Category: Featured retreats

24 Hours at Atlantic View

Tucked into the rugged north Cornish coast directly onlooking the golden stretch of Widemouth Bay, Atlantic View is a collection of coastal retreats where morning dips, evening surfs and barefoot walks on the shoreline are a part of everyday life.

Here, you’ll find six eco houses that have been designed to combine state-of-the-art green technology with stylish interiors, all centred around the incredible sea views. In a quiet location with the beach right outside, Atlantic View is the space to truly escape.

The beach just outside your front door, Widemouth Bay, is unspoilt, its wild waves framed by craggy cliffs, wildflower-strewn coast paths and endless skies which fill with stars at night.

Whether you’re here with family, friends or enjoying some extra space for yourself, these stylish boltholes offer a blissful blend of coastal living and five-star comfort. Here’s a snapshot of what 24 hours of your holiday could look like…

Book your stay at Atlantic View, with 20% off remaining August weeks

Coffee with a view

Wake slowly. Draw back the curtains and take in the sweeping views of Widemouth Bay from your private balcony. Surf looks good? Grab your wetsuit and set off barefoot to catch the morning’s waves. Come back to coffee and breakfast alfresco on the terrace.

Beach-bound

Hopping to and from the beach is easy when its at the bottom of your garden. Widemouth Bay is a vast, family-friendly beach, ideal for long walks, sea swims or beginner surf sessions. The beach is lifeguarded in season, and its easy access from Atlantic View makes spontaneous dips irresistible.

Back for lunch

Rinse off sandy toes and settle into the open-plan living space to cook up a lazy lunch. Atlantic View’s homes sleep between 6 and 8 guests, so there’s plenty of space for family gatherings or group feasts. Each property is designed with comfort and connection in mind – expect calming coastal tones, large dining tables, and plush lounge areas for post-lunch lounging.

Garden games and coast path wanders

If you’re not ready to slow down, head to the garden for a round of lawn games or take to the South West Coast Path, which is just steps from your door. Follow it north towards Bude or south for quieter clifftop stretches, where dramatic views and hidden coves reward curious walkers. Or simply recline on the balcony and enjoy the view from your retreat.

Sundowners

As golden hour approaches, it’s time for drinks with a view. As Atlantic View faces the north, you’re in a prime position for spectacular sunsets. Watch the colours change over the Atlantic and light up the sky in hues of amber behind Black Rock.

Dine in or out

Cook up a feast in your state-of-the-art kitchen, or venture into Bude for dinner at one of its many local restaurants. Cocktails, catch-of-the-day suppers or wood-fired pizzas are all on the menu. Try Temple for sophisticated small plates and a candlelit atmosphere.

Stargazing

Back at Atlantic View, wrap up in blankets and stargaze from your outdoor terrace. With minimal light pollution, the moon is bright and the sky often lights up with constellations. Sleep deeply, lulled by the sound of the ocean.

Book your stay at Atlantic View, with 20% off remaining August weeks

A week at North Rocks

Unwind by the ocean in your own clifftop retreat, where your window frames endless ocean views. Welcome to North Rocks – part of The Iconic Set and perched above one of west Cornwall’s most striking shorelines.

With a heated pool framed by parasols and loungers, a cedarwood sauna and cold plunge tub overlooking the Atlantic and direct access to the South West Coast Path at the edge of the garden, North Rocks invites you to live slowly and in saltwater style.

The interiors blend rustic character and timeless charm, with antique furniture, sun-drenched conservatories, and huge sea-facing windows that make the ever-changing tides part of the experience. From the moment you arrive, everything slows and you instantly feel calm.

Here’s an itinerary to spend the perfect week living the coastal highlife at North Rocks.

Day 1: Arrival & sea gazing

Check in, drop your bags and breathe. The Atlantic rolls in front of you, an endless blue that calms in an instant. Wander the house – perhaps claiming the grand master suite with glittering sea views – and then throw open the doors to the garden. Dip your toes in the pool, pour a glass of something chilled and watch the surfers below trace lines across the water.

Unpack your Cornish Food Box goodies (which you will have pre-ordered via a complimentary £100 voucher) and ease into the evening watching the sunset. The colours here are extraordinary – amber skies, pink-tinged cliffs and deep blue water.

Day 2: Poolside lounging

Begin with a stretch on the patio or a book by the pool. Then try the full spa circuit: fire up the ocean-facing sauna, brave the invigorating cold plunge tub, and sink into a sun lounger wrapped in soft towels.

