The Scarlet Hotel : Cornish Retreat 

The award winning The Scarlet Hotel is a luxurious Cornish hotel in Mawgan Porth near Newquay. Arguably one of the best hotels in Cornwall, offering some of the most epic coastal views England has to offer. The Scarlet embraces the building’s stunning cliff top location and is eco-friendly through and through.

This Cornish retreat has a remote feeling yet easily accessible. Newquay Airport is just a five-minute drive away. If you are travelling by car the A39 is just a short drive away and there is a national rail link to Bodmin Parkway. The best way to describe this 37-bedroom hotel is – ‘Sustainable Luxury’. The decor reflects and makes full use of the natural environment and its location, blending the indoors and outdoors. 

One of the main reasons The Scarlet is a contender for best hotels in Cornwall is down to its spa. The most standout feature are the 2 log fired hot tubs perched on the cliff overlooking the golden sands of Mawgan Porth. Just next to the outdoor hot tubs is the natural outdoor swimming pool, which is chemical-free pool and filtered by reeds. Head outside and you will find the sauna but this is not just any sauna but a barrel cedar sauna which adds to the aesthetics.

Indoors and you will be treated to luxury treatment rooms which are lit by lanterns, treat yourself to a hammam or massage, head over to the relaxation room where you will find cocoon-like pods swinging from the ceiling. The relaxation space overlooks the Mawgan Porth beach, drift off after your treatment while listening to the waves crashing below. It doesn’t end there for the spa, there is also an indoor swimming pool with sea views.

The Scarlet is one of the most sustainable hotels in the UK, it is their daily commitment to minimising the impact on the environment that sets them apart. From biomass boiler, grey water recycling, rain water harvesting to sea thrift-planted roofs to keep the heat in and encourage a bounty of wildlife, sustainability is thought of in every execution of the hotel.

Related:  Most Sustainable Hotels in UK

The rooms which spread over 5 floors are light and airy. Each room enjoys their own private outdoor space with views varying between overlooking the cliffs down to the ocean or over the garden, regardless of the view you prefer the rooms at The Scarlet allow you to stay connected to the natural surroundings. The rooms go from  ‘Just Right’ to ‘Indulgent’. We highly recommend the ‘Unique’ and ‘Spacious’.

Unique Room: This suite split over two floors with a courtyard garden and spiral staircase which leads to an upstairs sitting room and up to a rooftop sitting room. From here you have horizon sea views across the sea thrift roof.

Spacious – We love the ‘Spacious Room’ as it offers the most amazing and far reaching sea views. The floor to ceiling windows which overlook the sea really make the whole room light and airy. 

Related: Luxury Hotel in Cornwall

The Scarlet Restaurant overlooks the Mawgan Porth beach to the Atlantic ocean and beyond. Serving a season menu, the dishes are simple yet bursting with flavours. The Chef’s work with Cornwall’s innovative, organic and sustainable growers, farmers, and fishermen to source the best produce the county has to offer. A trip to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without enjoying some Cornish clotted cream, so indulge in a Champagne Afternoon Tea, even the tea is sourced from the local Tregothnan estate. Request a table overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, watch the waves as you enjoy the afternoon tea. 

Given The Scarlet’s coastal location, it would be a shame to not explore the surrounding areas. Head for a coastal walk, starting at the beach just below the hotel which can be accessed via a short walk down the cliff. There’s even complementary yoga and meditation classes available for the guests.

Photos: © Courtesy of The Scarlet Hotel