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Where the sea meets the sky: Cornwall’s five-star Carbis Bay Hotel
By Floyd Woodrow | 21 February 2025 | Travel
Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate provides world-class luxury on the Cornish coast
Situated on the beautiful Cornish coast, five-star Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate has been a family favourite luxury getaway for 125 years. The Baker family, as long- standing owners, have managed the difficult task of preserving its roots as a much-loved seaside hotel while bringing it firmly into the 21st century and building its reputation as an award-winning premier waterside resort.
First, its location. Driving into Cornwall, as we pass the small woodland copse near the A30 known as the ‘Nearly Home’ trees, I can feel the atmosphere change as we turn past St Ives and catch our first glimpse of the bay. Instantly, the pace of life seems to slow, with tension in the shoulders releasing and our heartrate slowing to match the rhythm of the waves.
Nowhere in the world does the adage ‘where the sea meets the sky’ ring truer than the sight of glistening turquoise waters lapping at 25 acres of pristine blue flag beach. On a clear day, the view seems to stretch endlessly, with Godrevy Lighthouse the focal point on the horizon.
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Carbis Bay Hotel itself comprises 38 luxurious rooms in its Main House Hotel, with Beach Lodges, Beach Houses, and the Valley Cottages and Suites offering private stays. Luxury Glamping from Carbis Bay Estate adds another element to those wanted to immerse themselves in the area’s wild nature, or nearby 19th-century Treloyhan Manor offers a more central experience within St Ives – which is just minutes by train via one of the country’s most beautiful train journeys, which hugs the coastline for a picturesque trip.
From the moment we arrive to check in the level of service is impeccable. We are made to feel like part of the family but, as with the best service, it is almost invisible. With six restaurants, C Bay Spa, the Kids’ Club!, and plenty of activities – including ocean sports equipment hire and yacht charter – there is endless entertainment and occupation to be found from the comfort of the hotel. The concierge team are there at the simple press of a button, whether refilling the fire or delivering delectable morning breakfast hampers.
The impressive hotel is no stranger to high profile guests – in 2021 it was the location of the G7 summit and played host to leaders from across the world. Guests may notice lodges now named after their famous guests. From the moment we unlock the door to Lodge One – USA – it immediately felt like home, but better. We are greeted by light flooding into the stairwell, which, with its circular design, gives the illusion of almost being inside a lighthouse. The ocean-inspired interior flows throughout the lodge – two bedrooms on the first floor look out onto the beach, with a terrace perfect for sitting and watching the world go by.
Our walk to the beach can be measured in mere steps, and with flipflops and robes provided there’s no excuse for not taking a quick, bracing dip in the sea. As if to highlight Cornwall’s magical natural beauty, the sight of seals and dolphins playing in the bay is a real highlight, made even easier to see by the binoculars thoughtfully provided by the hotel. When the sun sets and the stars twinkle in the inky blackness – unimpeded by urban light pollution – it’s the perfect time to ensconce ourselves in our private rooftop hot tub with a glass of champagne.
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The next day, as we wander through the estate’s sub-tropical gardens, we are presented with stunning views of the bay and Cornish coast’s picturesque natural habitats everywhere we turn. We enjoy glimpses of the beach beyond as we head to the promenade, where we’re welcomed by The Deli & Deli Restaurant. Walter’s on the Beach offers a glamorous beachside bar and restaurant, while The Beach Club provides more laid back dining, with a relaxed Mediterranean feeling that focuses on providing classic and simple dishes that are beautifully executed.
Adam Handling’s award-winning establishment Ugly Butterfly is the perfect place to drop in for a signature cocktail, afternoon tea or fine dining experience. Neon signs adorn the walls featuring the slogan ‘Why Waste?’ – reflecting chef Adam’s ethos that everything in the restaurant has a purpose.
If you are not already fully relaxed by the sea air, a trip to the C-Bay spa will quickly remedy this. Rain or shine, the spa’s infinity pool overlooking the beach is a more than comfortable temperature, while the spa’s candlelit treatment rooms – including one for couples – offer a range of treatments including facials, mani-pedis, aromatherapy experiences, scrubs, seaweed wraps and massages.
With so many different options in the Estate’s ever-expanding portfolio, the biggest choice you will have to make is picking just one accommodation option for your next getaway – and by far the hardest part of the trip will be the day you have to pack your bag and leave.