Recline on the hammock suspended beside the pool, gently swaying under Cornish skies as the tide shifts and light dapples the garden. For lunch, prep a mezze board in the country style kitchen and eat alfresco.

Evenings are for stargazing from the daybed or padding inside for a slow film night in the snug with blankets and popcorn.

Day 3: Coastal walking

Pull on your walking shoes and step straight onto the South West Coast Path from the private gate at the bottom of the garden. This is a walk of cinematic scale: sheer cliffs, crashing waves, wildflowers and seabirds.

Head south to Land’s End, stopping to admire the famous sea stacks and the lighthouse in the distance, visible from your bedroom at North Rocks. Refuel at Land’s End with coffee and cake, then take the slow route home and rest in the conservatory as the sun pours in.

Day 4: Sennen surf & village life

Wander down to Sennen Cove – just 200 metres from your door – and enjoy one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches. The sand is as white as sugar, the water a bright blue-green, and dolphins are often cresting in the distance.

Book a surf lesson with Sennen Surfing Centre or Smart Surf School or simply swim and sunbathe to your heart’s content. For lunch, head to the Blue Lagoon for fish and chips or Sennen Surf Lodge for seafood and small plates.

Day 5: Art & adventure

Spend the day exploring. Drive to nearby St Ives for galleries and boutiques – the Tate and Barbara Hepworth Museum are must-visits – or explore the tiny fishing village of Mousehole. Don’t miss the Roundhouse and Capstan Gallery in Sennen for locally made ceramics and sea-inspired artwork.

Back at North Rocks, sink into a slower pace. Try a pre-dinner sauna and cold plunge followed by a firepit under starry skies.

Day 6: Cape Cornwall

Walk north this time – over the headland past Gwynver Beach towards Cape Cornwall. It’s a quieter stretch of the coast, rich in mining heritage and dramatic cliff scenery.

By evening, host a family dinner in the elegant dining space.

Day 7: Say your goodbyes

Make the most of your final morning. Watch the sunrise from the garden’s edge, take one last dip in the pool, or enjoy coffee in bed with the windows open and the sea sparkling below.

Pack up slowly, already dreaming of next year’s stay.

Stay at North Rocks, or browse all Iconic retreats.

A week at Watergate Lodge

Discover Watergate Lodge, a coastal retreat where minimalist design meets laid-back luxury, just moments from Watergate Bay’s sweeping sands. Part of The Iconic Set, live the coastal highlife from rooftop terraces and wildflower gardens to around the firepit beneath the pines. This is a place to connect with nature, savour the Cornish elements and live life at the tide’s pace.

Save 25% on week-long stays in September

Enjoy beach access just 400 metres from your door, where surf lessons, shorefront restaurants and showstopper sunsets set the daily rhythm. Back at the Lodge, gather for rooftop drinks, indulge in private dining and drift off to sleep with the sound of the waves in the background.

Thinking of bringing your dog? Watergate Lodge welcomes two and the beach is dog friendly all year round.

At Watergate Lodge, every detail is designed for effortless coastal living. Think sociable spaces with sliding doors for indoor-outdoor flow, scandi-inspired décor and the comfort of all rooms on one level, each opening out to the terrace. Relax in the landscaped courtyard and unwind beside the fire pit under starlit skies.

We’ve curated a seven-day guide to help you get the most from your time here, whether that means coastal adventures, fine dining or simply slowing down to the rhythm of the sea.

Day 1

Arrive and unwind

Step through the door, pour a glass of something chilled. With your Cornish Food Box pre-stocked, a grazing board in the garden is a must. Tuck into organic meats, local cheeses and artisan snacks to refuel after a long journey.

Take a walk to the beach to stretch your legs. Catch a sunset from the sand or head to the rooftop terrace, arrange the sofas just how you like them, and watch the sky turn from gold to indigo. End the night with the fire pit glowing in the garden, wrapped in blankets under the stars.

Day 2

Private dining experience

Ease into your stay with a slow morning. Wake to the sound of waves, sip coffee on the terrace and maybe catch an early surf session with Wavehunters, who offer private lessons right on Watergate Bay.

In the evening, elevate your dining experience without leaving your retreat. Book a private chef and dine in restaurant style. For a refined local experience, we recommend Food by Ryan who’ll bring the best of Cornwall’s seasonal produce to your table.

Day 3

Explore the north coast

Spend day three exploring the dramatic coastline that surrounds you. Head towards Mawgan Porth and the wild, windswept clifftops beyond. Pause for lunch at Catch, where sea views pair with line-caught seafood and chilled white wine.

