Cornwall has long been the destination hotspot for those seeking a seaside holiday without wishing to hop on a plane, and one of the gems of the coastline is Talland Bay, which harnesses the rugged nature of the area and is home to a smattering of luxury hotels and guest houses.
One of the best around is surely Talland Bay Hotel, a boutique residence that offers guests an uninterrupted vista of the ocean and the sounding patchwork of green hills. A true vision of quintessential England awaits guests, whether they fancy a bolt-hole from the busy city, or a gorgeous base from which to explore the delights of Cornwall.
Talland Bay houses a number of fantastic seaview rooms, private cottages and an AA Rosette restaurant, plus sprawling gardens, from which it’s possible to take meandering walks down to the beach. Entering the main hotel is like being welcomed into the home of an eccentric art collector, with paintings, sculptures and knick-knacks providing an eye-catching array of curiosities. This is a refreshing spin on the usual ‘safe’ hotel decor, and there is always something to attract your glance, from the riot of colour in a flower splashed mural to the zebra print sofas, to seagulls hanging overhead. We loved the addition of the den, where guests can relax on the sofa and read beneath a blanket, when the weather isn’t playing ball, and the lounge area next to the bar is a superb place to indulge in one of their cocktails or a Gin & Tonic from their extensive menu.
Each room is individually designed to suit a spectrum of tastes, and the same attention to detail goes into every single one. Our room was a delightful suite in candy can hues of red and white, with a beautiful view of the sea and hotel gardens. As well as the ultra comfy beds, there was a sofa perfect for sinking into whilst watching a movie on the wide screen TV, and gleaming bathrooms with a bath, shower, and indulgent White Company products. It really felt like a wonderful little home from home.
Of course, when the weather is nice, one can’t imagine not being out in the gardens and exploring the natural beauty of the area. Drinks can be taken on the terrace or at the wrought-iron tables on the lawn. Guests can also relax in the pretty conservatory, which once again overlooks the fantastic views. The hotel also has the benefit of being dog friendly, so pooches are welcome.
The conservatory is also where breakfast is served, where as well as an ample buffet, guests can order a la carte dishes from the menu, which offers eggs any way you like, smoked kippers and of course a Full English. There are very few things that can beat a morning than piping fresh coffee, a plate of fluffy scrambled eggs and coral-pink salmon, and the view of the gardens and sea stretching ahead.
One can’t visit Talland Bay without sampling the delights of the restaurant, where the chef cooks up delicious food to a double AA Rosette standard. A dinner there is a truly lavish affair, when guests can choose from two menus – the classic a la carte or the fine dining menu. We recommends the latter, which begins with an amuse bouche and drinks in the lounge – gin fans will be in their element after casting their eye over the impressive list of local tipples – before taking the remainder of the meal in the candlelit restaurant, a beautiful room of soft dusky pinks and a grand fireplace.
Highlights for us included the Cornish Cider Pork Belly, which triumphed with a myriad of texture and taste. The silky, sweet parsnip purée combined well with the salty crunch of cracking, and the layers of black pudding and pork terrine was hearty and full of robust meaty flavour. We also loved the roasted lamb, cooked perfectly pink and accompanied by a host of scrumptious vegetables. No meal could be complete without the Glazed Rice Pudding, ridiculously indulgent, but worth every mouthful. And after that guests can retire to the fireside with a whisky, before heading back to their boutique room to fall into a peaceful slumber, tired from a day of fresh air and sumptuous food.
For a boutique break, there are few better than a trip to the coast. Talland Bay is the perfect combination of luxury and comfort, making it a wonderful bolthole in any weather. Add breathtaking views, bracing sea air and superb cuisine, and you’ve got everything you need for a fabulous break – without even stepping foot on an aeroplane.
Rooms at the Talland Bay Hotel cost from £160 per night on a bed and breakfast basis.
Savour a two night visit to the Cornish coast with the Spring Spectacular. The package costs from £425 per couple and includes two nights’ accommodation with three course dinner in the two AA Rosette Terrace Restaurant on both nights and full Cornish breakfast. Valid until 30 April 2017. For more information visit www.tallandbayhotel.co.uk.
