We planned two weeks + of sampling the best of west country food and sights, 2 nights in Bath, 7 in Plymouth and 7 in St. Ives. This seemed a distant dream as I lay in the surgical assessment unit in a Plymouth hospital for the second visit while it was decided whether to operate or not. It was not, but the drive from there to St. Ives the following day I viewed with trepidation.
Anyone who can travel from the heights down into St. Ives and not be uplifted by the view must have no heart. We rang ahead to the hotel and were met at our reserved parking place and the luggage was whisked away to reappear in our room. It is difficult to describe our emotions as we were shown to the room, if St. Ives had a patented look, this would be it. Pastel blue, cream, white plank door, homely fittings in blond wood and a bathroom that would grace a 5 star hotel. Left alone, we opened the huge windows (they tilted inwards for safety) and surrendered to the atmosphere. The ambiance of the room, the sound of the crashing waves, it was like snuggling in a cool duvet with a damp cloth on the brow. The feeling was so emotional and peaceful I nearly wept. This is not a spa or a ”wellness centre”, it was so much more than that.
Enough with the emotion, facts, facts.
This hotel looked as though it had a major makeover the day before we arrived, every where was clean, bright and inviting. The use of the ”St. Ives cover palette” with dove grey upholstery and a sprinkling of modern faux industrial lights make for a very comfortable place to be. Even the bar seating facing the sea is stepped so no one misses out. There are several terraces with varied seating, relaxing and eating alternatives, all with glorious views.
The food was exceptional with a good mix of modern/trendy and traditional, as you would expect, the sea food is outstanding. The menu, plenty of choices in itself, was supplemented by the daily changing specials; usually 3 starters, 3 mains and 3 desserts.
The young staff team were enthusiastic friendly and very professional. Nothing seemed too much trouble to ensure our comfort.
The bus station and railway station are within 100 yards and it is a few minutes walk on a gentle slope into the town centre.
It was so impressive, after 2 days my wife asked me to book for next year, I did for two weeks. If we could draw up a plan for our perfect holiday this would be it. Even the weather was kind.
The only slight drawback seemed to be accessibility. Because it is built into a cliff face, the internal geometry does not lend itself to full accessibility, but there were plenty of examples of the staff going above and beyond for anyone with mobility issues.
