Boskerris Hotel

The Boskerris Hotel is a relaxed, contemporary inn overlooking St. Ives Bay, surrounded by beautiful lawns and wildflower gardens, and perfect for a private, romantic getaway. The peaceful and secluded hotel offers excellent food and so many attractive extras that guests may not feel the need to leave the property at all, except to walk to the nearby beach. The 1931 building has been completely updated, with state-of-the-art electronics and Wi-Fi, while maintaining an open, airy, cottage-y vibe. There is a prettily weathered wooden deck with sofas and wrought-iron tables and chairs, where visitors can watch the sunset over the water. The interior decor has lots of character, and an expensive, but relaxed, country house feel, with modern patterned textiles, and elegant grays, light blues, and pale yellows on the walls. There are fresh flowers around the common areas and guest rooms, that look like they were snipped from a garden. Afternoon tea is served, and the food is excellent, with a delicious breakfast included. Everything is done with class and attention, including the daily suggestion board, where the staff offers sightseeing ideas. The Boskerris feels far more luxurious than its three-pearl rating would imply, and guests seeking privacy, peace, or a little romance can't go wrong here.

The Boskerris Hotel is located on the Cornish Coast, at the edge of St. Ives, overlooking the bay. The hotel is a few hundred yards from the main road, on a small, quiet side-street, and there's no traffic noise or other intrusive sign of civilization. Carbis Bay beach is just below the hotel, about a five-minute walk away, and surfers will find this an excellent location to catch a wave. Downtown St. Ives is three minutes by train from the Boskerris, and guests can also walk there in about 30 minutes along the coastal path, which begins just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. There is free parking for guests with cars, but locals report that driving can be hairy in this area.

Guest rooms at the Boskerris Hotel come in three categories: Standard, Superior, and the most romantic option, Celebration. Each room is individually designed and decorated; all are airy and bright, but they differ in size and quality of view. Furniture is fresh and contemporary, in mostly white and beige fabrics with pops of turquoise or black and Mediterranean-style accent prints. Beds are made with Egyptian cotton bedding, and king- and super-king-size beds are available. Bathrooms are spacious and bright with shower/tub combos or walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and White Company toiletries; some have additional roll-top tubs. The Celebration room has a double jetted tub and wet room area. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs with DVD players and DVD lending libraries, digital music players, coffee/tea facilities (Nespresso machines in Superior and Celebration Rooms), slippers, free bottled water, and free Wi-Fi. But what puts the Boskerris nearer the luxe realm are the little touches, such as fresh milk upon request. Sea view rooms are highly recommended and worth the extra expense. Families should inquire about the Standard Room that connects to a room furnished with bunk-beds and a separate TV and DVD player for the kids.

The Boskerris Hotel has an excellent restaurant, with free breakfast included in reservations. Breakfast tends to include bacon and eggs, and homemade muesli. The chef uses locally sourced ingredients and local vendors, which gives the menu a combination Cornwall/Mediterranean flair. Cornish afternoon tea is served each day. Dinner service is intimate, and guests give the food rave reviews. There's also a full bar with terrace seating and live music. The Boskerris staff are generous with recommendations for exploring the area, and there's a daily notice board with updated suggestions each morning. In addition, there are plenty of little extras; guests may borrow beach equipment and other items to make their stay more fun and relaxing. A wide variety of in-room spa treatments are offered, as well as special treats that can be arranged pre-arrival, including Champagne, flowers, and chocolate. The front desk has a large DVD library for use in the guest rooms. And a Mac guest computer is available in the lobby.