The Scarlet

The Scarlet

, Tredragon Road, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall.

This remarkable hotel seems to combine everything that is desirable in a hotel. It's an uber-cool boutique hotel for adults only. It sits in an astonishing position overlooking a sandy beach, pounded by the Atlantic rollers and bordered by Cornish cliffs. There's a superb restaurant. All this and impeccable eco-credentials too.

Where do I begin? The Retreat Terrace is the perfect place to sunbathe and watch the surfers on the beach below. The Retreat Lounge is full of comfortable sofas and quirky art. The Reception Lounge is bright and airy with a little terrace of its own. The bar is an intimate space for coffee, a snack or some special Cornish wines and ales. The outdoor pool is natural and reed filtered instead of using chorine, so it feels like a secret wild swimming spot. The cliff-top hot tub is, well, just look at the photo! The indoor pool has full height windows connecting you to everything outside. There are many more places to sit and relax, both indoors and out: the list goes on!

The Scarlet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The award-winning chef keeps his menu ever-changing as he uses the freshest locally-source ingredients. Guest have the option of eating on the terrace overlooking Mawgan Porth, or popping inside and seeing the same view through the big windows.

Each of the exceptional bedrooms boasts its own private outside space for taking the sun or viewing the stars. The rooms range from Just Right, through Generous, Unique and Spacious to Indulgent.

And I still haven't even mentioned the spa.