ST MICHAELS RESORT FALMOUTH

WHERE AND WHY A four-star hotel and spa with stunning sea views and subtropical gardens. We stayed in a Beach House room, which had a large comfy bed with high-quality cotton bedding. It has all the luxuries you would expect, including a Nespresso machine, digital radio, smart TV and a high-spec shower room with Elemis goodies.

ON THE MENU The Brasserie on the Bay, which sources local produce, is a two AA rosette restaurant overlooking the gardens. I chose the pan-seared Falmouth Bay scallops starter – a pricey €1375, but worth it. My main was a confit belly of Launceston pork, which melted in the mouth and was quite reasonably priced at €21. I finished my meal with a Cornish cheese plate at €10.65. For a more casual dining experience the Garden Kitchen restaurant has a beach bar vibe and its terrace has sweeping

sea views – the perfect spot for a drink. The spa has more than 60 treatments to choose from including a champagne nail bar. It has the world’s only Cornish sea salt steam room, as well as a Rhassoul Mud experience in a private treatment room.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE The hotel overlooks blue flag Gyllyngvase beach, and English Heritage’s Pendennis Castle (english-heritage.org.uk, €12) is within walking distance. The site was important during both World Wars and there are exhibits to reflect this. The National Trust’s lovely Glendurgan Garden (nationaltrust.org.uk, €11.50) is a 15-minute drive away. There’s so much to see and do in the area, it’s probably best to make some plans in advance.

WAKE UP CALL A Beach House bedroom starts from €140 per night on B&B.