Talland Bay Hotel – Porthallow, Cornwall

On the south Cornish coast between Polperro and Looe, Talland Bay Hotel is set in two lush acres of subtropical gardens, a pebble’s skim from the beach. From the outside it’s a long, low, white-painted building, and the interior packs a cool punch. You’ll find sofas covered in zany zebra stripes, extravagantly high-backed chairs and quirky contemporary paintings and objets d’art. The gorgeous, panelled dining room is more classic, home to the hotel’s two AA Rosette restaurant, where Glen Merriott creates topnotch award-winning Cornish cooking, championing local produce. Don’t miss the incredible nine-course dining experience. A large terrace provides plenty of space for summer dining, while the brasserie-style conservatory offers a more laidback alternative. The hotel prides itself on being dog-friendly, with pooches welcome in all the bedrooms (as well as all main areas of the hotel, with the exclusion of the restaurant). Choose to stay in one of the beach-chic rooms, perhaps one with a sleigh bed or four-poster draped in white fabric. For more space and privacy, the garden suites are ideal. It’s no wonder both Mick Jagger and Chris Evans are fans. 

Doubles from £210 

+44 (0)1503 272667; tallandbayhotel.co.uk