Caption
ADVERT
HEAVENLY
HEADLAND
The overwhelming desire for bracing walks, open fires, sea air, fantastic food and gargantuan fluffy white towels leads me to the seriously cool Headland Hotel in the UK’s surf capital Newquay
158 | cream of the west country
cream of the west country | 159
ET APART FROM THE BUSTLE OF NEWQUAY ON ITS OWN RUGGED PROMONTORY overlooking Cornwall’s Fistral beach the Headland Hotel exudes a blend of Victorian grandeur and refined luxury. A classic icon of the stunning coastline on which it stands, this four-star hotel is a family-run establishment with charming staff who will make you feel like a very special guest. Whether you come in straight off the beach, return from a game of golf, or a day out in the gardens, expect a warm yet unobtrusive welcome.
the secret coves, hold hands over sundowners with an ocean view, or head back to the room for a bath made for two. Excitable children have their own Harry Potter playroom or some of the world's best rock pooling on the doorstep. Teenagers can play cool at the onsite surf school, or make use of the pool tables of the Huer's Room. You can get active with a game of golf, tennis, croquet or take a dip in the pool, or enjoy log fires, gourmet food and knockout views. What more could want in your beachside haven? Wander straight off the beach into the relaxed hubbub of the Headland Hotel’s Terrace, where you can tuck into fresh local seafood, char-grilled cuts of the finest meats, hearty pasta dishes, imaginative salads and daily specials. Wood floors, suede chairs, minimalist décor and colossal windows staring out to sea, create a comfy and contemporary atmosphere for a late breakfast, casual lunch, afternoon tea, alfresco dining on the veranda, or a cosy candle-lit dinner. This is a classy beach café where you can enjoy all day dining by the sea in Newquay. With floor to ceiling windows, whether you sit inside or out, the views of Fistral Beach and the stunning Cornish coastline make a mesmerising backdrop for eating and drinking. Dine on the seafront terrace and watch the surfers ride the waves; or for a really romantic sunset, order a bottle of wine or dinner for two and huddle into one of the sheltered bunkers – private little snugs carved into the headland by the beach.
S
A step back in time In 1897 the Headland Hotel Company was formed for the sole purpose of creating the finest hotel in South West England. Finished to the highest standards of its time – with fireplaces, hot and cold running water, electric lights, and even electric service bells – the Headland Hotel opened its doors for business in June 1900. A grand hotel that has perfected the art of luxury holidays in Cornwall, over the decades it has attracted a string of royal visitors including Edward VIII, King George VI, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. With a 75-year family history of owning and running hotels in Newquay, John and Carolyn Armstrong bought the hotel in a rundown condition in 1979. In less than 30 years they have spent well over £12 million on an extensive facelift of the hotel - making the most of its oceanic viewpoint inside and out, and bringing some contemporary chic to its cool interior.
A touch of glitz Lounge by the fireside for a cream tea or a malt whisky; sip fine wine in sleek surroundings; slurp cocktails in a swanky seaside bar. The Headland Hotel lounge bar oozes with class to suit your style, whether you fancy pre-dinner drinks with a glitz factor or a cold beer after a day on the beach. With its warm hues and squishy sofas, the relaxing ambience is bedecked with contemporary artwork including Terry Frost prints and a stylish collection of ceramics and glassware. Sink into a sofa,
Cool Classics At the Headland Hotel there's something for everyone - however young or old. Romantics can explore
take a pew at the bar or kick back on the veranda, and enjoy impeccable service and a bedazzling menu of fine wines, cocktails, beers and spirits.
Contemporary cuisine The Headland Hotel offers beach dining for every occasion. In a county hailed for its foodie superiority, this is a sterling place to sample fresh seafood, local produce and contemporary Cornish cuisine. The Terrace Restaurant uses as much locally sourced produce as possible to create innovative and tasty cuisine including daily vegetarian and seafood specials. The menu boasts quality Cornish meats, local ice cream and dairy produce, vegetables plucked from local farms, and freshly landed fish from Newquay, Fowey and Falmouth. Just some examples of the tasty morsels on the seasonal menu include char-grilled vegetables topped with Cornish goats cheese, fresh mussels, sautéed scallops, line-caught fish, homemade burgers, Cornish cheese platters, classic salads and chunky ciabatta sandwiches.
Sea views The Headland Hotel has 104 rooms ranked in five different levels from Best to Budget, all of which are available as family rooms. Splash out on a room with a fourposter bed and a double-ended bath, choose a spacious family suite, or opt for fantastic value in an unfussy Budget room. When you opt for one of the Best rooms that's exactly what you get; one of the finest four-star rooms available alongside Newquay's famous Fistral beach. The five largest, premier rooms boast the premier positions, the most scenic views and the most opulent decor. To stay in one of the Best rooms is to experience the very finest the Headland Hotel has to offer. All individually designed to the highest standards, these spacious, luxurious rooms by the sea are refreshingly tranquil. The Headland provides your very own exclusive seaside sanctuary where you can relax and recharge on the brink of Cornwall’s beaches. Many of the bedrooms ¦
Top row: Headland’s bedrooms are both glamorous and comfortable; Local produce features highly on the mouth-watering menus; Second row: Headland’s cottages offer romantic and secluded hideaways; The hotel successfully combines traditional and contemporary style interiors
160 | cream of the west country
cream of the west country | 161
boast mesmerising views so you can watch the changing moods of the seascape from a haven of pure comfort. Some of the rooms retain an opulent Victorian style, whilst others have been renovated into contemporary living spaces boasting sleek décor and soothing colour schemes. And if the luxury of a steaming, bubble bath isn’t quite enough, you can order a ‘Bubbles in the Bath’ special from room service, and indulge in a glass of champagne whilst you relax and soak away any stress in the tub.
Headland hideaways However, if it’s real seclusion you are after why not make yourself at home in plush self-catering
accommodation where you can relax and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery of the South West. Perched in view of the wild Atlantic rollers lashing Cornwall's rugged north coast, the Headland Cottages are utterly unique; here you can enjoy the space and freedom of luxury self-catering cottages with all the trimmings of a four-star hotel at your fingertips. Dip into the dream of having your very own traditional Cornish cottageon-sea, yet with all of life's little luxuries and everyday conveniences just a stone's throw away. Whether you seek seclusion or action, the Headland Cottages provide stress free, self-contained accommodation bespoke to your needs and desires. www.headlandhotel.co.uk
ADVERT
Left: The cottages offer stylish holiday accommodation; Right: The Headland Hotel stands proud overlooking the stunning Cornish coastline
162 | cream of the west country
cream of the west country | 163