Coastal Stays

There’s something wonderfully escapist about arriving at Watergate Bay. Perched above one of North Cornwall’s most spectacular stretches of coastline, the hotel feels less like a traditional seaside stay and more like a stylish coastal retreat – the kind of place where the pace immediately drops a gear and salty hair, long lunches and sunset drinks become the order of the day.

The setting is, naturally, the star. Watergate Bay is a huge sweep of golden sand backed by dramatic cliffs, and the hotel makes the most of its position without ever feeling overly polished or precious. There’s a relaxed, contemporary feel throughout, with plenty of natural textures, soft coastal colours and large windows framing those all-important Atlantic views. It’s modern, but still warm and welcoming.

The bedrooms follow the same understated approach. Think comfortable beds, tactile fabrics, plenty of space and a pared-back palette that lets the scenery do the talking. The best rooms have sweeping sea views, so it’s worth upgrading if you can – waking up to the Atlantic stretching out beyond the window is difficult to beat. There’s none of the fussy formality you sometimes find in larger hotels; instead, rooms feel designed for switching off, with the sort of easy comfort that encourages you to stay in bed that little bit longer.

Wellness is also a big part of the Watergate Bay experience, and the Swim Club is one of its biggest draws. Designed around the simple pleasure of getting in the water, it has an indoor pool and a relaxed, social feel that makes it easy to spend a few hours here rather than simply squeezing in a quick swim. There’s something particularly appealing about starting the day with a few lengths before breakfast, or heading to the pool after a long coastal walk. It feels less like a formal spa experience and more like an extension of the hotel’s laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle – wellness without the worthy feeling.

Food is another big part of the experience here. The hotel’s restaurants and bars are distinctly Cornish but with a contemporary edge, making the most of the region’s excellent produce. The Beach Hut is the obvious choice for a laid-back meal, with its unbeatable position overlooking the sand and a menu that feels made for holidays – fresh seafood, generous sharing dishes and plenty of options for lingering over a long lunch. For something more substantial, Zacry’s offers a smarter take on coastal dining, while the hotel’s bars are ideal for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap with the sound of the waves in the background.

What really sets Watergate Bay apart, though, is the atmosphere. It manages to feel both buzzy and genuinely restful. Families, couples, surfers and groups of friends all seem to fit naturally into the mix, giving the hotel a sense of energy without sacrificing tranquillity. You can
spend the morning swimming, follow it with breakfast and a walk along the beach, settle in for lunch overlooking the sea and then head back out for sunset – without ever needing to get in the car.

It’s this effortless quality that makes Watergate Bay so appealing. This isn’t a hotel you visit simply to tick off Cornwall’s sights; it’s somewhere you go to enjoy being by the sea. Come for the views, stay for the food, the comfortable rooms, the Swim Club and that wonderfully easy-going Cornish rhythm – and expect to leave already thinking about when you can come back.