The best luxury hotels in Cornwall
Discover the very best luxury hotels in Cornwall from beach chic retreats to traditional cliff top properties
If you’re looking for a super luxury UK-based escape with a carefree and relaxed holiday vibe, then Cornwall could be your answer for a memorable getaway. It may be situated right at the end of the country, but it’s well worth the journey south to discover some of the most beautiful beaches, along with exceptional cuisine, a unique culture and rich heritage.
There are myriad luxury hotels in Cornwall – from the small boutique design-led hotels and Michelin-starred foodie destinations to opulent coastal manors and dreamy palm-fringed properties with a seaside-chic style, exclusive beach-fronted dining and sea views.
Whether you’re looking for an experiential stay, an island getaway or a restorative escape, we’ve put together a handpicked list of the very best luxury stays from dramatic cliff-tops of north Cornwall to the furthest reaches south, and across to the breathtaking archipelago of sub-tropical islands that make up the Isles of Scilly.
Star Castle, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly
Star Castle boasts an enviable position on St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly – set amidst four-acres of sub-tropical gardens with spectacular vistas across the neighbouring islands.
A luxury hotel just off the coast of Cornwall, this striking star-shaped fortress is a unique base for exploring St Mary’s and the archipelago of islands – set within the warm Golf stream waters. The hotel has been built within the original Garrison walls, allowing guests to step out of the entrance, and walk the ancient fortifications.
The family-run hotel has oodles of character with many original features, including the Dungeon Bar – once used to hold prisoners. Guests are invited to visit the hotel’s very own vineyard, set within a pretty nature reserve – an absolute must see!
St Mary’s Hall Hotel, Isles of Scilly
Sink into island life at St Mary’s Hall Hotel – an elegantly restored townhouse, positioned a short distance from the centre of Hugh Town and the bustling quay on St Mary’s.
A luxury hotel off the coast of Cornwall offering modern comfort throughout a selection of suites and bedrooms, as well as fine and relaxed dining – it’s a unique environment and a welcoming base to explore the archipelago of neighbouring islands from.
There’s a selection of rooms and suites, a flourishing Mediterranean garden and a recently refurbished steak house-style restaurant with an open kitchen, serving a local and sustainable dishes that showcase the finest island produce.
Guests are invited to relax and enjoy contemporary comfort within a traditional setting with friendly staff and incredible attention to the finer details.
Padstow Townhouse, Padstow, Cornwall
Style-meets-comfort at this cosy 18th century townhouse owned by affable Michelin-starred chef, Paul Ainsworth; Padstow Townhouse is set in the pretty Old Town of Padstow - away from the bustle of the harbour – there are six beautifully styled bedrooms, named after traditional British sweets.
A luxury hotel in Cornwall offering home comforts, pampering treats and a few indulgent surprises. There’s also incredible attention-to-detail, including a superbly stocked honesty pantry - think gin and whisky galore with the addition of delicious sweet treats.
It’s a haven to hunker down in, overflowing with thoughtful extras such as flasks of a unique blended malt-hot chocolate at bedtime and a bespoke picnic hamper service, freshly prepared at No. 6, served in wicker-baskets, with Fortnum & Mason blankets. There are also fabulous Duchess-bicycles available to borrow, for discovering the nearby beaches, trails and gardens - a fun addition to a day exploring.
Idle Rocks, St Mawes, Cornwall
The Idle Rocks is enviably positioned, nestled into the harbourside in the charming fishing village of St Mawes, on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula - an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With its striking white frontage, complete with sun terrace this Relais & Chateaux hotel and restaurant offers a coveted destination for harbour gazing and tucking into sumptuous seafood whatever the season.
A luxury hotel in Cornwall, perfect for unwinding – it’s a great base to celebrate the ultimate in cool coastal elegance, where beach-chic interiors create a stylish seaside vibe. Enjoy day trips and activities on land or sea; take a hike along the South West Coast Path, cycle along the many trails or take one of the daily-ferries across to Falmouth, Truro or St Anthony’s Head.
Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate, St Ives, Cornwall
Soak up the dreamiest coastal views from one of Cornwall’s most celebrated locations. Carbis Bay’s beachside setting provides the ultimate luxurious getaway for a romantic weekend or celebratory occasion; set to a backdrop of a privately-owned 25-acre blue flag beach – the dramatic waterside location internationally recognised as one of the most beautiful bays in the UK.
