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The Cornwall Hotel Spa and Estate, St Austell - 4 bubbles
Sassy Spy headed to St. Austell to discover the delights of The Cornwall Hotel, Spa and Estate. She found an immaculate and cool hotel standing amidst lush, green grounds. The original stables have been converted into a modern, sleek spa just a short walk away. This stylish retreat requires a few refining touches, but is definitely a worthy addition to Cornwall's spa-scape.
First impressions?
How did they welcome you?
What happens next?
Which treatments did you have?
What were the treatments like?
How did you feel afterwards?
What happens afterwards?
What else could you have?
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
Any special features?
Who do you think would like it?
Why did you give the spa this rating?
Would you go again?
First impressions?
The 43 acres of estate sprawled out as far the eye could see. We drove up a long drive towards a large mansion house, known as "the White House". It was hard to imagine that The Cornwall Hotel stood derelict for 40 years before being renovated recently.
The Cornwall stands proudly on a sylvan hillside. It has 65 bedrooms in total, and a further 22 self-catering "woodland homes" elsewhere on the estate. The main building is seamlessly connected to 56 newly-built rooms. Just before the White House, the road branches off into different car parks.
The hotel reception has been sleekly designed, with the central focus being the impressive white ostrich-feather lampshades cascading from the ceiling.
How did they welcome you?
The receptionist welcomed us with a smile and checked us in, then directed us to the lift on our left to get to our first floor room, named Maude Smith.
Upstairs, we walked through a small library with beautiful paintings, stunning wallpaper and a big round mirror, and took a left down a chic wallpapered corridor until we found our room.
What happens next?
My friend and I dropped our bags and admired our ensuite room complete with king-size bed, desk, tea-making facilities and flat-screen TV. Our room was opulently furnished in dark shades, but the patterned pewter wallpaper lifted it from potential gloom. The stylish bathroom had a cylindrical glass shower-cubicle with a large plate-sized shower head. Our room overlooked a terrace and the sprawling grounds. If it had been a sunny day, it would've been rather splendid to sit out there for a g and t.
Back at reception we asked for the location of the spa. We asked to borrow an umbrella but the receptionist advised that the umbrellas in the doorway were those of other residents. We raced through the unrelenting rain, along the side of the hotel, through a car park and up a small hill path to the converted 19th-century stable block that houses The Clearing Spa. Outside, there's a spa patio area with tables and umbrellas, and a path to the gardens. We arrived at the spa reception with hair dripping, thankful to be inside once again.
The spa reception desk doubles up as a juice bar. To the left was a small room with seating, where you can sit with your drink. Another door takes you into a two-room gym flooded with natural daylight, with Technogym equipment with individual TV screens atop.
The spa receptionist signed us into the spa, taking our names and our room name. We headed down the stairs to pool level, although we could have taken the lift. Due to the darkness and lack of signage, we couldn't figure out which door to go through, but fumbling blindly, we found our way into the female changing room, which was much brighter.
The changing rooms: Just inside were three backlit mirrors with quality hairdryers, a stool by each, and a full-length mirror. There was no sign of any soft touches -- not a bottle of moisturiser or cotton wool ball in sight. The floors were beautiful dark slate and the furniture dark chocolate and contrasting bright green. The walls were lined with nearly 40 digital security lockers (white waffle robe included) interspersed with small benches and hooks for clothing and towels. The four showers were complete with Aromatherapy Associates shower gel. There was a towel/robe drop, and a swimming-costume spinner.
The pool and thermal facilities: The infinity-edged pool area is certainly striking. Its outer wall is a curve of retractable windows, which open onto the pretty sub-tropical walled garden, with a patio and loungers. I was pleased to discover that the pool water is treated with UV and not chemicals. The pool was busy with parents and at least 20 young children frolicking about, which we decided was due to the weather and it being the summer holidays. The walkway down the side of the pool was very wet and slippery.
The Jacuzzi was the same temperature as the pool and a number of people commented that it was cold. The jets were pretty powerful but a dial at the side allowed us to control the pressure. Whilst trying to adjust the dial it came off in my hand. Whoops! I quickly screwed it back on.
Both the sauna and aroma steam room were nicely hot. They were divided by two experience showers; one warm, the other a good icy chill. There were no signs to say which shower was which temperature.
I returned to reception to meet Merryn, my therapist, who took me upstairs towards the treatment rooms. I sat at the manicure bar and filled out a short consultation form. My therapist disappeared for rather a long time.
