Elevated Elegance: A Review of The Headland Hotel Cornwall

The 5-star Headland Hotel transcends ordinary notions of grandeur, captivating visitors with its immense and awe-inspiring presence. During my Lexus 500h F Sport tour, I was immediately struck by its sheer size and magnificence upon arrival.

Approaching the estate, twin brick pillars welcome you, leading to a scenic drive atop the cliff, culminating in the sight of the grandiose baroque mansion commanding a picturesque view over Fistral Beach.

Entering feels akin to stepping into a fantastical realm crafted by the imaginations of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett—surreal, mythical, and imposing. It's as if one has stumbled through a wardrobe into another dimension or washed ashore in Brobdingnag alongside Gulliver in his travels.

The lobby maintains this enchanting atmosphere, with a towering deer and sparkling decorations adorning a central pillar, flanked by a majestic triple staircase reminiscent of a Roman palace.

The doorman, who appeared seemingly out of thin air, greets guests as if they were returning lords from distant adventures, eagerly anticipating lavish pampering and fine treats.

Reception mirrors this impeccable hospitality, treating all visitors with regal dignity, and making them feel like royalty.

Check-in is swift, and almost imperceptible, followed by a guided tour of the glittering lobby, opulent restaurant, and spacious lounges offering breathtaking views of the terrace and beach. Holly on reception is a gracious, friendly and welcoming host.

Though offered the convenience of an elevator, I opted for the grand central staircase, ascending to explore three remarkable floors. Along the way, we encounter a library floor showcasing a remarkable Lego model—a meticulous replica of the hotel generously donated by a guest, a testament to the enduring charm of The Headland Hotel.

Entering my room, I'm greeted by mesmerising flower wallpaper spanning multiple interconnected spaces—a haven featuring a king-size bed, a cosy TV lounge, a lavish dressing room, and a twin-sink bathroom boasting a freestanding bath and a generously sized separate power shower. Adorned with blue sea tiles, white granite, and red-speckled marble, the bathroom exudes luxury, complemented by warm sand-coloured floor tiles. Seamlessly blending 19th-century decor with modern amenities, the open shower features an intuitive on-off switch and a digital temperature display.

Gazing out the window, I'm met with an endless expanse of sky and sea, the fading light weaving a dark blue tapestry punctuated by verdant shrubs and the twinkling orange glow of distant house lights along the beach. 

Time to indulge in a spa massage—a brisk 25-minute session that leaves my back blissfully relaxed, reminiscent of the carefree days of my '80s youth. Every knot is expertly vanquished, leaving me in a delightful state of tranquillity as I leisurely make my way back to the room in a plush bathrobe, enveloped in the soothing aroma of eucalyptus. A perfect 10 out of 10 for the treatment; I only regret not having time for a full leg massage as well.

The spa itself is a sanctuary of opulence, meticulously arranged with private enclaves housing hot tubs, showers, and steam rooms discreetly tucked away. The allure of hidden showers embedded in the ceiling, framed by elegant white pebble walls and boutique-style furnishings, adds to the ambience.

The pool offers a serene retreat, its waters warm and inviting, while the hot tub provides a blissful respite, just a touch below boiling—an ideal interlude between the sauna and steam room.

Venturing outside, another realm awaits. Even after nightfall, the Aqua Club, a distinct hydrotherapy complex, thrums with activity. Joyful groups meander from pool to jacuzzi, glasses of champagne clutched in their hands, while spirited conversations unfold amidst the soothing waters. For those seeking added privacy, one-, two-, and three-bedroom cottages overlooking the sea offer a secluded retreat with access to all amenities—a true home away from home.

As evening descended, I strolled down to the RenMor Restaurant, a brasserie-style haven boasting various sections catering to both large gatherings and intimate dining experiences for two. Whether perched at a floor-to-ceiling window table overlooking the sea or nestled on a raised dais in the centre for prime people-watching, the options were plentiful.

The service at the Headland exemplifies five-star excellence, setting the standard for top-notch hospitality. Staff are attentive, affable, and swift, moving with the grace of ninjas. Gastronomy-wise, The RenMor, recently revamped with a multi-million-pound refurbishment, offers a delightful array of options to suit every palate.

I commenced my culinary journey with three venison lollipops—unusual yet succulent and flavourful, served on sticks with a delectable homemade red cabbage ketchup boasting a sticky, tangy, lightly spiced allure. Accompanying this delight was a delectable Malt crunch bread with seaweed butter, a temptation I could happily indulge in all evening.

