Best Luxury Hotels in Cornwall

The Scarlet Hotel is a super-contemporary and über-arty upscale hotel squarely aimed at grown ups. While the views over Mawgan Porth beach are stunning -- and viewable from every room -- the location might feel a little isolated for some. Guest rooms have a cool natural aesthetic and private outdoor space with sea views, and the restaurant employs locally sourced ingredients in creative, whimsical dishes. Log-fired hot tubs provide that magical holiday moment, and there's no shortage of other relaxation opportunities on-site: a very mod library, serene spa with copper tub, and benches tucked along sandy paths, to name a few. 

Gwel An Mor is an upscale resort with 61 Lodges and Residences by the sea in Cornwall. Guests can choose to stay in the cozy knotty-pine Lodges or in more modern, Scandinavian-chic Residences, all of which have full kitchens and views of the water from private terraces and balconies. With the beach a 10-minute walk away, and on-site features including a heated pool, spa, Mediterranean restaurant, and kids' activities, the resort is a wonderful choice for families seeking an active, outdoorsy holiday with all the comforts of home. 

Built in 1900, the four-story Headland Hotel -- fashioned from red clay, brick, and stone -- has retained many of its original Victorian features, and provides stunning views of Fistral Beach from its cliff-top location. Stone-lined alcoves for two are tucked into the hillside, allowing privacy while taking in the vista. At this upscale property, there are 96 guest rooms and suites (with traditional or contemporary decor) in the main building and 39 luxury self-catering cottages. Guests wanting quiet relaxation can while away the hours with a book in front of a fireplace, have a massage at the spa, or sip afternoon tea. Active guests can play tennis, golf, swim, or take lessons at Surf Sanctuary, the hotel's on-site academy for water sports.

Located on a quiet stretch of coast just outside of the commercial town of Nequay, the four-pearl Fistral Beach Hotel has 71 bright and airy rooms, many of which have unobstructed, jaw-dropping sea views. The on-site bar and restaurant each serve fresh, locally sourced cuisine against a backdrop of those same views, and the spa has an extensive array of treatments and facilities. Weddings and events are popular here, thanks in large part to the views and stylish decor. The only real issue is that there aren't a lot of public transportation links in the area, so a car is really necessary to make the most of your visit.