A week at Gaia

Discover Gaia, our eco retreat directly on the Widemouth Bay shoreline, and part of the Iconic Set. Minimalist, contemporary design meets panoramic sea views, creating a space which inspires calm and reconnection to the elements. With an unbeatable location, you can enjoy direct access to Black Rock beach, the wild south end of Widemouth Bay. Watch the waves from bed, feast on breakfast on the shorefront balcony, spend the day in the surf and then wrap up warm for an evening on the roof terrace under sprawling starry skies.

Gaia is innovatively designed with so many different spaces for different times of the day and for all generations of the family. Think a wellness room with a sauna for yoga and spa mornings; a private cinema room for entertaining the teenagers on stormy nights; a fully equipped kitchen with a huge dining space with a backdrop of the ocean; a living space centred around watching the sunset’s ever-changing palette.

A retreat like this is made to be enjoyed to the full, so we’ve come up with a seven-day itinerary for your stay, where you can live to the rhythm of the tides, explore the surrounding area and truly immerse yourself in the coastal lifestyle.

Day 1: settle in

Your arrival is all about settling in, adapting to the slower pace of life beside the ocean, and familiarising yourself with your retreat and its coastal surroundings. Spend the afternoon stretching your legs on a walk along Widemouth Bay or the coastal path, accessible directly from your front door. Relax on the balcony and cook up a delicious meal as the sunset colours bounce off the ocean and fill the kitchen with shades of amber.

Day 2: private dining experience

Day two continues at the same slow, luxurious pace. Enjoy breakfast on the balcony as you check the waves, or grab brunch from Black Rock Café, just next door. Check out their surf hire facilities and pick your equipment for the week. Enjoy the beach, head in for a surf, or simply sun yourself in the private, high-walled garden with a bubbling hot tub.

That evening, enjoy the fine-dining experience from the comfort of your retreat with one of Cornwall’s best private chefs. Try Yhangry, a private chef service where you can search by budget and cuisine preference.

Day 3: Bude sea pool

For day three, venture along the coast with a visit to Bude’s iconic tidal pool, situated just a five-minute drive away by the rocky cliffs of Summerleaze Beach. Take a dip in the sheltered water, explore the surrounding coast path, and enjoy an ice cream in the sun beside pastel-painted beach huts.

For dinner, reserve a table at Temple, Bude’s fine dining establishment offering set menus of local seafood and grass-fed organic meat.

Day 4: at home spa

Indulge in an at-home spa day, made easy with Gaia’s huge wellness room, featuring a sauna, luxurious shower, yoga space and a hot tub just outside the door.

Start with a long, slow yoga session, either in this room or out on your sunny deck under the open sky.

Book a private treatment from The Wellness Concierge, who will travel to you for your choice of massage, facial, manicure, pedicure and more.

Finally, chill out in the Finnish sauna and bubbling hot tub.

Day 5: surfing

On day five, make the most of the water sports opportunities on your doorstep. Master your surfing skills with your hired equipment or a private lesson, try something new with kitesurfing or bodyboarding, or, if the waters are calm, see more of the coast on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

After a day in the waves, refuel with a hearty lunch or dinner from Black Rock Café, which serves all kinds of filling family favourites.

Day 6: South West Coast Path

Set out on a coastal hike along the South West Coast Path. There’s a great circular walk you can do from Widemouth Bay for Bude, with the opportunity to stop halfway in one of Bude’s cafes for a rest and a bite to eat. Or head the other direction towards Crackington Haven, a quieter cove nestled amongst rugged, untouched landscapes.

That evening, tuck into a pub dinner, washed down with a pint of local ale, at Widemouth Manor, your local for the week with a friendly atmosphere and great dinner menu.

Day 7: relax

For your last day, truly make the most of the retreat and the surrounding beach. Think a day on the sand, sunbathing, walking, surfing, or just taking in the gorgeous views. This is followed by an evening of sunset watching, stargazing on the roof terrace, or a cosy movie night. Pair the evening with a bottle of wine from our friends at EWWines.