DRIFTWOOD HOTEL
Stylish Cornish coastal retreat with shades of nautical New England
CORNWALL MEETS CAPE COD at Driftwood, a clapboard boutique hotel painted in fresh nautical blues on the south Cornish coast. Set on a
breezy clifftop above its own private beach, it makes the perfect rustic hideaway.
Overlooking Gerrans Bay, Driftwood is like no other boutique hotel in Cornwall. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to kick off your shoes and blow away urban cobwebs with a bracing walk beside the waves, or soak up the seclusion as you kick back in a steamer chair and take in
second-to-none sea views.
Driftwood’s
seven acres of private gardens gradually layering down to the beach, sheltered terrace and weather boarded quarters with all the feel of a stylish yachties’ haven make it the next best thing to your own beach house.
Hit the spot
Five miles from St Mawes, in the Cornish village of Rosevine.
Bedtime
Take a bedroom with its own decked terrace, or – for that true hideaway feel – the weather boarded Cabin overlooking the sea.
Be savvy
Rooms above the bar in the main house can be a tad noisy. Take a frisbee and binoculars for walks on the beach.
Be smitten
Just the place to drift away in Cornwall.
Beach house vibe
Split between the main house and adjacent wings, bedrooms at Driftwood are simple, stylish and comfortable. Most overlook the sea, and that breezy New England beach vibe strikes again in the light and bright,
fresh colours, crisp bedlinen and stylish furnishings – some appropriately crafted from driftwood.
Huge beds, flagstone floored bathrooms and plenty of L’Occitane body products complete the picture.
Some rooms have French doors leading to their own decked terrace, and it’s worth paying extra for those fantastic sea views. You won’t find a minibar or tea-making tray – start the day instead with the real brew brought to your bedroom door.
Sit down to fresh, locally sourced fare in Driftwood’s light and airy restaurant, with its
views across the bay. Hurricane lamps light the deck outside in warm weather – just the place for pre-dinner drinks and post-dinner chasers. On cooler nights you’ll find a welcoming fire in the cosy lounge – just the place to quaff a pint of local Cornish Knocker ale.
Walk down the wooded path to Driftwood’s
very own pebble beach – perfect for exhilarating walks and frisbee throwing.
Friendly, informal service and a nothing’s-too-much-trouble approach from owners Paul and Fiona Robinson gives Driftwood plenty of appeal for couples with kids, as well as those without. Either way, you’ll enjoy that
laidback beach house chic.
Driftwood Hotel was reviewed by
Room for Romance
Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dining in
Expect plenty of freshly caught fish at Driftwood. Chef Chris Eden’s modern European dishes feature
hand-dived scallops, red mullet, crab risotto and mackerel tartare. Meat eaters are not left out, with plenty of locally reared fare on offer, such as
boudin of Lanihorn rabbit and lamb with rhubarb sauce.
If you can’t decide,
go for the tasting menu and sample something of everything. The restaurant team will also pack you a delicious hamper – ideal for lunch on the beach. Afternoon tea and cakes are worth coming back for, too.
Dining out
Check out The Plume of Feathers for classic fish and chips and a pint of locale Cornish Knocker ale. The King’s Head also serves excellent fish.
Where?
Driftwood Restaurant
What’s cooking?
Fresh fish and shellfish caught in the bay, and delicious desserts like Creole banana souffle.
Top table?
Grab a window table with a sea view. Or order a picnic hamper and dine on the beach.
See & Do
Stroll along Driftwood’s private pebbly beach or lace up your walking boots and set off with one of the chef’s hampers along the famously scenic coastal paths. The Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan and the avant-garde Tate Gallery at St Ives are all within easy reach.
Go surfing at Newquay (look out for dolphins), book a fishing trip or – if you’d sooner keep your feet dry – play tennis or golf nearby.
Trendy St Mawes is five miles away and you’re just a mile from the quaint fishing village of Porscatho. If the weather keeps you indoors there’s a cosy TV room packed with books and DVDs, plus a games room and pool table.
Shop
You’ll want to sample a home-made Cornish pasty in one of the bakeries in St Mawes. There are also some nice galleries and jewellery shops to explore.
Spa
Book an in-room massage or beauty treatment at reception.
After dark
Watch the sun set over the sea from your private deck, or while strolling along the beach.
Dates
August
Pack your deck shoes for the Falmouth regatta.
October
For an excuse to quaff champagne and oysters head to the Falmouth Oyster festival.
GETTING THERE
Location
Rosevine, South Cornwall, TR2 5EW
Parking
There is free guest parking.
Trains
Truro station – 13 miles; or St Austell – 16 miles.
Taxis
Around GBP 35 from either station.
Airport
Newquay – 28 miles. Ryanair flies to Newquay from London Stansted.
Rooms and suites
14 rooms and a private two bedroom cabin.
Special features
Every room has a private decked terrace, L’Occitane body products, a TV/DVD player and wi-fi. Almost all have a kingsize bed.
Also…
You’ll find seven acres of gardens and a private beach outside. There’s also a TV and games room, plus a DVD library.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 175 - 240
Open/closed
Closed 7 December - 5 February.
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends during high season.
Breakfast
Excellent breakfasts are served until 9:30 on weekdays, 10:00 on Sundays. As well as home-made breads and cereals, you’ll find Cornish kippers or salmon and scrambled eggs.
Room service
Drinks and light snacks are available from lunchtime to around 10pm.
Children
Welcome. There is a children’s games room to keep little ones occupied, and early suppers are served.
Pets
Sorry, your four-legged friends will have to stay at home.
Air conditioning
No.
Wedding license?
No.