EXPLORING CORNWALL: THE SCARLET HOTEL & SPA

Autumn has definitely reached Cornwall, with its chilled weather and rainy days, so what could be more perfect than spending the last of the sunshine at The Scarlet Hotel & Spa…

If you follow me on Instagram (@perfectlyclaudia) then you may have spotted an array of stories that I posted during my relaxing day at the beautiful Scarlet Hotel & Spa. Our morning started with a lovely meet and greet in the Spa reception, a quick tour, an even quicker outfit change, and sheer excitement when we saw the views! The entire Spa faces the most amazing coastal view as it overlooks Mawgan Porth beach, Newquay. A lot of the rooms, especially with balconies, face the same beach. Imagine waking up to golden hour over the ocean, or sleeping to stormy seas and skies.

  

The main ‘hub’ of the Spa is a relaxing ‘quiet room’, with an array of seating areas to suit all preferences. We opted for the loungers that overlooked the natural outdoor pool and beach view, of course. There is also a dipped seating area filled with bean bags, a hanging pod, and a selection of very large, cushioned chairs (I really want one!). From this room you can reach the changing rooms, the treatment rooms, the indoor pool, the outdoor pool, the hot tubs, sauna, and the Spa restaurant. It’s a quick and easy midway point.

Our first spot to explore was the amazing indoor pool. It’s a real gem of the Spa and I was really excited to shoot and swim there. As it was early in the morning we got to experience the pool without bothering any other guests – in fact, it was pretty quiet for most of the day. The pool is also heated, and has the most fabulous poolside views that a non-infinity pool can have. There’s also a rainfall-style shower inside the pool room, and an eucalyptus steam room. Sadly the evening clouded over, so we couldn’t admire the sunset from the pool, but even watching the clouded ocean was a dream. There's also a yoga room next door (which is accessible from the Spa reception) with these same amazing views.

The indoor pool also overlooks the outdoor natural pool, which is beyond pretty – though cold!! I did manage to brave it up to waist height, but then quickly ran out and back to the warmth of the Spa hehe. It's naturally filtered by the reeds, which we found fascinating as the water is so clear.

Between enjoying the impressive pools, we also experienced a few super relaxing treatments. The whole treatment area has an air of relaxation; it’s dimly lit, with soothing scents and music, and all of the treatment rooms have Bedouin tent vibes. The first treatment was the Padabhyanga – mouth full! It’s a foot and lower leg massage that helps to release energy blocks and improve circulation. As I’d just jumped out of the chilly natural pool this was a perfect way to warm up the legs!

Next on our itinerary was lunch, yum! We were so impressed with lunch; we were beyond surprised that the chef and team had created a personalised vegan menu for my guest and I. Even the desserts were vegan! The food was dreamy... I opted for a courgette fritter with chilli pearls and leaves, whilst my guest ordered spiced lentils on sourdough with coriander. Yum yum yum! Both dishes were amazing, and came with an array of side dishes such as a mixed herb hummus with raw vegetable crudités, a beetroot and chickpea salad, a pesto coated courgette and cherry tomato salad, and a few more options. We also got to taste the juice of the day – which was a refreshing green juice!

The view from the restaurant terrace is beautiful. It overlooks the natural pool, the hot tub and sauna area, and the amazing beach and coast. If you visit, do not miss the views from up here, they’re simply magical. We noticed that there is also a third tier to the Spa, a more relaxed and chilled outdoor lounge area, which you can reach from inside the Spa. That tier got pretty busy during the day, but we were superbly happy with our views from the lower levels that we didn’t wander any higher.

  

After lunch was our toasty cliff-top hot tub session. The Spa allows for thirty minutes per session, which we definitely thought wasn’t long enough haha! On a chilly day, that is one warm and dreamy wooden tub that you never want to leave. The views from the hot tubs are beyond impressive. You get the full effect of the cliff-side views from here. The sauna is on a level just below the hot tubs, and also overlooks the beach – with a cleverly thought out window so that you don’t miss the views!

After some more moments of relaxation, and an endless supply of the best herbal tea we’ve ever had (oatflower, lavender, and limeflower), we decided to revisit the indoor pool. It really is such a mesmerising pool, and when the water is still it looks just like glass. The pool is encased by enormous windows, and has beautiful shimmering blue tiling. It’s also a little deeper than we expected, so photos here were hilarious… with me shimmying myself along the edge of the poolside, or tip-toeing through the pool to find that perfect spot. Keep an eye on my Instagram (@perfectlyclaudia) for these magical moments, there are plenty to come!

To end our day we were treated to an hour long Tri Dosha Facial, which I can highly recommend! It was definitely my favourite of the treatments, as it includes a head and neck massage. The facial massage and treatment itself was so relaxing, with an array of scents that really do take the senses on a journey. We were really impressed with this treatment, and here's why... we both experienced the same treatment, yet the scents and products used were totally unique to each of us. I wonder if my therapist picked up on the fact that I had a bit of a cold – because she seriously cured it with the use of eucalyptus!

  

From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, the Spa was so prompt, organised, and friendly - and even days before we arrived I was sent a wonderful, well thought out, itinerary. You also don’t have to return to the reception desk before any of your treatments, the fabulous therapists come and find you – and they’re pretty good at doing so! We loved the overall vibe, the beautiful views, the hand and body washes that are unique to the hotel, and the amazing personalised menu. I will absolutely be recommending The Scarlet to anyone and everyone, and am enormously grateful for the wonderful day we had – thank you so so much for having us!