Then, carry on to Bedruthan Steps, where towering sea stacks rise from the ocean. Wander the cliff path for panoramic views, then stop for coffee and cake at the National Trust café.

Day 4

At home spa day

Let Watergate Lodge become your private spa for the day. Start with yoga in the sun-drenched garden or on the roof terrace, then book an in-house massage or facial with The Wellness Concierge, who will travel to you. For hot and cold therapy, head to the sea for a cold dip and warm up in the sauna down on the sand.

Soak in a hot bath in the master ensuite with your full size land&water products that you’ll find in your retreat, rich in essential oils and inspired by the coast. Afterwards, light the log burner and sink into the sofas.

Day 5

Adventure at Watergate Bay

Today is for the beach. Try a private surf with Wavehunters, try your hand at kite-surfing or book onto a fitness or yoga class on the sand.

For lunch, refuel at The Beach Hut -Watergate Bay’s seafront spot – for lobster, fish finger sandwiches or fresh salads. For a refined dining experience, book a table at Zacry’s on the sea wall, where local fish and seasonal flavours headline the menu.

Day 6

Walk, graze and sip

Grab your walking boots and head out along the South West Coast Path. Choose the route to Newquay’s seven bays and drop into Porth Beach on the way, a sheltered cove perfect for paddling and relaxing. Grab lunch from SeaSpace or a pizza from Ansum and enjoy it on the sand. In Newquay, explore surf shops and walk around the headland to the iconic Fistral Beach.

Day 7

Soak it in

For your final day, take it slow. Sink into the outdoor sofas with your morning coffee or head to the beach and watch surfers carve lines across the bay. Spend time catching the last rays in the Mediterranean courtyard garden. Say your goodbyes and start planning your next trip to Watergate Lodge, or one of our other Iconic properties.

Book your stay at Watergate Lodge

24 hours at The Village

A week at Gwynver Beach House

24 hours at The Whitehouse

A poolside mural by Zee van Gils

Saltwater days at Beachview, Crantock

The Salt Path: walking the Cornish coast

When Raynor and Moth Winn found themselves on the brink of losing their house, it sparked an extraordinary journey of self-discovery for the married couple – trekking the 630 miles of the South West Coast Path, armed with a tent and a little over £100.

Ray’s poignant memoir, The Salt Path, did an amazing job of capturing their resilience. It beautifully expressed the healing power of nature too.

Thanks to a new film adaptation, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, we now have another chance to accompany this inspiring couple – while savouring the sight of the breath-taking Cornish coastline on the big screen.

Image credit: Steve Tanner

We hope their story encourages others to discover the magic of the coast path, whether exploring it for the first time, or returning to well-trodden stretches to find fresh delights.

As Ray and Moth learned, when you wind your way through the dramatic coastline – stumbling on hidden coves, stepping through enchanting woods, and finding a warm welcome in its harbours – you’re not just exercising your body. It can change your life.

Here, we spotlight some of the evocative Cornish locations featured in the film, inviting you to follow in the footsteps of Ray and Moth, Gillian and Jason, to get a taste of The Salt Path for yourself…

Image credit: Steve Tanner

Sandymouth Bay Beach

While not directly mentioned in Ray’s memoir, it’s easy to see why Sandymouth Bay was chosen for the film. The National Trust-owned beach is rugged, dramatic and unspoilt, embodying the profound power that lies in wait when you step beyond the everyday.

But the town of Bude is just 5.5 miles away. Here you can balance Sandymouth’s raw beauty with charming independent boutiques and restaurants. You can also swim at Crooklets and Summerleaze beaches. Summerleaze features a magnificent sea pool – the perfect spot to relax and observe the walkers enjoying the path above.

Padstow

Padstow, a picturesque fishing port nestled on the Camel Estuary, is renowned for its bustling harbour, charming streets, and culinary delights.

The film captures Ray and Moth’s stop here, where they stop and enjoy Rick Stein’s fish and chips by the harbour (Paul Ainsworth’s No6 is another Padstow foodies’ favourite).

A westward walk on the coast path leads to the tranquil haven of Hawker’s Cove, where the golden sand is framed by rugged cliffs and idyllic clear waters – an ideal spot to stop and reflect, just as Ray and Moth do in the film.

Newquay

The Salt Path eventually thrusts Ray and Moth back into society, passing through the lively streets of Newquay, in a marked contrast to their time spent out in the wild.

