Tresanton was probably Britain's first coastal-chic boutique hotel and is still the best. Ever since Olga Polizzi opened its bijoux maritime doors in 1997, Tresanton has become the benchmark for those seeking a Cornish seaside escape from the city.
Set in a cluster of whitewashed buildings around the former St Mawes Yacht Club, with sensational views over the picture-postcard Falmouth Bay, Tresanton established this prettiest of Cornish fishing villages as the coolest seaside destination in England. Tresanton is both classically Cornish and contemporary in style and never forgets its privileged location. It is unpretentious, yet wants for nothing. Stylish, romantic and inviting when the sun is shining and when the summer passes, it brings on its cosy winter charm in glowing fashion.
In summer, the ship’s deck - outside the all blue-and-white restaurant - is a prime spot for tucking into fresh local sea fare and a bottle or two of Puligny Montrachet, but when the cooler weather sets in, the restaurant is also utterly charming, with a mosaic floor and tongue and groovey walls. Both have lovely views across the harbour and Falmouth Bay.
Fab for families, too
Tresanton may well have maritime sophistication in spades, but families are welcome too. There are 30 rooms and suites in all, some with their own sea-view terraces. There are several self-contained villa-styled apartments set behind the main hotel with views over the bay, plus a playroom and a Wendy House in one of the private gardens. This is not a resort-style luxury hotel at all, but it offers parental luxuries such as a private cinema, which is also extremely popular with the young ones, and many beach activities at Olga's beach club, below the hotel, where children can spend hours searching little rock pools for those all too evasive sea creatures. Two of the houses that form the hotel, Rock Cottage and The Nook, can be exclusively rented to accommodate families and friends.
Pets are welcome, too, with dog-friendly rooms available on request.
With your eyes drawn constantly to the sea, Tresanton even offers its own private yacht for hire. Pinuccia is a magnificent, slender 8 metre classic yacht, originally commissioned in 1939 to race for Italy. Full-day and half-day charters with picnics and fine wines are organised with the skipper, who can also arrange a sunset cruises.
The best seaside hotel in Cornwall
In our opinion, Tresanton is perfect for both luxury romantic escapes and family holidays, without compromising either. As it happens, when we stayed there was not a child to be seen, but we have since promised our brood to return with two or three in tow.
For a post-lockdown Cornish-chic escape, there's no better place to book than Tresanton.