Well-being weekends to surf stays: inspiration for a themed South West break in 2020

Special celebrations, spa weekends and unforgettable family holidays

Themed holidays are double the fun. Whether you make a break for the countryside with a cookery course or book a wild weekend of watersports, there’s something uniquely special about a holiday with a twist. For a splash of inspiration ahead of this year’s getaway, we’ve put together our favourite themed stays. We’ve also added some tailored holiday home suggestions and a handful of great concierge experiences to suit your group to a tee.

1. Rest, relax and rejuvenate: the small group, couples’ or solo retreat

The Nook, St Minver

If you’re hoping to make 2020 a year of self-care, relaxation and mindfulness, make sure that a trip to Cornwall is at the top of your to-do list. You’ll find a cluster of beautiful spas like Bedruthan and The Scarlet located across the north coast, nutritious feel-good menus in the south and the ever-restorative Cornish sea air everywhere in between.

Yogis will find utter sanctuary at The Nook. Tucked into the countryside near Rock, our enchanting Scandi-style hideaway makes the perfect setting for a solo retreat or couples’ getaway. Clear your mind from the hot tub or peel back the bi-folds for a spot of yoga overlooking the garden. If you’re in full holiday mode, leave the planning to us and we’ll arrange in-house sessions with a private instructor to bring out your inner zen.

For small group getaways, we recommend staying at: Sea Edge in Downderry. Ideal for three couples, its sea-view hot tub and soothing interiors will transport you to the tropics in moments.

For reading retreats, we recommend staying at: Willow’s Rest (part of the Upcott Farm estate) in Dulverton. Nestled into the rolling Somerset countryside, you’ll have no trouble finding an idyllic spot to settle into a good book, from the charming attic bedrooms to the elevated terrace.

2. Surfing, golf and vineyards: try an activity break with friends

Make for the waves with a surfboard tucked under your arm or gather a group together for a golf break. The perfect excuse to leave the kids at home and take advantage of an out of season escape or a long weekend, an activity-themed holiday is sure to bring out your sense of adventure. Try something new and book some time in the water with Cornish Rock Tors, get a taste for the local tipple with a wine holiday visiting Trevibban Mill Vineyard, or learn to cook your favourite dishes alongside the area’s finest chefs.

Perfectly suited to a stay at Trelawn, golfers will love being so close to Trevose Championship Golf Club in Harlyn Bay. A country club with sweeping greens and incredible views out to sea, Trevose offers private and group tuition in its state-of-the-art performance centre, making it one of the best golf courses in the South West. Leave the car at Trelawn and you’ll reach the club on foot in little over 20 minutes.

For wine holidays, we recommend staying at: The Watermill in Withiel. Ideally located near to Knightor, Trevibban Mill and Cornwall’s largest vineyard, Camel Valley, what better place to retire to after a glass of wine than a tree-lined valley in the heart of the countryside?

3. Fizz, seafood and surprises: celebrate a special occasion in style

Left and centre: Pentyak, Harlyn Bay. Right: Shun Lee, St Ives

Whether it’s a champagne-fuelled wedding anniversary, a milestone birthday or a Christmas like no other, some celebrations call for that little bit extra. Have breakfast by the sea at Porthminster Beach Café, invite The Oyster Lady to share her oyster shucking masterclass or visit the Minack Theatre. Since you’re celebrating, why not make a day of it with all three?

A magnificent home set beside the water in St Ives, Shun Lee promises an unforgettable celebration. Named by The Telegraph as Cornwall’s ‘ultimate party house’, its cinema room, dreamy interiors and incredible sea views will have the whole group head over heels. If you’re hoping to surprise and delight your fellow guests, our concierge team can arrange the finishing touches to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. From arranging flowers for your arrival to decorating the house for a special surprise, we’ll keep plans closely under wraps.

For multi-generational stays, we recommend staying at: Pentyak in Harlyn Bay. Children will love the treehouse, den and stair slide, while adults relax in the garden with beautiful sea views.

4. Sandy adventures and lasting memories: enjoy the classic family holiday

Centre: Beachfront, Bigbury-on-Sea

Sometimes you just can’t beat a sandy seaside getaway together as a family. Whether you look forward to visiting family-friendly restaurants like Kota in Porthleven and The Oyster Shack in Bigbury-on-Sea, or embracing the great outdoors with watersports galore, the South West has plenty to spark the imagination. In the rays of the mid-summer sun, spend long days on the beach, let dogs run free in shallow waters and barbeque to your heart’s content.

One of our Polzeath favourites, Tregoose was made with families in mind. Its raised garden and sheltered deck provide a blissful spot for little ones to play. When the summer calls, have your fill of beach days, coastal walks, surf lessons and some of the best ice cream shops around.

For surf stays, we recommend staying at: Beachfront in Bigbury-on-Sea. Located a few sandy footprints from the beach, this seafront gem combines open plan living with striking architecture and sparkling views. With the team at Discovery Surf School, paddle out towards Burgh Island and feel your confidence grow surfing back to shore with a private family lesson.

Call 01208 895570 to plan an unforgettable themed stay at one of our properties.