Newquay is great for a dose of excitement, whether that’s water sports or nightlife. But Ray and Moth end up itching to get back to the captivating coast path – which leads up from the town centre to some incredible beaches.

The surf hub of Fistral is famous for its golden sands and consistent Atlantic waves. The beach attracts surfers of all levels, while also offering excellent facilities for families. Further along the path lies the sprawling Holywell Bay, where you can explore the grassy dunes, enter the mystical Holywell Cave at low tide, and watch the spectacular sun as it sets behind the iconic Gull Rocks. Both beaches play starring roles in The Salt Path.

Land’s End

In an interview to promote The Salt Path, Ray recalled a powerful moment at Land’s End during a storm, where she and Moth stood alone against the crashing Atlantic waves.

‘We really could have given up,’ she told the Guardian. ‘But at that point we just realised how much that path was giving us, how much life it was giving us back.’

The exposed West Penwith coast has held a similar power over visitors for centuries. Take the path to nearby Sennen Cove and Gwynver Beach, and you can experience a life-affirming side of Cornwall that seems almost untouched by time.

Rame Head

Rame Head, a distinctive landmark on Cornwall’s south-east coast, marks the halfway point of Ray and Moth’s extraordinary walk. Here, they pause to reflect on their achievements and begin to wonder what the future holds.

The couple smile at each other before tackling the hill to the medieval chapel that crowns the hill. Panoramic views stretch across Whitsand Bay to the west and Plymouth Sound to the east. On clear days, you can see Eddystone Lighthouse in the distance.

Take the path a couple of miles further, among the butterflies of the heathland, and you’ll find Cawsand, a former smugglers’ haven where the inns still extend a warm welcome – and well-deserved rest – to weary travellers.

Inspired to set off on your own Salt Path adventure? Here are some places you could stay…

Whitsand Bay beach huts

Our Whitsand Bay ‘beach huts’ – Brackenbank, Alpha and Whirlwind – are perfect for anyone looking for somewhere convenient and comfortable to rest after a long day on the saltwater trail.

On the rugged cliffs of Tregonhawke Beach, close to Rame Head and part of the three mile stretch of Whitsand Bay, you’ll spot handfuls of perfectly sized wooden huts. This virtually traffic-free location is the perfect place to begin a coastal hiking adventure.

These smaller stays are ideal for a quick stop as part of a longer route, or book one as a base and explore the miles of south coast wonder either side of you, returning each evening for sunset.

The Bay, Cawsand

Stay nearby in The Bay, a selection of Cawsand retreats close to several filming spots around Rame Head. These fully kitted-out apartments are directly on the beach and benefit from a warm and friendly restaurant downstairs, too – ideal for refuelling after a coastal ramble.

Gwynver Beach House

If you feel inspired by Ray and Moth’s visit to Land’s End, opt for a beach house directly on the Penwith coast path. Gwynver Beach House is just a little further along the shore overlooking Gwynver Beach, near Sennen Cove.

The rolling garden takes you straight down to this rugged cove where you can continue along the South West Coast Path and roam for miles, spotting pods of dolphins as you pass.

Cape View

Cape View is a romantic converted barn overlooking the captivating beauty of Cape Cornwall, just a short distance from Land’s End.

Surrounded by rugged shorelines, fresh sea air, and wild ponies roaming the clifftops, this remote retreat is perfectly placed for guests seeking to explore dramatic National Trust trails and the area’s rich mining heritage.

The Lookout, Widemouth Bay

The Lookout is a collection of five contemporary retreats overlooking the waves of Widemouth Bay, just along the rugged coast path from Sandymouth Bay Beach. Here, you can step straight from your front door onto the coast path for a day of hiking.

When you need to take a rest, sit back on your balcony and soak up panoramic views of Black Rock Beach—from rolling waves and rugged rocks to dolphins on the horizon.

The Sail Loft and No 5 The Longstore, Padstow

Our stylish and comfortable Padstow apartments, The Sail Loft and No 5 The Longstore, offer the perfect base to experience the picturesque harbour town, just as Ray and Moth do in The Salt Path. Stroll the streets and savour Rick Stein’s famous fish and chips on the harbour wall.

Driftwood, Padstow

If you’re staying with a bigger group, opt for Driftwood, an Edwardian home in the heart of Padstow. A short walk west along the coast path leads you to the tranquil beauty of Hawker’s Cove, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters – mirroring the reflective moments captured by the film.

All of our retreats are walking distance to the beach and coast path. Start your adventure along the Cornish salt path…

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