Just

Just
south of Newquay’s town centre, a two-mile stretch of sandy
beach sets the stage for the Watergate Bay Hotel. Originally built in 1904, the
grand building has been extended and modernised by the Ashworth
family, who took to its helm in 1967. Today, there’s an
overwhelming sense of relaxation as you enter, thanks to carefully
curated contemporary coastal interiors. This is the place to book
when you need a time-out and dose of fresh sea air. Days here are
best spent out and about, swimming, surfing and roaming across the
romantically rugged Cornish cliffs. Come evening, return to
Watergate Bay and snuggle up by the fire with a glass of gin from
one of the many local distilleries – this is navy-strength stuff,
after all.

Bedrooms

Fall asleep to the sound of the ocean waves in modern
beach-style accommodation which ranges from spacious double rooms
to two-bedroomed apartments complete with a kitchen and decked
veranda – think Airbnb meets hotel; an ideal option for groups.
Once checked in, watch waves crash on the sand below from your
balcony or sink into a deep roll-top bath overlooking the ocean –
all rooms are stocked with British-made land&water bath and
body products.

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast is served in sea-facing The Beach Hut. Set yourself up
for an adventure-packed day with a “B.H. Breakfast” featuring
traditional Cornish sausage or tuck into smoked salmon, meats,
cheeses, Dutch-style pancakes or yoghurt – all dietary requirements
are well catered to.

How about lunch and dinner?

With three dining spots, the Watergate Bay Hotel spoils guests
with eating options. Zacry’s is the culinary playground of chef
Neil Haydock, crowned 2019’s South West Chef of the Year. His
seasonal menus create international dishes with local produce, and
place an emphasis on cooking in a charcoal oven, which diners can
spot in the open kitchen. Couple dishes such as parsnip soup and
Devon blue fritters with crisped sprouts with a chestnut crumb.
Serving traditional cream teas, sharing platters and cocktails, the
all-day Living Space is the perfect choice if you are looking for
an informal bite, while The Beach Hut is a far more buzzy affair –
order seafood, burgers and veggie dishes infused with flavours from
Mexico,
Asia and Italy. Planning a picnic on the beach? The Venues Takeaway
is the hotel’s award-winning food and drink option on the sand.

Is there a bar?

Admire the sun setting below the horizon from the Watchful Mary,
a continental-style bar on the bay. It’s open for coffees and
pastries throughout the day, but best enjoyed in the evening when
serving cocktails and hosting live music events.

Amenities

Stretch out with a yoga class or drop into the Swim Clinic where
you will find a 25m indoor pool that overlooks surfers riding the
sea waves below. There are activities to suit all interests, be it
rambling across the cliffs or availing of the hotel’s Extreme
Academy, where you can try kitesurfing, surfing or stand-up
paddleboarding – let’s face it, you can’t go to Cornwall
and not make the most of the waves. Once you have had your
adrenaline fix, relax in the outdoor hot tub, sauna or spa – a
full-body scrub and massage is perfect after tackling the waves.
Don’t worry if you chip a nail; hand and foot massages can be
accompanied by manicures too.

Things I should know

Tell the hotel in advance if you have any dietary requirements
and they will ensure you are well looked after. Dogs are welcome.
There are two Tesla charging points available, should be you be
arriving by electric car – do call ahead, though.

Within a short walk I can find

Explore the cliff tops and the two-mile sandy beach or take the
10-minute drive into Newquay’s town centre.