Ideally positioned just outside St Ives, this luxury Cornwall hotel is a stunning spot to take time out and make the most of beautiful coastline. There’s direct access to the South West Coast Path where a 35-minute jaunt will take you into the town centre – here you will find the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Gardens, as well as the Tate St Ives.
And for award-winning seafood, walk 20-minutes along the picturesque path to the Porthminster Beach Café, renowned for its exceptional beachside dining, with views across to Godrevy Lighthouse.
Karma St. Martin’s, Isles of Scilly
Situated on St. Martin’s - one of five inhabited islands in the Isles of Scilly – Karma offers peaceful beachside retreat in a sub-tropical haven, with its own private quay and unrivalled views of the neighbouring islands. Enjoy laidback luxury, to a backdrop of white sands, turquoise waters and an abundance of wildlife.
Karma is a luxury hotel off the coast of Cornwall - the ideal retreat for anyone looking for a little piece of paradise without travelling the air miles. It’s also a beach-lovers paradise, the waterfront position being ideal for sea swimming and kayaking, positioned just a stone’s throw away from the beach, with panoramic views over to Tresco and uninhabited Tean island.
Luxury is fused with modern comfort - think waterside dining, relaxing spa experiences and lots of alfresco seating to soak up the sublime surrounds.
Fowey Hall, Fowey, Cornwall
A Victorian coastal manor, set in an elevated position with eye-grabbing views across the river Fowey. With its immaculate split-terraced garden - bisected by the South West Coast Path and the foot-ferry to the fishing-village of Polruan, a stone’s throw below Fowey Hall offers a prime position to explore the south Cornish coast.
Vibrant interiors draw from Fowey’s rich history of exotic world-travel, creating a luxe colonial-chic aesthetic. Experiences lie at the heart of this luxury hotel in Cornwall – grab an easel and head out to paint the coastline, explore the coast on a luxury yacht, take a walking guide to the coastal path or hop on one of the hotel’s bikes - all enhanced with a specially-prepared picnic, packed with local produce.
2023 saw a multi-million pound revamp including a heated outdoor pool, spa relaxation room and 24 new bedrooms and suites with sweeping sea views.
The Alverton, Truro, Cornwall
Check into this characterful retreat, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you were staying in the Cornish countryside; The Alverton provides a unique historical retreat, set at the heart of Cornwall’s capital. Expect manicured lawns and heritage features at this former convent-turned-hotel, now offering lashings of luxury, city-chic style and seasonal cuisine.
Located in the heart of Truro – Cornwall’s only city – The Alverton offers an ideal base from which to explore the county. The Roseland Peninsula, Falmouth, Charlestown and The Lizard are all easily accessible, with plenty of destination-hotspots in-between. Kick back at this luxury hotel in Cornwall and enjoy a sun-drenched terrace – perfect for a Cornish afternoon tea – during cooler months, stay cosy on one of the large sofas, next to large open fireplace.
Hotel Tresanton, St Mawes, Cornwall
With its fabulous views across Falmouth Bay, Hotel Tresanton became something of an iconic landmark when Hotelier, Olga Polizzi took it on 25-years ago – now a luxurious retreat nestled on a hillside with enviable sea vistas – guests can expect a pared-back approach at this cluster of cottages-turned luxury hotel in Cornwall.
Thirty beautifully designed boutique-bedrooms offer stunning views, whilst sub-tropical gardens, a beach club and private wooden yacht provide ample ways to relax on this unique stretch of coastline. Hotelier, the first truly fashionable and chic British seaside bolthole, a quarter of a century on and Tresanton effortlessly holds its own without any pretention.
Stay for endless memorable experiences, including lunch on the terrace or supper in the restaurant, fashioning relaxed Italian cuisine that showcases Cornish suppliers and seasonal ingredients.
Boskerris Hotel, St Ives, Cornwall
Cornwall-meets-the-Mediterranean at this coastal-chic retreat set on the cliff-tops, overlooking St Ives Bay. With its enviable clifftop position, guests are invited to kick back and relax on the large terrace to a backdrop of blues, soaking up unrivalled vistas of the mesmerising Cornish coast.
A luxury hotel in Cornwall, Boskerris offers a contemporary-coastal style, inspired by the Med – the perfect relaxed base to explore St Ives and the furthest reaches west of the county – with oodles of understated luxury. Pick up the South West Coast Path and head into the centre of St Ives, stopping for a laidback lunch at award-winning Porthminster Beach Café, before visiting the much-lauded TATE St Ives gallery, and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Gardens.
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