Codelia Mantsebo checks in to the Boskerris Hotel — a small, intimate Cornish coastal retreat that is a far cry away from the typical vision of the British coast. This relaxed Mediterranean-style bolthole is a peaceful and secluded haven where attention to detail, breathtaking sea vistas and the friendliest service await.
The hotel
Quiet, romantic and discreet, the Boskeriss Hotel is a gem of a boutique that feels just like coming home even at the very first visit. With passionate staff that appear wanting to be there just as much as the guests, this small, intimate, family-run hotel has an exceptional attentive service that feels personal, making it the perfect home away from home for grown-ups (no children below eight years old are allowed here).
Located on the edge of St Ives, tucked away from the crowded tourist spots that dominate the Cornish coastline, Boskerris boasts an enviable location – situated up a small hill, overlooking the bay with views across St Ives Bay, and with panoramic views of the stunning Carbis Bay white-sand beach below.
Carbis Bay train station is just a couple of minutes walk from the hotel, and a four-minute train journey will take you into the artistic and seafaring town of St Ives. The town is a seven-minute drive away, while a leisurely, scenic walk along the South West Coast Path will take you there in just 20 minutes.
From the greeting at the front door when you arrive, the service and attention to detail is first class. The service feels personal, not intrusive, authentic not stuffy and it feels natural, not rehearsed. The warm and welcoming bolthole is run by husband and wife, Jonathan and Marrianne Bassett, whose passion for the hotel is visible through every last detail, from the giant map of the area pinned up near reception, where the owners and past guests post their tips on where to eat, drink and visit, right down to the 15 individually designed and decorated bedrooms.
Room
All 15 rooms at the hotel are individually designed. They’re all dressed in a soft palette of creams and beiges, with splashes of vibrant colour, and White Company amenities as well as well-stocked tea trays. The hotel’s light and airy interiors offer a chic, relaxed Mediterranean style with its whitewashed walls and floors. Bathrooms are spacious with shower/tub combos or walk-in rainfall showers, while some of the bigger rooms have additional roll-top tubs. Most of the rooms at the hotel offer sea views (they are certainly worth the extra expense).
Downstairs, a beautiful, cosy, and spacious lounge area offers guests a chance to relax and take in views across the whole of St Ives Bay, from the Godrevy lighthouse (which inspired Virginia Woolf) to the pretty port of St Ives. Next to the lounge, is a cosily compact bar where you can sample St Ives gin (a blend of botanicals gathered from the cliff tops of the Cornish coastline).
Food
Opposite the lounge is a sweet little dining room where guests can enjoy a lavish breakfast. The dining room captures the ambience of St Ives by the sea with its floor-to-ceiling windows and, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to eat your breakfast while you take in the sounds of dolphins playing in the bay (which can be seen from the terrace).
Guests can enjoy a breakfast nook with a great selection of locally farmed produce, fresh fruits and a choice of warm specialities. However, it’s the personal touches that make each morning at Boskerris memorable. Every morning, guests can enjoy Marianne’s home-made granola or muesli (which you can buy to take home), and coffee drinkers will delight at the sip of the hotel’s own blend of coffee.
The hotel does not serve a hot lunch or dinner, but light bites are available throughout the day and several places nearby offer a selection of dining options.
To do
There are no pool or spa facilities here but you’ll hardly miss those amenities with the views and attractions nearby. Upon check-in, you’ll get a map and a list of the hotel’s best recommendations for restaurants, routes to drive and ideas of where to go and what to see, which proves to be extremely helpful, especially if you visit during off-peak season, you can truly make the most of your stay in Cornwall regardless of the weather.
Each morning, the board for the day’s best recommendations is updated. If you wish to stay close by, visit the oldest established gallery of the town The New Craftsman, or the modern Tate gallery which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. There’s plenty to explore nearby, from St Ives’ hub of artist studios, boutiques and eateries, to the rocky, tidal island of St Michael’s. The Boskerris’ location makes it the perfect base for exploration, and a calm and beautiful respite to come back to.
In a nutshell
Offering the kind of friendly welcome you’d expect when you visit and stay with good friends, the Boskerris Hotel is run by a couple that truly cares and knows what they’re doing, and they’ve made every effort to reflect this. Everything here has been carefully thought through to make you feel relaxed and welcome.
The hard-to-find kind of warm service here, alone, is reason to visit, but if not for that, then come and relax in a contemporary Cornish haven where contemporary cool and coastal comfort are combined with breathtaking sea vistas to make the ultimate relaxing home away from home.
Factbox
Rooms can be booked from £170 in low season; and from £190 in high.
Address: Boskerris Road, Carbis Bay, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2NQ
Phone: 01736 795295
Email: reservations@boskerrishotel.co.uk
Website: boskerrishotel.co.uk