On this level, there are five treatment rooms including a dual treatment room. At the very end of the corridor is a relaxation room with three loungers, separated by a voile curtain, and a few magazines. Tea-making facilities and a small fridge were there to be used freely.
Which treatments did you have?
I had the salt scrub and Lava Shells full-body massage (£120, 120 minutes).
What were the treatments like?
Merryn finally returned and guided me to my treatment room. I changed into paper knickers whilst Merryn left the room. On her return, Merryn and I discussed areas of concern before the treatment commenced.
I lay on my front as my therapist worked around my body. She uncovered each limb separately, and slathered on a healthy covering of a coarse salt-and-oil scrub. The scrub's scent of lavender and frankincense was simply delicious and really settled me into my treatment.
After the scrub I showered in the en-suite, whilst Merryn cleaned up the salt-scrub mess which seemed to get everywhere. I dried myself, clambered back onto the freshened treatment couch, and alerted Merryn that I was ready for the treatment to continue.
Merryn returned, made sure that I was comfortable and warm, and went straight into a full-body aromatherapy massage followed by hot lava-shells. My therapist worked the shells over my body fluidly, into different muscle groups, soothing my aches. Merryn finished with a heavenly ayurvedic massage for my scalp and face.
How did you feel afterwards?
I felt warmed, relaxed and softened. But I was left feeling that my therapist could have worked deeper into my tight shoulder-muscles, as I had emphasised how full of knots they were.
What happens afterwards?
Merryn instructed that I drink plenty of water and recommended that I use the Aromatherapy Associates De-stress muscle gel and bath and shower oil. She left the room so that I could dress, then took me to the relaxation room and brought me a glass of water.
That evening we dined in The Arboretum restaurant and experienced brilliant service and food. Whilst my friend feasted on fresh linguine with crab in a creamy white-wine sauce, I chose pan-fried mackerel on top of lentils and chorizo. We both opted for the same main course – tender cod loin with a herb crust. Pudding was equally delicious, and the wine list was vast.
The bar next to The Arboretum is in keeping with the original manor-house, with exposed-brick walls, fireplaces and luxurious furnishings. It's a cosy place for relaxing post-dinner.
I returned to the pool the following morning, to attempt to have a swim during my stay. Thankfully the sun was out, and so the pool was pretty much empty, allowing for a gorgeous swimming experience.
What else could you have?
Treatments have been designed exclusively for The Clearing Spa using Aromatherapy Associates and The Refinery products. There are facials, massages, and couples rituals. There are nurturing experiences for mothers-to-be and mini-facials, manicures and massages designed specifically for teenagers. Men are catered for too.
What do you wish you'd known before you went?
To bring my own flipflops and an umbrella. As it was raining when I was there, I also wish I'd brought my walking boots so that I could have discovered more of the beautiful grounds.
Designated adult-only swim times are in the early morning and early evening so you may wish to plan your swim accordingly.
Any special features?
The infinity pool area was absolutely stunning, with great views.
The Cornwall also houses five original Robert Lenkiewicz portraits.
Who do you think would like it?
Small groups of good friends, nature lovers, and wine connoisseurs. Romantics would like it here, but perhaps during term-time, otherwise it can be quite a family affair. Artists will be pleased to know The Cornwall offers art-break weekends, too.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
We gave The Cornwall Hotel Estate and Spa 4 bubbles. The Cornwall is a stylish retreat that oozes country-chic. I couldn't help but fall in love with the tactile design of the hotel and spa, where original Victorian features marry comfortably with the modern decor.
So why not 5-bubble perfection for somewhere so new and so gorgeous?
There is a lack of relaxation room or seating around the pool, and no slippers provided. I couldn't find a water machine within the pool area or changing rooms. The closest place to get water was in the gym or at the reception-come-juice bar, if you asked for it. At times the disorganised customer service let the side down too. There are just a few finishing touches necessary.
See more on how we rate the spas
Would you go again?
Yes, I'd merrily come back in a year when The Cornwall has settled into its stride. I'd love to experience the spa when the pool windows can be fully opened.
The Cornwall is also an ideal base to venture out to sights such as the Eden project, Porthpean beach, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
We visited The Cornwall in August 2010
See also:
* Contact Details for The Cornwall Hotel, Spa and Estate
* Are there any alternatives to chlorine in swimming pools?
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