A friend of mine referred to holidays with children as family business trips which made me laugh as these days it does feel like we’re trading little more than the location of where we do our chores. Looking at it that way it is clear that I’ve been doing holidays all wrong. Thank goodness I’ve seen the error of my ways…
Bedruthan Hotel and Spa is a sanctuary perched atop a Cornish cliff over-looking a golden beach of Mawgan Porth below. The stunning location is matched by a hotel which is beautifully decorated throughout. Here you can leave thoughts of where the next meal is coming from and sweeping the sandy floor behind and let yourself unwind.
The accommodation is all sumptuously fitted and may even see you a little envious when you spy the Eames chairs in the dining room. The rooms range from standard singles and doubles to the more family-friendly family and interconnecting rooms. They also have vilas and apartments which give more flexible accommodation for families.
We stayed in a villa which opened directly onto the large play area – a feature our children took immediate and frequent advantage of. The adult sleeping area was spacious, comfortable and had the most amazing bay view. The children’s sleeping area had two sets of bunk beds and a travel cot giving ample space for larger families. Both rooms had an en-suite bathroom and plenty of wardrobe space.
Outside the patio doors was a small terrace with sun loungers where we were able to relax and watch the children play. The play area itself is wide and open and features a play house, sunken trampoline, assault course (pictured below) and bark-chipped play area (pictured bottom) as well as a flat grassy pitch and surf shack. Milla and Monty were chatting to and playing with other children within minutes and I could see them off on adventures had we stayed longer.
This was by no means the end of the play facilities there’s a zip wire, a second play area (with diggers!), craft room and an outdoor pool to name a few of the attractions. And of course there is the beach, a mere five minute walk down the cliff path (a little longer on the way back!) a beautiful expanse of sandy shore nestled between the rocky cliffs. It boasts excellent surf and my children assure me the sandcastle-going is good.
The hotel offers children’s clubs which provide fun and frolics each morning while you take some time for yourself. They are split into age groups and cover both indoor and outdoor activities including special sessions such as cookery or craft.
Naturally the facilities aren’t all family-focused and the spa is very much an area for adults to retreat and revive themselves. The treatment menu was packed with sumptuous pampering and beauty sessions which I found reasonably priced – definitely worth blocking out some time for relaxing.
You can book a specialist break with Bedruthan all of which look amazing: Cath Kidston Patch, Spa breaks, Sea Fishing, Bread making with Tom Herbert (!!) and even specialist breaks for parents of babies or toddlers with their Welcome to the World and Nexts Steps breaks.
The first time I heard of Bedruthan was when someone I knew was raving about the food. Having stayed in my fair share of hotels I know that food is either average or amazing and I’m happy to report that the food at Bedruthan is beyond amazing.
Arriving after a long and tedious journey (tip: don’t try a short cut) we had three hungry children and a car to unpack. The reception staff arranged for a porter to assist Mr Kat while I took the children to the restaurant.
On arrival you are directed to grab a drink and small bowl filled with snacks for each child. This is a stroke of pure genius – some fruit, vegetable sticks, cheese and biscuit act as their starter while you order and their main meal is prepared. With hungry tummies instantly satisfied we were able to breath a sigh of relief and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Their meals were possibly the best food from a children’s menu we have ever had. Milla and Monty opted for beef and Yorkshire puddings (apparently yummy but not as good as Mama’s Yorkies, sorry Bedruthan). Betsy had a fish and broccoli bake which was so tasty I had trouble resisting swiping it from her.
Children are treated respectfully and nothing is too much trouble. The chairs have custom-made boosters and there are a range of highchairs for babies. The spacious cafe area mean that families with babies in prams were able to bring them up to the table without disrupting the flow.
The dinner bed and breakfast allowance we had (£90 for a family of five per day) would have easily stretched to lunch as well when eating in their Wild Cafe although if you want your adult evening meals in the Red Herring you’re likely to use the budget on supper only.
Breakfast was another delight with a range of hot and cold options all locally sourced. Far from the bland buffet often on offer in hotels Bedruthan have gone the extra mile to source delicious products filled wth flavour.
Throughout the hotel the staff are relaxed, friendly and helpful to a fault. They are a complete credit to the hotel and we felt welcomed at every turn. Even after check out you are free to enjoy the facilities for the remainder of the day, allowing you to linger on your holiday. The hotel is beautifully appointed and the set up perfect for families. It is little wonder it has won the title of Cornwall’s Hotel of The Year.
I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Bedruthan, it is the perfect hotel getaway where you can let the worries of the world melt away.
We were guests of Bedruthan for one night in May. We stayed in a Villa on a dinner bed and breakfast basis. They currently have a June Young Families offer running: “Stay for three nights on a bed and breakfast basis in a sea view family room including two morning childcare sessions and all children under 15 years stay for free in the room including breakfast. From £630 for your stay.”
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