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Hotel Tresanton – St. Mawes

One of the West Country’s most famous hotels, Tresanton perches above the sea on the edge of picturesque St Mawes. The atmosphere is that of an elegant yet casual country house. Cheerful staff immediately make guests feel special, but very much at home. Outside, slate terraces bedecked with palms and fig trees overlook the bay. Within the collection of old whitewashed houses which make up the hotel, original artworks, antique furniture and beautiful mosaics in subtle sea shades abound. This area of Cornwall has one of the most temperate climates in Britain, and with its vibrant semi-tropical plants and breathtaking sea views, St Mawes has a real Mediterranean flavour. Refurbished by Olga Polizzi (Rocco Forte’s sister) in the late 1990s, Tresanton makes the most of this.

All bedrooms are spacious and individually decorated in restful tones with huge comfortable beds, and magnificent sea views. En suite bathrooms continue the Mediterranean feel with beautiful mosaic floor, Cristal de Mer bath salts and bidet. Large baths have overhead shower.

The hotel is literally a stone’s throw from a small safe beach, perfect for swimming and crabbing. Buckets and nets are stacked in Tammy’s Room, along with a wide selection of toys, books and games. There is a Playstation for older kids and, for younger ones, outside is a beautiful wooden Wendy House in its own tiny garden. During the summer a full-time nanny is on hand if parents would like a few hours on their own. Tresanton has its own cinema, where children can watch films on a big screen, and sailing or windsurfing lessons can be arranged nearby.

High tea is served between 5.30pm -6.30pm, usually in the cinema. Staff are very accommodating, and if kids are happily occupied in the playroom, meals can be taken there. Choose from freshly cooked traditional favourites, or the chef can rustle up alternatives with a little notice.

The restaurant is calm and white with terraces looking out over the sea. The menu makes the most of fresh local ingredients, specialising in fish, crustaceans and meat from a local organic butcher, as well as an eclectic wine list and wide selection of West Country cheeses. Children under 6 are not permitted in the restaurant in the evening, and families with older children are advised to book an early table. However, families wishing to dine together in the evening can choose from the all day menu (Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli, Club Sandwich, Fish and Chips) in the lounge, or on the terrace in warmer weather before 7pm.

With the sea on your doorstep it will be difficult to stay indoors, so start the day early with a walk on the beach, or up to the castle to work up an appetite. Choose from smoothie of the day, fresh pastries, yogurt, cereal and fruit, or cooked breakfast with organic bacon and tasty sausages.

Sipping coffee or a cocktail on the terrace, (even in winter it is sometimes warm enough to sit outside) it is hard to believe you are in England. As night falls, the terraces are bedecked with candles, as the waves lap the shores below.

Adventure Details

• Room Rate: From £190 - £355, family suites from £315 - £460, depending on season and weekday/weekend. Includes breakfast.
• Children's Rate: £40 for over 4 year olds, includes breakfast.
• Rooms: 29, some with terraces and all with sea views. 2 family suites, each with terrace, accommodating up to 3 children, four sets of interconnecting rooms and other rooms which can accommodate an extra bed.
• In Room: Flat screen TV, selection of books, bowl of apples, mineral water, bathrobes, White Company toiletries, mineral bath salts, seaweed soap.
• Baby Monitor: Available to borrow from reception. Baby listening service provided through phone in room.
• Swimming Pool: No, but directly opposite small safe beach. Other larger beaches within a few minutes walk.
• Children's Meals: High tea from 5.30pm - 6.30pm (main course £9). Bangers and mash, fish and chips, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs or pasta with tomato sauce. Staff happy to accommodate special requirements and make puree for babies.
• Crèche / Play Room: Yes - well-stocked with toys, books, games, flat screen TV, DVD and playstation.
• Other Facilities: Buckets, spades, crab nets and wellies. Small enclosed lawn with wooden Wendy House. Pinuccia - 50 ft classic sailing yacht can be hired with skipper and mate, also 8 seater speedboat. Sailing and windsurfing lessons by arrangement. Picnic hampers to order.
• Adult Treats: Experience the thrill of putting a racing yacht through its paces with a day out on Tresanton's Pinuccia. Candlelit dinner in the restaurant or cocktails on the terrace as the sun sets over the sea.