With slow-moving mornings centred around coffee and pastries, long, lazy days at the beach, and gentle strolls down pretty cobbled streets with an ice cream in-hand, holidays in Cornwall are already pretty relaxed… Enter the dreamy addition of a Cornish spa day…
From hot stone massages that will have you eying up the pebbles at the beach (we’ve wondered if it’s the same, too) to sitting in a steamy sauna, Cornwall’s soul-stirring array of spas are guaranteed to ease knots and restore chakras. And you can continue the spa vibes at home with our heady collection of cottages with hot tubs, many of which boast stunning sea views to boot.
Ready to unwind like never before? Here are some of the best spa activities in Cornwall, ready to fill your day with the ABCs of spas (Afternoon tea, Bubbles, and Complete relaxation).
St Michael’s Resort, Falmouth
Situated in the near-tropical delights of Falmouth on Cornwall’s stunning south coast, St Michael’s Resort is a true Cornish sanctuary where sea views and luscious gardens surround you. Boasting the largest hydrothermal pool in the South West, as well as a cold plunge pool, barrel sauna, and 12-person hot tub, St Michael’s has everything you need for a wonderfully relaxing spa day.
Create your spa day package with an ELEMIS facial or massage and enjoy a delicious dining experience in the Brasserie on the Bay restaurant, which boasts a menu full of local ingredients and simply delicious dishes. Sweet dreams are most certainly made of this.
C Bay Spa, Carbis Bay
Sharing the same turquoise coast as St Ives, you would be excused for thinking this sun-drenched spa was in the Med, not the beautiful west coast of Cornwall. Oh yes, enjoying the exquisite surrounds Carbis Bay affords, C Bay Spa is a portrait of oceanside tranquillity – the outdoor pool with glorious sea views is a particularly arresting spot.
There are a variety of spa treatments on offer here, including luxurious Bamford facials, full body exfoliators and massages, and toe-tally incredible manicures. Throw in lunch at the fabulous Orangery restaurant (which does an amazing afternoon tea) and you’ve got the makings of a rather special day.
Scarlet Spa, Mawgan Porth
If you’re looking for a spa experience that’s down-to-earth and surrounded by rugged seascapes, Scarlet Spa is utterly and completely for you. Nestled on the wildly beautiful north coast, this blissful eco spa is all about reconnecting with nature as you wind down to your core.
Whether you fancy a day of lounging or an evening of soaking, swimming and supping (on a fabulous three-course meal), there’s a spa package for every occasion – not that you need an occasion to lie back in a copper tub before enjoying a first-class feast!
Bedruthan Spa, Newquay
Another dramatic clifftop sanctuary with a laid-back approach to wellbeing, Bedruthan Spa is a breath of fresh air when it comes to relaxing. The spa’s sauna, steam room, hydro pool, and Roman-style caldarium (a type of hot plunge bath) are a sure-fire way to ease into a deliciously warm state, while the calming sensory garden promises an aromatic moment in the fresh sea air.
You’ll find a wonderful array of wellbeing and yoga classes, or you can slow down even further with one of the dreamy treatments, which promise a soothing blend of natural ingredients chosen for their healing and restorative properties. Round off your heavenly visit with a meal at Ogo, Bedruthan’s stunning restaurant that boasts sea views and a gloriously seasonal menu.
The Cornwall Spa, St Austell
What does a wellness day mean to you? Is it all about getting your body moving in a fun fitness class or infinity pool, or do you cherish a slower pace with a facial or massage bringing you back to your centre? Whatever your idea of wellness, The Cornwall Spa is here to help you turn your dream into an equally dreamy reality with its wonderfully restful facilities and beautiful 19th century estate – we particularly recommend enjoying a smoothie in the walled garden.
There is a plethora of packages to choose from, including mini retreats and the indulgent afternoon tea and spa – because spa days are always improved with mini cakes and finger sandwiches! The Cornwall actually has three eateries to choose from during your visit, whether you fancy some relaxed fine dining in the restaurant, a cocktail and a pizza in the bar, or a lavish cream tea in the tea room.
The Pig, Harlyn Bay
Who knew potting sheds were the place to be for a magical massage… well, as long as it’s the Potting Shed at The Pig! Oh yes, making the most of its coastal location, The Pig blends organic ingredients with rustic charm to create a totally unique spa experience. The deeply restorative menu of treatments boasts a myriad of tempting choices, from full body wraps that leave your skin silky smooth and intensely hydrated to bespoke massages that are tailored to your own special needs.
Of course, it’s not a spa day without a little indulgence of the foodie variety. Luckily, a short walk up the garden path, which is lined with wild flower beds and herbs, you’ll find the tasty charms of The Restaurant. Sup on fresh food grown in The Pig’s very own kitchen garden and sip on an array of Cornish gins and lip-smacking cocktails.
Spa Soma, Penryn
Taking wellness back to its roots, Spa Soma is a wild eco spa of idyllic proportions. Tucked away in the Chyan Cultural Centre, you’ll find a natural spring-fed pool that promises deliciously refreshing dips, as well as a wood fired hot tub and sauna for warmer moments of total relaxation and solar-powered showers for a post-dip cleanse.
Indulge in a retreat day and enjoy a range of herbal teas as you soak, or add in some yoga, meditation, or a sound bath for your very own bespoke experience. Bring a moreish picnic to make the most of this beckoning haven - we recommend checking out Cornwall’s incredible farm shops for some deliciously local feast favourites.
Mullion Cove Hotel & Spa, Mullion
We cannot get enough of Cornwall’s heady mix of coastal spas, and Mullion Cove is no different. Boasting all of the usual relaxing favourites, from steam rooms and saunas to hot tubs and an outdoor pool, this cliff-top paradise takes things one step further with a glorious indoor hydrotherapy infinity pool that promises a seriously divine soak with a rather spectacular view.
Whether you want to relax, release, or re-energise, there’s a treatment to suit, including the signature Mullion Cove Essence treatment, which promises a total body refresh and mind-cleansing scalp massage. With a range of spa day packages, including couples, seaweed, and pre/post-natal options, and a taste-tingling menu, Mullion Cove has every sense well and truly covered.
Create your own
We are big believers in a DIY approach, especially when it comes to pampering – after all, who knows you better than you! Kicking off your homespun spa day with a beautiful setting, choose from our inspiring mix of holiday cottages in Cornwall, which boast a range of hot tubs, swimming pools, and stunning sea views to choose from.
When it comes to the pampering itself, there are a few roads you can wander down. For an ocean-themed day, enjoy a relaxed stroll across one of Cornwall’s beautiful beaches, many of which promise dreamy spots for a soul-stirring swim, before returning to your cosy cottage for an afternoon or evening of skincare therapy with The Cornish Seaweed Bath Company, who specialise in indulgent skincare using the amazing health benefits of Cornish seaweed. Or, for the ultimate home spa experience, Home Spa Cornwall will treat you to a dreamy massage, facial, or manicure all in the comfort of your home-from-home – perfect!
Ready to practise the wonderful art of relaxation? Explore our beautiful collection of holiday cottages in Cornwall and start planning your restorative stay.
