A CORNISH ESCAPE

Believe it or not, Cornwall has been on my travel-list for donkey´s years. I mean, sometimes – real beauty and experience, can just be on your doorstep, within your very own country. It´s the same for me when it comes to Norway; there are so many things I have yet to have seen and discovered, which people are often surprised by. But I guess that´s how it often is; one tends to travel and explore foreign and new cultures first – without realising, or taking time to just appreciate what beauty your own country beholds. And my oh my, did Cornwall live up to every single expectation I ever had (and more). Which I am sure everyone else who has visited themselves, can completely vouch for…

I had the honour of joining British clothing brand Joules, on a 3-day adventure to stay at the stunning Watergate Bay Hotel, located right on the coast – close to iconic Cornish spots, such as Newquay and Padstow. The trip was a Mother´s Day escape, but as my dear mama lives in Norway and was unable to come along, I brought my girl friend with me.

Although the escape was super relaxing, there was lots of fun happenings every day, such a Yoga, R&R time in the spa, Gin tasting, delicious food feasting, Nordic walking, exploring Padstow, jewellery making… I mean – the ideal recipe for a successful girly trip!

Watergate Bay Hotel definitely made our entire stay; if you haven´t already been, it´s an absolute must-visit. From the views, the nautical-meets-Scandi decor, the spa/pool/gym area, the food and drink… The list just goes on. Welcoming, homely and a guaranteed relaxing seclusion from whatever hustle and bustle you´re escaping from.

After checking in, we were kindly kitted out with Joules wellies, rain macs, cozy knits, their classic Breton tops… Fitting right into the Cornwall lifestyle. The weather was mainly foggy and grey during our stay, with breaks of sunshine and blue skies – both settings equally as magical.

Before our arrival lunch, we were presented the new Joules collection… Can you guess what was my favourite piece? (Hint: embroidered). 

Yes, I did go to Cornwall and had a big warming bowl of Ramen (!) instead of opting for the classic Fish & Chips. My excuse? I had a terrible cold, which I was determined to fight off with lots of warming ginger and vegetables. And it just happened to hit the spot. Who knew Ramen would be so good in Cornwall? 

After checking in, and enjoying a relaxing lunch and some downtime in the Spa – we had a gorgeous evening Yoga class, to really settle us into Vacay Mode (although I was firmly there already). This escape could not have come any sooner. 

Gin tasting and 3-course dinner at Watergate Bay´s own Zacry´s Restaurant – set me off for a much needed long and restful sleep…

After fuelling up with waffles and croissants at breakfast (I told you Vacay Mode was ON!) – we headed into Padstow for some exploring (and some shopping at the Joules store)! Padstow was utterly charming, and surprisingly quiet – being fortunate to have visited before the height of the peak season, where the town is heaving with tourists. And you can see why. Cobbled streets, chocolate box cottages, boutiques, a gorgeous bay and view, a huge array of charming cafés and restaurants… Pretty much the perfect, idyllic seaside town.

I slotted straight into the landscape with my outfit, wearing my new Joules parka rain mac, Breton jersey top and soft khaki rubber wellies. Thanks guys!

Every corner was just so picturesque…

The food temptations were pretty much everywhere, from a classic Cornish pasty, to ice cream, seafood-to-die-for, Rick Stein´s iconic Fish & Chips… I would come back just for the food offering! Too bad I wasn´t hungry (damn those waffles).

Visiting Padstow was a definite highlight, and did not dissapoint! So much charm and unassuming beauty in this little town. I can´t wait to come back with my other half some day.

Back in the room for some down-time before our walk on the beach, followed by a seaside lunch at The Beach Hut. But first, can we just appreciate the decor in my room please? I want it all. 

…not to mention the decor in the rest of the hotel. Nautical chic, done well.  

As I mentioned, the weather was a bit hit and miss during our stay, but it was never cold, and the fog actually made it incredibly mystical and erringly stunning… Especially down by the beach and by the giant rocks.

Lunch time at The Beach Hut; I had a plate full of fresh garlic prawns (still no Fish & Chips!), with a side of crunchy slaw, and chunky guacamole. So good. 

SO STUNNING.

I finished the perfect Cornish day, with a dip in the pool and 60 minutes of Deep Tissue massage at their Spa. I couldn’t be more relaxed if I tried. 

After a gorgeous dinner at Jamie Oliver´s FIFTEEN Restaurant, located just a stone throw away from our hotel – I settled in for another long and restful sleep. We woke up to glorious sunshine and blue skies, and lapped it up as much as we could, before setting off back to London. Everything always looks so different in the sunshine, and although the fog was very magical and special; you just can´t beat the crisp Spring air, with the turquoise ocean, beaming sunshine, with skies so blue…

It wouldn’t be the perfect end, to the perfect escape, without a mammoth breakfast to fuel us up for the 5-hour train ride back to London (you can fly here in 1-hour via plane). We clearly went for it (breakfast buffets are always dangerous), and were well and truly fuelled and ready for our journey home; although, I was NOT so ready to leave this place so soon.

Taking in every last minute, every last surrounding, every last breath of fresh, Cornish sea air…

I always knew Cornwall was a special place… But I never realised what raw beauty was lying in in this part of England. Goodbye for now, but not forever – I have feeling this is place I will be coming back, time and time again.

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Thank you to Joules for the unforgettable trip, and to Watergate Bay Hotel, for hosting us for the three days.