If a hotel is going to be situated on the end of one of Cornwall’s most famous beaches it doesn’t need to do much else really, but how about a stand alone bath by your floor to ceiling window or a balcony with views of the beach and beyond? Or even an opportunity to request a RockStar Rider?
Fistral Beach Hotel on the edge of Newquay’s prominent surfer’s beach boasts just this as well as four stars, a spa, restaurant and bar in its cool, contemporary setting.
The hotel induces a relaxed and friendly atmosphere thanks to its staff, and there is always something very relaxing about watching waves lapping on a beach and breathing in a bit of sea air. My guest, Nick, and I sat in The Bay Bar upon arrival and enjoyed a drink while we gazed out to sea and listened to a singer playing live music on his guitar. Soft velvet fabrics, dark walls and low armchairs made for a comfortable spot while we took in the tunes of George Ezra and Bill Withers.
ROOM
As mentioned our room’s winning features had to be the bath in front of the window and the balcony with two patio doors leading out to make the most of the exceptional view with a table and chairs. The room was open plan so the bedroom led straight to the bathroom with no door separating it; you could see the bath and sink but the shower was further back partitioned off and a loo was behind a door. Light wood filled the room and blue furnishings accentuated the beachy, fresh feel. A table and two chairs offered a place to sit and there were Espa toiletries in the spacious bathroom.
The aforementioned RockStar Rider gives you the chance to spruce up your stay with added extras. If you fancy a room full of balloons to walk into, a bathtub full of your favourite treats or something far more out there you can have a good think and request it before your stay – best to see the website for details!
FOOD
Dune Restaurant is the resident eatery and serves up classic British and seafood treats in a beach inspired space
Dune Restaurant is the resident eatery and serves up classic British and seafood treats in a beach inspired space. Tables are lined against the large windows, which cover one wall and face the beach and ocean, while large thin white curtains separate the room. The dark wood tables sit on a wood floor and silver lanterns are placed on the windowsills with a large dark brown framed mirror to one end of the room. The area is lit by spotlights and funky chandeliers and popular music played softly throughout the night. The décor is fresh and beachy but is very elegant.
The menu was simple with exciting elements to uplift the food, and was varied with plenty of things to choose from including vegetarian and gluten free options. I opted for the seared tandoori scallops to start with cucumber, crème fraiche and toasted chickpea, which was delicious. The dish held refreshing and spicy elements with lovely juicy and crispy edged scallops complemented perfectly by the tandoori sauce. Nick chose the pan fried squid in garlic, black pepper and chorizo with a green leaf garnish. He loved the chorizo and felt the spicy and salty flavour was certainly needed alongside the fairly bland squid.
The service was quick so we didn’t have to wait long for our main courses to arrive. Mine consisted of British beef fillet with a port reduction, celeriac purée and braised baby spinach and was a good showcase of simple ingredients cooked well. The piece of beef was gorgeous, cooked just how I like it and a nice glass of Merlot complemented this dish very well. Nick chose an 8oz rib eye steak, which came with some chunky chips, plum tomato, grilled mushroom and herb butter. We were quite full from the food so far but left a little time and shared an FBH knicker bocker glory, which was a lovely fruity, light and tasty treat, and perfect for sharing!
Breakfast is also served here and offers a large selection of items including smoothies, continental items, cooked options, omelettes, pancakes and various hot beverages. Service was really quick and friendly again (you really can’t fault the staff) and I filled my boots with a filter coffee, cranberry juice, a croissant, cinnamon whirl, mini chocolate muffin, bread roll and cheese. This was followed by the Eggs Fistral, which consisted of a toasted muffin with crushed avocado, poached eggs and a honey a mustard dressing on top. Nick enjoyed the Eggs Royale and said the eggs were cooked perfectly and we both enjoyed the view with a gorgeous rainbow dipping into the water right in front of us. Magical.
The Bay Bar offers informal dining as well as afternoon teas and there are plenty of festive dining opportunities coming up during the days, evenings and those special dates -see the website for more information.
SPA
A few hours after breakfast I returned to the hotel after some fish and chips on the beach (has to be done at the seaside!) and enjoyed a very relaxing massage before we began our journey home. I took the lift to the spa, which is on the top floor and opted for a back, neck and shoulder massage with an eye enhancing treatment and a scalp massage. I smelled some oils – ESPA products are used – and decided on an energising scent before chatting through the issues I have with my back and shoulder. The spa therapist listened carefully and worked through the tension very well, a scalp massage was nice as was the facial where lots of thick and creamy lotions were massaged in. For hours I felt nourished, refreshed and my face was glowing!
The spa also has a vitality pool, fitness suite, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, while Little Fistral Spa offers hair, nail and beauty treatments.
In a nutshell
What makes Fistral Beach Hotel luxury is certainly its location, and the stunning beach and sea beyond can be seen from most places in the hotel. The Cornish coastline really is something to admire and with the quality of food available on the doorstep, there’s no excuse not to pay it a visit.
Address: Esplanade Rd, Newquay TR7 1PT / 01637 852221