To complement the flavours, I savoured a superb Nojito, a dry January alternative surpassing its alcoholic counterpart with its robust body and delightful fusion of mint, lime, and rum extract.

The culinary adventure continued with mussels accompanied by a miniature home-baked loaf of soda bread, perfect for sopping up the savoury sauce. These generously sized mussels, impeccably fresh and irresistibly tender, steamed enticingly in their flavourful broth, were perhaps the finest I've encountered in the UK.

The impeccable service persisted, exuding an old-school charm with staff almost offering a salute before addressing patrons, yet maintaining a warm and welcoming demeanour. Despite the bustling atmosphere, particularly for a Tuesday evening in late January, the attentive staff ensured every guest's needs were promptly met.

For the main course, I savoured a crab risotto served with a creative touch—a crab-shaped batter-fried crab perched on a bed of hot stones. The risotto itself was a symphony of lightness and indulgence, with soft rice infused with cooked lemon and mussels, crowned with a delectable crab mousse—a fitting choice for a perfect January dinner.

The following morning, I meandered through the grounds, marvelling at the breathtaking vistas of the beach below, the tranquil expanse of the grey sea, and the charming cottages surrounding The AquaClub Spa.  

The AquaClub is astounding, one of the finest hotel swimming pool wellness complexes in the world. Three years and £10m in investment have culminated in a haven of opulence and wellbeing. Designed by Truro architects Lilly Lewarne, with interiors by Dynargh Design, the structure features elegant contours that provide a calming effect, while the use of Cornish stonework honours its distinctive position on the Atlantic coastline.

Indoors, guests can indulge in a Lap Pool, Hydrotherapy Pool, and a Children's Splash Pool. Outside, shielded by glass walls, lies the heated Sunset Spa Pool with views of the sea, and the Vitality Pool, an architectural poem in stone, dominated by a sculptural Cornish menhir. Enhancing the experience is The Deck, a poolside bar and restaurant offering freshly prepared salads and pizzas. Think of it as a Cornish-Roman bath with a £10 million upgrade, and you'll grasp the level of sybaritic luxury on offer.

Pop down to Fistral Beach below which presents enchanting views of the bay with the Headland Hotel looming above it. And Newquay Harbour is charming, beckoning visitors throughout the year. Its quaint clean beach is ideal for dog-walking, while a beachside restaurant and numerous pubs and cafes offer a delightful backdrop to while away the hours. Watch as fishing boats glide in, savouring a drink and a bite amidst the tranquil scenery.

For breakfast, I ventured into the brasserie dining room, where both à la carte and buffet options awaited, indulging in both despite the previous night's three-course feast.

The breakfast service echoed the excellence of the previous evening: swift, amiable, and impeccably efficient. A perfect start to the day. I began with a refreshing fruit salad, paired with creamy yoghurt and succulent, sweet dates, before delving into the waiter's recommendation—avocado on toast with chimichurri sauce—a tantalising blend of parsley, coriander, garlic, and paprika, providing a delightful kick to the palate. All the while, the dulcet tones of Joni Mitchell serenaded me softly in the background.

The Headland Hotel epitomises Cornwall at its very best. Offering warm hospitality, the hotel embraces its motto 'Five-star Cornwall, not formal' with finesse, striking the perfect balance. You feel comfortable and at home here, if home was a luxurious five-star mega-mansion on a clifftop overlooking a gorgeous beach!

I was thoroughly enamoured with this hotel—the grandeur, the architecture, the interior décor, the genuine warmth of the staff, the breathtaking views, and the exceptional dining experience. Every aspect of the Headland Hotel is outstanding, a testament to the owners' dedication and passion. It's an absolute must-visit. Perhaps the most interesting and impressive hotel in England! What's the opposite of disappointment? When something exceeds your expectations in such an exciting and captivating manner—Headland would indeed be a fitting word for it.

https://www.headlandhotel.co.uk

Local activities around Newquay include dolphin spotting, sightseeing, or fishing expeditions, easily arranged through the regular outings advertised on the quayside noticeboards. Embark on 'safaris' in search of dolphins, seals, and perhaps even basking sharks and sunfish, promising unforgettable encounters with marine life.

Immerse yourself in local festivities such as the Newquay Fish Festival in mid-September, featuring live cookery demonstrations, renowned chefs, and an array of delectable fish-based dishes. Don't miss Newquay Lifeboat Day, a spectacle showcasing lifeboats in action, including thrilling displays by the air-sea rescue helicopter.

For the adventurous, indulge in Harbour Sports Day, offering an adrenaline-fueled extravaganza on the water, including speedboats, jet skis, wakeboarding, and water skiing.