A short stay in Cornwall by the sea: a review of the Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa

Views of the Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa

Ocean waves. There’s something magical about ocean waves and the sound of the water gently rocking, moving and swaying with the rhythm of the wind. Waves can be still or harsh, but no matter what, the sound of the ocean will always feel like an ever lasting calm is washing over you. Or at least, that’s how I feel whenever I’m near the water now.

Surprisingly, growing up, being near the ocean or lakeside is something I never felt resonated with me. I didn’t feel like I needed it in my life. Until we recently moved from London to the south coast of England. Living by the water was like flicking a switch I didn’t know I had internally. 

Now? I can’t imagine living anywhere else. While we’re not directly on the water in our little Southampton abode, we can find ourselves close enough. A quick drive down to the riverside pubs or oceanic marinas. I run along the water weekly and it’s something that I feel has been life changing for clearing my head in a way that London streets couldn’t.

It goes without saying that any chance to stay by the seaside and I’m chomping at the bit. So when I was invited to stay in Cornwall at the Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa, how could I say no? Sleeping by the sea? I was in.

I was kindly invited by the Fistral Hotel to experience one of their new Rockstar Rider themed stays. 

The Rockstar Rider Experience

I’m sure you’ve heard of a rockstar rider before but just in case… it’s essentially when a famous person or celebrity has a laundry list of items required wherever they go. Whether that’s having a dozen boxes of fresh pastries from France in the room or sparkling water served in champagne flutes. A rockstar rider is one that’s a luxury personalised experience catered to the stars.

Viewing myself as a celebrity in our household, much to my husband Joe’s chagrin, I felt this was the kind of lifestyle experience perfect for me. At the Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa though you select a theme prior to your arrival. I saw fellow bloggers had attended and chosen Harry Potter themes, some couples had chosen a chic Parisian theme. 

Me? I thought what could be more metaphorical than a luxury Great Gatsby experience.

We might have been across the Atlantic Ocean, but the fictional lives of the characters of New York City’s West and East Egg played out along the fictional water too. Only I assumed that instead of any untimely demises we could just have the champagne party bit with a much better outcome. 

What to Expect

After a several hour winding drove from Southampton, we made it to Newquay. Upon arrival, we were greeted at reception with a cheeky cocktail. Little did I know, these would be the start of many on our Gatsby adventure.  

Our room was on the top floor of the Fistral Beach hotel and inside was awaiting quite the spectacle. We walked in to The Great Gatsby playing on our TV screen, a flourish of black, white and gold balloons, feather boas and a stacked champagne tower on the table to name only a few. There was a bottle of Prosecco in an ice bucket awaiting as well as a fully stocked bar for our masterclass that evening.

The room also includes a hot tub overlooking the sea. Such a wow factor that feels a little indescribably indulgent. Also I feel it set the bar because any seaside place I visit now I’m absolutely going to want a hot tub in the room. I wasn’t expecting it and well worth having for a very relaxing getaway. No matter what the weather… you can always rely on your in-room hot tub.

The Fistral Beach Hotel Stay

Within your Rockstar rider you’ll find yourself on a personal cocktail making journey with one of the bartenders. Jack, who looked after us, did a great job selecting perfectly themed Gatsby cocktails that we couldn’t stop drinking. We did our cocktail making class in the lounge of our room. It was lovely as it meant we kept the doors open the entire time too. Returning to my theme of listening to the ocean but more importantly in this moment? Cheersing on the balcony. 

Following our cocktails, we were very much in need of some dinner. Luckily a three course meal was waiting for us next on our itinerary. The Dune Restaurant is located on the ground level of the Fistral Beach Hotel overlooking the water

The Dune Restaurant

Our Gatsby-esque sit down started with an epic appetizer board. Delicious. We definitely overindulged before our dinners arrived. That said, if you were after lighter fare, you could just have their sharing boards and small plates.

We were in for the long haul. So we cracked on! We even had a cleansing champagne sorbet in between courses which I’ve never had before. And I have to say, it actually worked a treat because I seamlessly moved onto the next dishes.

Feeling positively tipsy and full of good food, we floated back to our hotel room where we sat up with the balcony doors thrown open, relaxing in our newfound life of rockstar leisure. I thought of Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan and how they lived only to think, yes, I do think they’d approve after all. 

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” – The Great Gatsby 

And don’t forget to check out my guide to Cornwall’s most beautiful villages. You won’t want to miss out on any of them.

Get the Full English

Oh and while that quote did feel like a poeticly fitting place to end the blog post – I have to rave about the breakfast because it’s one of the best veggie full English breakfasts I’ve had in AGES. Order it without hesitation.

Don’t forget to walk along Fistral beach

A relaxing visit to the ocean isn’t complete without a walk along the beach. We got up early the next day before breakfast and wander down to Fistral Beach. We had to get down to the beach to dip our toes in the water. And of course, spot happy dogs frolicking in the sand.

Have you ever had a super personalized hotel experience before? What would your Rockstar Rider theme be? 

Kelly xx

PS. Our two day stay was complimentary at the Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa. As always all opinions are my own. I wasn’t obligated to write a review on my blog. Just thought you might like to know about it.