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Editor Rebecca Moore yearns for a generous dose of relaxation, embarking on a quest to find rejuvenation at the best spas in Cornwall
There’s something blissfully relaxing about Cornwall. It could be the abundance of fresh air, the slower pace of life, or never being further than 16 miles from the sea, but it’s a destination which exudes relaxation.
But for many, that desire to reach new rejuvenating heights on holiday is often present, when only a trip to the spa will cut it and allow you to slip away into bliss.
So, where are the best spas in Cornwall? Here, I put my three favourites forward to ensure you have a truly rejuvenating break and full recharge.
Best for: spa facilities
The south coast is often famed for its tranquillity, and you’ll find it in abundance at St Michaels Resort’s Spa in Falmouth. The spa here has been sympathetically laid out, with a south-facing spa garden which overlooks the sea, of Gyllyngvase Beach fame.
Provided with a fluffy robe and flip flops on arrival, time slows down as soon as you land at St Michaels. The spa is proudly home to the largest hydrothermal pool in the whole South West, complete with its 21 massage stations (yes, I counted) creating a Cornish sanctuary.
And it’s the facilities that really set this spa apart, as you can easily while away the day. Spa guests can get familiar with a herbal Finnish sauna, an outdoor barrel sauna, a rainforest steam room and the world’s only Cornish sea salt steam room. If like me you like to delve into a good book on a restorative spa day, you can stretch out on the poolside day beds or one of the heated loungers, or even the outdoor sunbeds if you’re blessed with Cornish sunshine, and get lost in a read.
The treatment rooms are equally spoiling. With ten in total, covering everything from pregnancy massage, to couples’ experiences, manicures and more, using the finest luxury skincare products from Elemis.
Be sure to save time to enjoy the outdoor hot tub though, which boasts views that stretch across the gardens and ocean beyond. It’s a highlight for many spa-goers though, so you may need to be patient, but I assure you it’s worth it.
Each month St Michaels offers exclusive limited edition spa packages alongside discounted treatments if visiting out of peak times, alternatively there are ten spa day options to choose from, so you’ll find your wellness match. As one of the best spas in Cornwall, you’ll be sure to float away on a spa day at St Michaels.
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Best for: spa treatments
If you’re seeking some much-needed adult-only relaxation on the north coast, allow me to point you in the direction of Fistral Spa. You might not associate buzzing Newquay with wellbeing, but I can assure you that Fistral Spa is a haven for those wanting to unwind in Cornwall.
Set in a laidback yet sophisticated, adults-only beachside hotel, with unbelievable views of Fistral beach, the spa offers nine treatment rooms complete with heated couches, and there’s even a couple’s room. There are five spa day options to choose from, full-day packages to twilight experiences.
Fistral Spa is also one of the few spas in Cornwall that uses Gaia Skincare, a brand renowned for using the finest ingredients, plant actives and essential oils in all of its indulgent treatments, of which there are over 20 to choose from.
While facilities aren’t abundant here, there’s everything you need to unwind, featuring a 11m starlit indoor vitality pool, jacuzzi, sauna and mosaic steam room. There are a few chairs dotted about poolside, but if you’re looking to float away, I suggest heading up to the relaxation room where cosy loungers, plenty of blankets and pillows await – the perfect spot for a snooze, to delve into a book, or let the unwinding continue post treatment.
For the ultimate treat, why not let the celebrations continue and book in for an afternoon tea at the hotel’s Bay Bar? A place where dining in robes is the norm, the sweeping view of Fistral beach is breathtaking. Expect to find the usual suspects at afternoon tea, think delicate sandwiches, elegant cakes, light and fluffy scones with Trewithan Cornish clotted cream and jam, and freshly brewed tea or some fizz if you fancy.
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Best for: energising experience
The latest phase in a multi-million-pound development of Una St Ives near St Ives, is a stunning lido, measuring in at 20 metres long and heated to 25 degrees, this lavish addition elevates its spa offering making it a great spot in west Cornwall for a restorative afternoon.
And the lido is a real highlight, particularly if the sun is on your side. A tranquil space, the pool itself is a work of art and you can choose to float, soak, or swim in the beautiful natural light. I felt totally rejuvenated after a glorious swim, and being able to relax poolside under the Cornish sun felt indulgent, particularly as I visited in the autumn.
Back inside there’s a 15m x 12m heated infinity swimming pool, a generously sized Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room as well as a handful of loungers. The setting inside isn’t quite as glamorous as out by the lido, so if the weather allows kick back on the sumptuous Fatboy rocking beanbags or one of the many reclining loungers.
Those looking for some top-to-toe pampering should indulge in a treatment, of which there’s a large selection available to spa day guests and those staying at Una St Ives. Exclusively using award-winning Elemis products, there are over 20 treatments to choose from and four treatment rooms and the highly skilled therapist will have you feeling zen in no time at all.
Una Spa offers a variety of spa day packages too, including spa evenings with adult-only swim times between 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Many of the packages include a meal at the fabulous Una Kitchen, which we highly recommend. Opting for a spa package means you’ll get slippers, a robe and towel for the duration of your visit.
Please note the Una Lido will be closed from Sunday 5 November 2023 until Sunday 24 March 2024.
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Categories: Spas & Wellness
