Cornwall is now the UK's coolest county. And that's official!
The recent British Travel Awards accolade is not just because of the success of The Eden Project or Jamie Oliver’s new “15” restaurant. It’s not for Rick Stein’s popular Padstein enterprises. It’s not even the fact that this is Mecca for the trendy surfing set.
Cornwall’s cool because The Scarlet, near Newquay, est arrivé.
Newquay is just a short hop on the hassle-free budget carrier airsouthwest.com. And just a couple of miles from the airport along the craggy Cornish shoreline overlooking the bay at Mawgan Porth is the spanking new eco-friendly hotel, The Scarlet.
First impressions are more than favourable. We were greeted by friendly, relaxed team members wearing a uniform of proletariat-chic drawstring pants and branded T–shirts who gave us a brief tour before we were shown to our room.
We had one of their luxurious “Indulgent” rooms - a vast expanse of oak floor enhanced by a glass wall opening to a balcony and overlooking the rolling surf of the famous bay below. The layout is open plan with a massive bath standing like a proud sculpture on a skilfully designed platform. The theatricality of each individually styled room is enhanced by a clever sequence of six pre-set lighting effects.
The toiletries are, of course, all organic and environmentally friendly. A nice touch is that you are encouraged to take your partially used locally produced soap home with you in a cute little bag.
Dare To Be Different
The Scarlet, with its “no dogs, no kids” rule opened its doors in September this year and is the brainchild of three highly creative sisters, Emma, Debbie and Rebecca. Under the bold promotional banner of ‘Dare To Be Different’ calming the soul whist caring for the body is very much their philosophy.
The unique Spa at Scarlet concept is inspirational. A labyrinth of nooks and crannies surround the inner sanctum, a darkened womb-like world of Bedouin-style tented treatment rooms and deep relaxation hanging pods.
The therapists have been given creative range with their range of healing “Journeys”, as they prefer to call them. Many of them have been created for couples so if you fancy a bit of mineral-rich mud-slinging with your partner don’t miss out on the skin-cleansing Rasul Experience followed by a gentle massage. Complete your Journey with a candle-lit togetherness bath and a nice glass of champagne brought to you by your therapist!
Crucial to the therapeutic benefits of the treatments is the continuation of the relaxing after effects. The Scarlet’s creative minds have designed a stunning chill-out area overlooking the bay, complimented by an inside pool and, in good weather, a natural reed system pond in which to bathe al fresco. For sheer novelty value, book one of their deep scarlet wood fire heated outside hot tubs, order a bottle of wine, watch the sea roll over the sandy beach. And chill.
Gastronomic tour de force
The restaurant under the executive management of local lad, Chef Ben Tunniclffe, is a gastronomic tour de force. The menu changes daily and uses as much local Cornish produce as possible.
Does the sound of a Jerusalem artichoke risotto followed by veal fillet with its liver and sweetbreads whet your appetite? How about a crispy pork belly starter with pan-fried halibut as a main - and don’t think of leaving without pudding!
Incidentally, almost hidden in the extensive wine list but a “must have”, is a superb Cornish sparkling wine, Carmel Valley Brut Reserve. Chef Tunnicliffe has a history of attracting awards and stars. I suspect it won’t be long before Mr Michelin tracks him down to The Scarlet.
The word is now out. This Scarlet gem is about to get massively popular so I urge you to book that air Southwest ticket now and experience this gorgeous place while you can still grab a room.
