming us with a complimentary glass of champagne.
The menu itself was better than expected. Each dish came with a story either related the the Cornish setting, or to Adam Handling’s upbringing – like the chicken grains and butter that used every part of the bird to create a variety of snacks including a miniature sandwich inspired by his mother’s leftover Sunday roasts. Other highlights included a round of caviar, spiced pepper crab and a final course of warm Madeleines and jam.
After our meal, we headed for a nightcap at the bar as we watched the sky turn dark, catching a seal bobbing in the waves below.
If you’re considering a stay at Carbis Bay Estate, or a meal at The Ugly Butterfly, don’t hesitate. Whether for a special occasion or not, these two Cornish gems are more than worth your time – and pennies.
Book your stay with Carbis Bay Estate.
Read more guides to Cornwall including the perfect road trip around the South West Coast and a review of Alba in St Ives.
