Pride of Place

One of Cornwall's most recognisable hotels, Pride of Britain Hotel's The Headland is a destination with many facets. A sanctuary thanks to its 5 star facilities, Aqua Club and five-bubblerated spa amenities, the wild rugged location of this magnificent building overlooks one of the most iconic surfing sites of the UK - Fistral Beach.

Oozing old world charm and glamour of eras gone by, The Headland Hotel has an illustrious past. The Headland's architect, Silvanus Travail, had a grand vision. He wanted Cornwall to rival the South Coast resorts. And to do it, he planned to create a seminal Victorian masterpiece.

After local fisherman initially pushed back against the build, the building was finally finished in 1898. In the early 1900s, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra were the first royals to stay here. The former Prince of Wales, now HRH King Charles III, and Queen Consort have also enjoyed several visits over recent years.

The Headland can also be recognised from the many TV shows and movies that have been filmed there. The most famous of all is the 1987 production of Roald Dahl’s The Witches starring Angelica Houston.

In 1979, John and Carolyn Armstrong bought the hotel. Still the current owners today, when they arrived, they took on the unenviable task of bringing it back from the brink. There were serious structural, decorative and business issues to address and they began the ultimate labour of love project that would take many years. They stopped at nothing to reinvent The Headland as it is now known today - a modern luxury hotel with a difference.

Four decades and £30 million of improvements and repairs have turned The Headland from a wreck to a multi-awardwinning destination hotel, complete with 91 luxurious bedrooms and suites, a state of the art-gym, a five-bubble-rated spa, a sixpool Aqua Club, and three restaurants boasting some of the best sea views in Cornwall.

Rooms are wide and varied, each immaculately decorated with elegant touches, Molton Brown toiletries, and fantastic viewswhether coastal or back towards the countryside. Calming colour palettes, reflective of the location, mingle with bursts of vibrant colour furnishings. From rooms to suites, there is something for all tastes and budgets and if you are looking for something slightly bigger, then you can head over to the colourful cottages.

Perfect for families and couples alike, offering that added space, the new Aqua cottages not only boast an ensuite four poster master bedroom and second twin bedroom, but there is also an outdoor decking and enclosed grassy area complete with your own hot tub for four.

The Headland Hotel

Next door to the cottages and three years and £10m in the making, The Aqua Club at The Headland is a no-luxury-spared swimming and wellbeing complex. Separate to the main building boasting sea views and open air pools, the building has been designed by Truro architects, Lilly Lewarne, the pools by Aqua Platinum, and with interiors by Dynargh Design.

The perfect place to unwind, the striking Cornish stonework celebrates the iconic landmark location on the edge of the Atlantic and provides a great setting to enjoy a cocktail or two while enjoying the views from the Vitality pool or Sunset Spa.

Available for adults only between 8am - 9am throughout the year and additionally, between 8pm - 9pm in the summer, there are a number of packages available and the club is open to hotel residents. The onsite restaurant The Deck, serves up a Mediterranean inspired menu with a Cornish twist. Enjoy a range of flatbreads, charcuterie, pizza, and even Cornish mackerel fillets, Cornish chicken cacciatore, or wild mushroom risotto.

Back in the main building, and on the lower floor, is the award winning Headland Spa. Offering a variety of treatments including the truly indulgent Headland Couture Touch signature treatment which will take you through a dedicated, individually designed treatment to suit your skin and needs. This 55 minute treatment will send you into another dimension of relaxation before continuing your tranquil journey in the peaceful relaxation room.

Round off your relaxing time with a lavish afternoon tea overlooking the Atlantic or a cocktail outside on the Terrace.

Following a peaceful sleep, breakfast in the Terrace not only offers wonderful views but a great opportunity to tuck into a full Cornish or pancakes with maple syrup and crispy bacon. Lighter options are available, alongside fresh juices, pastries and fruit.

Possibly the most inviting part of The Headland Hotel is that despite it's luxurious appointment, it is very much dog friendly, allowing you to take your four legged friend along for your Cornwall adventure. Access across the hotel and cottages is available for your furry companion with just the spa and restaurants - with the exception of The Terrace - off limits meaning you can truly enjoy your stay with your dog by your side.

The hotel will even provide you with blankets, dog treats, poo bags and a water bowl to make your pooch's stay as comfortable and indulgent as yours!