Where To Stay in St Ives, Cornwall

Una St Ives

Nestled in the gorgeous, sandy Carbis Bay, Una Resort is a collection of wood-clad lodges and luxury villas, each with chic, coastal-inspired interiors, a cosy log burner for chilly evenings, a well-equipped kitchen, and a private garden or terrace (most come with their own hot tub, too). When guests don’t feel like cooking, there’s award-winning Una Kitchen to keep you fed. Led by head chef Glenn Gatland (Hell Bay on the Isles of Scilly; a trio of restaurants on Tresco), it’s known for Mediterranean-inspired, wood-fired cooking. The friendly reception team can help arrange anything from surf lessons to restaurant reservations, as well as offer insider tips on what to see nearby. Or, if you simply want to stay put and unwind, the spa – with its sauna and steam room, and must-book pampering treatments – awaits.

BOOK: Two bed lodge from £360 for three nights. +44 (0)1736 257000 / unastives.co.uk

Carbis Bay Hotel

Overlooking one of the world’s most picturesque bays, with its own palm-flanked golden stretch of Blue Flag sandy beach, Carbis Bay Hotel has a prime position. There are 36 individually designed rooms in the original Victorian building, as well as self-catering accommodation in eight timber-clad luxury beach lodges with jaw-dropping sea vistas (perfect for spotting seals). There’s also the recently-refreshed C Bay Spa with its show-stopping infinity pool. The hotel is a foodie’s paradise, too – starting with the newly-opened Walter’s on the Beach, which offers excellent Cornish fine dining, accompanied by incredible views of St Ives Bay. Nearby, the new Deli Café is perfect for a quick coffee. The planet-conscious Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling also recently opened its doors. Then there’s Mediterranean fare at the Beach Club, The Orangery, which serves a delicious breakfast, superb lunches and evening menu – plus The Hungry Gannet, where the British menu hits all the right notes.

BOOK: Doubles from £290. +44 (0)1736 795311 / carbisbayhotel.co.uk

Read More: Adam Handling’s Guide to Sustainable Dining

HOST

Husband and wife team Rassie and Victoria Cloete bought an old bank at the end of 2018, and have since transformed it into a set of deluxe suites for holiday-goers. Situated in the centre of St Ives, HOST is as luxurious as they come – with two luxury suites on the first floor and a bar and restaurant on the ground floor. Think cosy fireplaces, wood-fired log ovens, romantic Rako lighting and bespoke Catchpole & Rye roll top baths. Delightful.

BOOK: +44 (0)1736 805979 / hoststives.co.uk

Alba Beach House

Looking for something all to yourself? Rustic and authentic, Alba Beach House is as true to its Cornish fisherman’s cottage roots today as it was in the mid 1800s – the floorboards have seen nearly 200 years of history while many of the window boards have been fashioned from the timber of long-lost ships. Awash with weathered, nautical regalia and dotted with soft leather chairs which tempt long reclinations looking out to sea, this luxury self-catering home soothes and settles. With a lovely balcony overlooking Porthmeor beach, and Tate St Ives just a short wander down the road, there’s plenty to do here – whether that’s loaf or explore.

BOOK: Sleeps up to 8; from £2,750 per week, or £2,095 per short break. +44(0) 1637 881183 / uniquehomestays.com

Looking further afield? Here are the best hotels in the rest of Cornwall

Boskerris

Fancy a trip to the Med? Then nip down to this chic Cornish bolthole because the feeling, once settled in, is much the same. Set in leafy grounds on the edge of St Ives, its fabulous decking terrace has stunning ocean views, with the promise of the beautiful Carbis Bay beach below. Inside, all is light and airy, and floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the sea views in both the inviting, spacious and stylish lounge and in the principal bedrooms. All 15 cool and cosseting rooms are different in size and decoration, though they share a soft palette of creams and off whites, accented with splashes of vibrant colour. Breakfast is a relaxed affair, with plenty of choice, and there’s delicious afternoon tea and a simple, unfussy supper menu. For extra relaxation, take a massage in the hotel’s treatment room, or simply soak up the rays lounging on that unforgettable Mediterranean terrace. A delight.

BOOK: +44 (0)1736 795295 / boskerrishotel.co.uk

Coastal and Lake Staycations That Will Make You Feel Like You’re Abroad

Blue Hayes Hotel

Set high up with panoramic sea views, yet only a short walk from St Ives, Blue Hayes has much to boast – but it’s the personality of this exceptional boutique hotel that really makes it stand out. The interiors are airy, contemporary, and light-filled – a space in which to relax and soak up the views. The bar and dining room lead to a fine balustraded terrace shaded by Monterey pine and Cornish palm, while a smaller sitting room has a television and a cosier feel. Several of the sophisticated bedrooms also have terraces; they are spacious, with excellent bathrooms. Housekeeping is second to none, the food (including light suppers) delicious and the staff, including owner Malcolm Herring, delightful. This is a place for an extra spoiling treat: perhaps breakfast in bed or champagne on the terrace.

BOOK: +44 (0)1736 797129 / bluehayes.co.uk

Lifeboat Inn

Combine the beauty of St Ives with the cosiness of a countryside getaway at this traditionally harbourside pub, complete with roaring log fire and outstanding sea views. Situated beside the town’s lifeboat house, Lifeboat Inn is right in the heart of St Ives, with five comfortable bedrooms blending period feature with contemporary style. Fancy a little more privacy? There’s also two apartments, kitted out with their own kitchen area. Make sure you dine at the pub for a contemporary menu of reimagined pub classics and seasonal specials, championing ingredients that showcase the best of local produce. With dog-friendly rooms and a special dog-friendly bar area to accommodate your pooch while you dine, the Lifeboat Inn promises fun for all the family.

BOOK: +44 (0)1736 794123 / lifeboatinnstives.co.uk