Hotel Tresanton

STUNNINGLY SITUATED overlooking the harbour at St Mawes, Hotel Tresanton brings a dash of elegant Riviera chic to Cornwall’s seafront. This glamorous boutique hotel mixes great hospitality with sleek interiors.

Bought and refurbished by top hotelier Olga Polizzi, this former 1940s yacht club is now a swish seaside getaway attracting scores of glamorous names – among them Pierce Brosnan, Claudia Schiffer and Kate Winslet. You never know who could be lurking behind those shades on the next table.

Enjoying dazzling views across the bay towards St Anthony’s lighthouse, Tresanton’s rooms are set on different levels through the steeply climbing gardens, with balconied family suites at the top. All are plush, understated and finished in impeccable style. Some also have their own terrace.

Nautical shades

Our room (number Seven) had fabulous wide windows framing bay views, with shades of linen and sage green contrasting with crisp white bedlinen and perfectly complementing the smart beach house setting. Other rooms sport nautical navies and cream.

Slouchy sofas, stripey wool throws and a mix of contemporary and Edwardian furniture add character and charm. We loved the old wooden chests of drawers, vintage books, antiques and Cornish art.

Bathrooms are done out in marble and mosaics, with New England style wood panelling and classic chrome fittings. Needless to say all are well stocked with robes, piles of fluffy towels and luxury potions and lotions.

Tresanton’s wonderful two-tier sundeck overlooking St Mawes harbour feels rather like standing on the bridge of an ocean liner. Lit with hurricane lamps and twinkling candles in the evening, you might blink and think you were on the Med. Sit with a glass of wine and watch the fishing boats bobbing on Falmouth Bay or giant ships at anchor.

Pick up a pair of wellies from the front door for a bracing coastal walk, or – even better – sail off around the coast on board Pinuccia, Tresanton’s 48 foot yacht or speedboat, with a champagne picnic. If it rains, help yourselves to umbrellas, books and board games left around for guests’ use, cosy up in the fireside lounge, have a pint in the bar or check out the private cinema.

Spot-on service from willing staff who clearly lovely the place as much as you will are one of the highlights of a stay at this sought-after – and glam – beachside bolthole.

© Room for Romance