'A place to eat, dream and play in peace and be influenced by the natural rhythms of Mother Nature.'
So says the blurb for the Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, Britain's first purpose-built eco-luxe hotel. A spectacular location carved into the north Cornish cliff above the wild Atlantic rollers will surely help, but can it really live up to all the hype?
On entering the stark reception area, a hand-written note on the table invites us to take a seat. Someone will be along soon... No rush here then. As we sink into the sofa, a ceiling-to-floor glass wall directs our gaze in a straight line across an infinity pool to the ocean beyond, streaked golden in the evening light. It's instantly apparent the four-hour drive from London has been worth it.
The Scarlet reflects the best of Cornwall with its lack of formality, friendliness and emphasis on natural beauty. The structure is impressive with sweeping timbered curves, a striking (recycled) copper wall and roofs awash with pink sea thrift. The light-filled interiors meander over three levels and give the impression of a collection of airy spaces rather than a series of functional rooms.
Privacy can always be found in your room (all are luxurious with sea views and balconies) but numerous nooks and crannies create enticing hideaways inviting you to hang out. The library, filled with comfy sofas and quirky hand-made furniture, soon became our second home. Outside, two terraces for lounging, a natural reed pool and a pair of scarlet log-fired hot tubs overlook the glories of Mawgan Porth beach.
The spa is a genuine sanctuary. Individual Ayurvedic treatments are preceded by a therapist's consultation to identify your body type (dosha). A seaweed bath followed by a deep-tissue massage evolves seamlessly into a state of deep relaxation which can be enjoyed cocooned in one of a cluster of gently swaying suspended pods. But if that sounds a bit daunting, then the tranquil indoor pool and chill-out areas make an inspiring place to unwind any time of day.
Obviously, eco credentials are high on the agenda, from a biomass boiler to rain-water harvesting and a surfeit of solar panelling. The food is mostly locally sourced and inventive, though a little rich if you've been indulging in spa detox. An additional healthy option on the menu would soon solve this.
This is a space fashioned for grown-ups. ‘Who wants to put up with other people's children when you are trying to relax?' asks one of the three female owners who also run the nearby (family-friendly) Bedruthan Steps hotel. There are plans to introduce activities such as tree-climbing, food foraging, knitting and cookery classes – clam bake on the beach, anyone?
So don't wait for summer, this is an experience to be enjoyed any time of the year (winter storms look wonderful behind glass). The Scarlet may have set its standards high but it's unlikely to disappoint even the most sybaritic lotus eater.
Scarlet Hotel, Tredragon Road, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, TR8 4DQ + 44 (0)1637 861800; scarlethotel.co.uk.
Win a stay at the Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall.
