The best spa days in Cornwall

Escape the everyday on your next luxury break

If you’re feeling the need for some rest and rejuvenation, there’s nothing quite like a day at the spa to feel your worries melt away. Indulge in top-to-toe pampering, take a dip in a sea-view hot tub, or unwind with afternoon tea at one of the best spas in Cornwall.

With a collection of exquisite treatments and top-of-the-range facilities, these fantastic Cornwall spas will have you feeling relaxed in no time.

1. Scarlet in Mawgan Porth

© Scarlet Spa

With lantern-lit treatment rooms and expansive views over Mawgan Porth Beach, lose yourself in complete tranquillity at Scarlet Spa. Featuring a decadent collection of treatments focussing on holistic wellbeing – from seaweed soaks to rich mineral mud massages – this gorgeous north coast gem promises to nourish body, mind and soul.

Cocoon yourself in a suspended pod in the relaxation room, or watch the waves crash against the rocks from the sea-view hot tub with champagne in hand. Enjoying an outdoor barrel sauna, copper tub and reed pool, as well as a meditation room and couples' suite, The Scarlet combines rest and relaxation with incredible Cornish surroundings.

Looking to stay nearby? Sharing The Scarlet’s enviable position high above Mawgan Porth, our property Headlands has recently undergone an interior transformation. Now ready to book for 2023, bubble away in total serenity from your very own hot tub on the wraparound deck.

2. St Michaels in Falmouth

© St Michaels Resort

Situated near Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, St Michaels Spa is home to the largest hydrothermal pool in the South West. Featuring an expert range of luxurious day packages, idyllic chill-out areas and bespoke treatments, there’s something to restore calm and tranquillity in everyone.

Liven up with the Natura Bissé Citrus Drench or take it easy with the Flower Detox Wrap. You’ll find herbal steam rooms to comfort, indoor and outdoor saunas to soothe, and rainfall showers to revitalise, from the moment you step inside.

The spa offers a whole host of varied treatments, including wellness sessions and pregnancy massage for mothers-to-be, plus a 55 minute Ishga seaweed wrap to improve skin texture and even out complexion. Elemis products used throughout for an extra touch of luxury.

3. The Headland in Newquay

One of the best spa hotels in Cornwall can be found at The Headland, which overlooks Fistral Beach. Following a £10 million refurbishment, the Aqua Club features six pools, a sun terrace and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant for post-swim grazing. 

Lounge poolside after treatments in the wellness centre, where you can choose from one of four signature spa day rituals: Fistral Marine, Ocean Essence, Cast Away and Headland Wave. Each designed to detox and destress, they feature back, neck and shoulder massage, hot cloth toning and glow-boosting facials.

Just as beautiful outside, sip chilled cocktails from the edge pool with views over the water, or warm up in the heated sunset pool, which is shielded from the Cornish sea breeze.

4. C Bay Spa in Carbis Bay

© C Bay Spa

When it comes to luxury spa hotels in Cornwall, the list isn’t complete without C Bay Spa on the west coast. Overlooking the Blue Flag beach at Carbis Bay and surrounded by 125 acres of coastline, find yourself in complete serenity with a tempting range of facilities.

Turn to the outdoor infinity pool on warm summer days, or for winter breaks and weekends spent storm-watching, unwind with hydrotherapy before hunkering down in a sea-view window seat. 

Recently renovated to include new and improved treatment rooms, slip into a fluffy white robe and choose from seaweed wraps, aromatherapy experiences, manicures, pedicures and more.

5. Crantock Bay Spa

Another must-visit for a spa retreat in Cornwall is Crantock Bay Spa. Affording spectacular views over West Pentire Headland, this north coast spot is home to a 12.5 metre heated pool, dedicated treatment rooms and a relaxation area. 

Opt for the 75-minute Pure Harmony treatment for a back, neck and shoulder massage with brightening facial, or soothe aching joints with a Walker’s Recovery massage after visiting Crantock’s beautiful poppies that line the headland in spring and summer.

Treatments are enhanced by products from Made for Life Organics – crafted from natural ingredients and perfect for sensitive skin.

6. The Cornwall near St Austell

Tucked away into a peaceful pocket of South Cornwall countryside, The Cornwall Spa is a stone’s throw from Mevagissey and Charlestown. Visit here to escape the everyday and truly switch off in beautiful surroundings. 

Spa day options include Lazy Sunday, Weekday Wind Down and Afternoon Tea and Spa – where guests can enjoy a classic Cornish cream tea and delicate savoury treats in the  19th century tea room. 

Come and go between the infinity pool, sauna and steam room for a relaxing afternoon, or cool off in the walled garden after rounds of tennis on the outdoor courts. Caudalie products promise to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed, no matter what tempts you on the treatment menu.

7. Home Spa Cornwall 

For something a little different on your next luxury escape, look no further than Home Spa Cornwall – a top recommendation from our Concierge team. Head therapist Emslie and her team create one-of-a-kind at-home spa experiences that are perfectly suited to stays at our spa and wellbeing properties, or large group retreats at Noordhoek (pictured above).

Choose from treatments like an energising body detox, scalp therapy, reflexology, and couples’ massage, without the need to step foot outside. Home Spa’s therapists bring heated couches, relaxing music and a selection of essential oils which instantly create a spa atmosphere, and groups of friends can enjoy treatments either at the same time or one after another.

We caught up with Emslie for some insight on Home Spa’s most-loved treatments: “The Signature treatments are the most popular, and I personally like the Signature Experience Massage the most! Incorporating hot stones into a full body massage, the treatment also includes a sea salt foot scrub and deeply relaxing head massage. If hot stones aren’t for you, you can choose from the Head over Heels to include Reflexology or the Energising Body Detox that includes body brushing and a pressure point foot massage to leave you radiant and invigorated.

The treatment menu is always growing, and we’re looking to add some on-trend beauty treatments such as brow lamination and BIAB gel nails.”

8. The Wellness Concierge

Experience the luxury of a Cornish spa with The Wellness Concierge. Another of our local and mobile favourites, Sara and her team craft unique treatments that are best enjoyed with a sea view and a cold G&T in hand. 

Opt for a gua sha facial that’s personalised around your unique skincare concerns, or book a signature pedicure and salt scrub to soothe beach-weary toes. Treatments are available from 9am until 9pm, perfect for a hot stone massage and a twilight dip in one of our holiday homes with hot tubs. 

If you’re tempted by a restorative retreat, let us take care of the details and arrange in-house massages and holistic spa treatments from the comfort of your holiday home on your next break. Located near some of the best spas in the South West, take a look at our Spa and Wellbeing properties here.

Image credits: © Scarlet Spa | © St Michaels Resort | © C Bay Spa | All other images are our own or from Pexels.

Post updated: 27th January 2023.