Weather
A perfect retreat in Cornwall (From Hampshire Society)
When news happens, text SDE and your photos or videos to 80360. Or contact us by email and phone.
A perfect retreat in Cornwall
3:08pm Thursday 12th February 2009
Life is pretty hectic these days and any chance to unwind is to be grabbed with both hands.
Just the thought of a week in Cornwall, with its windswept beaches and craggy inland beauty, made us feel more relaxed. And by the time we reached the beautiful Retallak Resort, a five-star resort and spa nestling between Padstow and Newquay, we had all but forgotten the busy lifestyles we'd left behind.
Our accommodation was spectacular.
The luxury two-storey lodge takes self-catering to new heights with its oak floors, marble work surfaces and Egyptian cotton sheets. The lodge could easily accommodate eight people, with two stylish bathrooms, a kitchen, two lounges and four double bedrooms.
It had a modern but cosy and comfortable feel, with huge sofas and squashy cushions to sink into.
The chill evenings of late autumn prevented us making full use of the outside decking and barbecue, but it's good to know they're there and in the warmer months it would be fantastic to dine alfresco, drinking in the stunning views across the rolling hills.
The early morning sunrises were stunning - I got to enjoy those while my 13-month-old son guzzled down his morning milk and my wife made the most of those Egyptian cotton sheets.
Retallak enjoys the perfect location. Far enough away from the main town centres for it to feel really relaxing, Padstow and Newquay are still easily accessible.
We loved the quaint port of Padstow. A walk up to the cliff tops to enjoy the views was followed by a stroll around the town and its variety of boutique shops.
Newquay is everything you'd expect from one of the top surfing locations in the country. But it's not all about surfing and a walk down to the old harbour is well worth the hike back up the hill as it's an unspoilt part of the town - we even spotted a seal mooching through the harbour waters.
The town is bursting with shops, selling everything from the usual holiday souvenirs to more specialised surfing gear - and you're never too far away from a pasty!
After all those shops, it was our son's turn to be entertained - and where better than Dairyworld farm park - Cornwall's top family entertainment theme park.
Youngsters have plenty to keep them busy with animals to feed and pet, as well as numerous rides and attractions to enjoy.
The Bull Pen, an indoor children's land of adventure, is designed with all ages in mind - even the toddlers have their own mini all-action area where Mum and Dad can supervise and join in, too.
Porthleven was another favourite destination of ours.
This historic fishing harbour overlooks Mounts Bay, and during a walk around the picturesque town we happened on one of those many pasty shops.
It was here that we enjoyed the best pasty of the holiday - and we tried a few.
To burn off the calories, there is a lovely coastal path winding up the hill through the town.
Returning from our busy days out, we would settle down, enjoy a meal, see our little boy off to bed and enjoy the rest of our evening in - either watching TV snuggling on the sofas or sitting across the table with a good bottle of wine.
We also made good use of the club facilities and went for an evening swim most nights, which of course our little boy loved.
The Retallack Resort is a fantastic place to stay. It's a luxurious home away from home and with its comfortable accommodation and beautifully designed spa, it really is the perfect place to recharge those batteries.
Cornwall has so much to offer and our newly invigorated family will definitely be making its acquaintance again very soon.
More Travel stories
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
