Words Pendle Harte

The Beach

Follow the coastal path at the back of the hotel for 10 minutes and you’ll emerge at popular Polzeath Beach, where the vast expanse of sand is filled with people in high season. Most of them are here for the brilliant surf, and there are lots of surfing schools offering lessons (the hotel can recommend their favourite). Good coffee, ice creams and fish and chips are all available at this busy spot. Following the path in the other direction from the hotel takes you to the smaller and less crowded Daymer Bay. Or, keep going and you’ll get to Rock in around 45 minutes; from there it’s a quick boat crossing to Padstow.

The Hotel

This sprawling white building has an impressive ocean liner look to it, especially when set against the clear blue skies that we’re all hoping for when travelling to Cornwall. It’s a super-friendly and comfortable place, inhabited by returning fans of its fantastic seaside location, indoor and outdoor pool and inviting vibe. Perfect for families, accommodation includes self-catering villas and apartments as well as hotel rooms.

The Rooms

Our garden family room opens directly onto a sunny terrace and to the hotel’s gardens and large outdoor pool. Fold-out bunkbeds accommodate two children and it’s a spacious room with a discreet seaside theme to the décor in shades of aqua and shell.

The Spa

This outpost of Cowshed gets very busy, so be sure to book in advance. I enjoyed my manicure for the comfortable chair, easy chat and the neat and shiny nails I emerged with; the spa is a popular destination in itself.

The food

There’s a poolside café offering simple daytime meals and drinks, while the main restaurant offers top-quality local produce with an emphasis on fish. Walking over to Polzeath for dinner is another option.

St Moritz Hotel, Trebethwick, Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 6SD; 01208 862 242

St Moritz Hotel