The Headland Hotel

Headland Road, Newquay, TR7 1EW – http://www.headlandhotel.co.uk/

Famous for it’s breathtaking beaches and laidback lifestyle, Cornwall is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life for people looking to stay within British waters.  As the westernmost part of Great Britain, Cornwall boasts the mildest and sunniest climate in the UK and is home to many places of interest, including the world famous Eden Project.

There are a number of popular tourist destinations in Cornwall, none more so than Newquay, a town famous for it’s surfing beaches and home to the iconic Headland Hotel, best known for it’s appearance in the film adaptation of Roald Dahls ‘The Witches’ featuring Angelica Huston.  The hotel was acquired by John and Carolyn Armstrong in March 1979 in a very dilapidated state, and painstakingly renovated to the tune of 25 Million Pounds, but it wasn’t always this way.

Opened in 1900 and situated overlooking Fistral beach, the Headland Hotel was, in it’s day, the place for affluent individuals to holiday. Fashionable London orchestras were often booked for the Summer season and the ballroom would have been the place to be seen.  Designed by Cornish architect Silvanus Trevail the hotel has weathered countless storms and been the backdrop to a number of historic events – if only it’s walls could talk.

Entering the hotel through a revolving door, you are welcomed by a large crackling fire, and two life-size bronze dog statues, situated around a water bowl (this is a dog friendly retreat).  The dark wood panelling and fresh flowers make the reception feel extremely warm and welcoming, something those who’ve driven or trained from London and further a field will appreciate.  Check-in is quick and painless and the reception staff are very polite.

Our room was situated on the first floor, overlooking Fistral beach – not the biggest of rooms, but light and airy with a beautiful view and well sized wardrobe.  The beds are spectacularly comfortable and the decor is tasteful and clean, with a contemporary theme.  The best feature of the bedroom was the bathroom, with a double ended bath overlooking the beach (careful when changing, people can see into 1st floor rooms), heated floors, spacious shower, twin sinks and a larger mirror with good lighting.

Breakfast is included in the price and guests will not be disappointed.  Served in the ballroom, there is a large range of both cooked and continental offerings, as well as decent selection of fruit – guests can also order from a breakfast menu.  With yet more beautiful views of the Atlantic coastline through the floor to ceiling windows, breakfast at the Headland is a lovely way to start your day.

There are two restaurants in the hotel, The Terrace and The Restaurant.  The Terrace offers diners a more relaxed dining experience, the menu a selection of local fresh fish, char-grilled meats and hearty pastas – perfect for a spot of post-surf fuelling.  The Restaurant, situated in the ballroom provides you with a more elegant dining option.   My guest and I dined in the Restaurant and were pleasantly surprised by the fresh and local food options, all of which can be paired with fabulous wines.  The food was very good and the waiting staff were absolutely delightful.  The atmosphere was spot on; tables perfectly spaced to allow privacy and the music is tasteful and unobtrusive.

The Headland has more to offer it’s guest than just a place to stay, as it houses Cornwall’s only ‘5 Bubble’ rated spa, awarded by ‘The Good Spa Guide’ in 2013.  Those staying at the hotel are given full access to the spa which includes; heated pool with jet stream and bubble seats, Swedish sauna, Cornish Sea Salt steam room, aromatherapy showers and a hot tub.

I had a ‘Elemis Face & Body Sensation’ treatment during my stay, consisting of a thermal-soothing massage and intensive booster facial, and the 55 minutes flew by (too quickly).  The treatment was one of the best I’ve ever had and the entire experience was completely relaxing and restorative.

The hotel is, like it’s fabulous history, a very interesting one.  It’s had millions spent on it’s refurbishment, yet there is still plenty of room for improvement.  Saying this, the newly built 5* Headland Holiday Cottages recently awarded Gold at the Cornwall Tourism Awards breath modern sea air into the hotel and are perfect for families wanting more seclusion and self-catering options.

The hotel itself is heaving with nostalgia, you half expect beautifully elegant couples from bygone eras to sweep in during dinner or to pass you on the imperial staircase.  Essentially that’s what I loved about the Headland, it’s stood the test of time and will continue to for years to come – one things for sure, I’d love to throw a huge roaring twenties party in that ballroom.

Headland Hotel Room Prices Start at 95 (based on couples sharing, includes breakfast)Lucienne Harrington