Cornwall


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/Gylly-beach-St-Michaels-Resort.jpg" alt="birds eye view of the Spa Garden St Michaels Resort Falmouth" class="wp-image-26709" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/Gylly-beach-St-Michaels-Resort.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/Gylly-beach-St-Michaels-Resort-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/Gylly-beach-St-Michaels-Resort-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/Gylly-beach-St-Michaels-Resort-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<p>Cornwall&#8217;s south coastal town of Falmouth has four main beaches: Castle Beach, Gyllyngvase, Swanpool and Maenporth. Sitting just above the sandy Blue Flag Gylly beach, above, you&#8217;ll find <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.stmichaelsresort.com" target="_blank">St Michaels Resort</a> &#8211; and yet, just the other way, a mere moments walk from the bustling and thriving town centre full of indie shops and cafes. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-EW20230809_StMicheals-v1-2625-1000x667.jpg" alt="The Spa Garden St Michaels Resort Falmouth" class="wp-image-33371" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-EW20230809_StMicheals-v1-2625-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-EW20230809_StMicheals-v1-2625-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-EW20230809_StMicheals-v1-2625-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-EW20230809_StMicheals-v1-2625.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This award winning resort complex, which also has both hotel style rooms and self-catering suites should you wish to make a night of it, plus sea view dining, has an award-winning spa, gorgeous spa garden and state of the art health club. I checked in to do the hard work finding out whether the <a href="https://cornwall.muddystilettos.co.uk/muddy-cornwall-awards/meet-your-muddy-awards-2023-winners/">Muddy Award winning spa</a> and <a href="https://www.stmichaelsresort.com/spa/hydrothermal-experience">The Hydrothermal Experience</a> really does relax and unwind as much as promised. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<p>The original building dates from the 1920s, with current owner Nigel Carpenter picking up the reins in 2001, when it was significantly run-down. Investment from the BH Group in 2017 meant that St Michaels Resort was relaunched in 2018 with 92 bedrooms and an <a href="https://www.stmichaelsresort.com/spa/">award winning spa</a> and health club, alongside the St Michaels Resort Liner Beach Residences &#8211; a seafront development of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments overlooking Gylly Beach, independently owned but managed by St Michaels. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Edited-Spa-Gardens-Drone-Shot-1000x563.jpg" alt="birds eye view of the Spa Garden St Michaels Resort Falmouth" class="wp-image-33370" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Edited-Spa-Gardens-Drone-Shot-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Edited-Spa-Gardens-Drone-Shot-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Edited-Spa-Gardens-Drone-Shot-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Edited-Spa-Gardens-Drone-Shot.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<p>As with many of Cornwall&#8217;s hotels, St Michaels Resort has successfully reinvented itself from a more old-fashioned hotel into a stylish, relaxed, deluxe resort with an emphasis on beach-side living, fusing outdoor activities with state-of-the-art spa and gym facilities open to both local residents as well as hotel guests.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/Brasserie-on-the-Bay-St-Michaels-Resort.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26716" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/Brasserie-on-the-Bay-St-Michaels-Resort.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/Brasserie-on-the-Bay-St-Michaels-Resort-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/Brasserie-on-the-Bay-St-Michaels-Resort-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/Brasserie-on-the-Bay-St-Michaels-Resort-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Laid back and welcoming, St Michaels Resort has a New England coastal vibe, with lots of moody blues and greys, panelling and calming interior schemes. The beach-chic styling is firmly rooted in the Cornish landscape &#8211; these are not the north-coast cliff top views, but instead more gentle south coast sub-tropical gardens, with palm trees and beautiful plantings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-spa">THE SPA</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Amber-High-Res-15-1000x668.jpg" alt="cold plunge pool and barrel sauna at the Spa Garden St Michaels Resort Falmouth" class="wp-image-33375" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Amber-High-Res-15-1000x668.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Amber-High-Res-15-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Amber-High-Res-15-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Amber-High-Res-15.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>St Michaels Spa [entirely separate from the health club] is an award winning Elemis Spa, and is open to non-residents too for treatments, experiences and spa days (but book ahead as they were so popular we couldn&#8217;t get any last min treatments at all). </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/St-Michaels-Resport-Spa-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26715" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/St-Michaels-Resport-Spa-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/St-Michaels-Resport-Spa-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/St-Michaels-Resport-Spa-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/St-Michaels-Resport-Spa-1-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Super peaceful, it includes the largest hydrotherapy pool in the south-west (above) as well as the world’s first Cornish Sea Salt steam room. As if that wasn&#8217;t enough, there was also a tropical rainforest steam room, herbal Finnish sauna, heated poolside loungers, three experience showers including a cold bucket, which yes I did try, and a deep relaxation room to keep you occupied and out of trouble. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-EW20230809_StMicheals-v1-2644-1000x667.jpg" alt="barrel sauna at the Spa Garden St Michaels Resort Falmouth" class="wp-image-33372" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-EW20230809_StMicheals-v1-2644-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-EW20230809_StMicheals-v1-2644-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-EW20230809_StMicheals-v1-2644-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-EW20230809_StMicheals-v1-2644.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Making the most of the Cornish air, outside on the deck is the re-vamped Spa Garden that includes a 12-seater hot tub, cold plunge pool, comfortable seating areas and of course, its famous outdoor barrel sauna from which you can enjoy sea views across the sub-tropical gardens and down to the beach. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Amber-High-Res-20-1000x668.jpg" alt="sea view hot tub at the Spa Garden St Michaels Resort Falmouth" class="wp-image-33376" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Amber-High-Res-20-1000x668.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Amber-High-Res-20-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Amber-High-Res-20-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Amber-High-Res-20.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The barrel sauna has a glass front to enjoy not just the sea and garden view but you can also watch your guests expression as they enjoy the depths of the cold plunge pool before returning to the warmth of the sauna.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="645" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Elliott-White-High-Res-26-645x1000.jpg" alt="Man in the cold water plunge pool at the Spa Garden St Michaels Resort Falmouth" class="wp-image-33377" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Elliott-White-High-Res-26-645x1000.jpg 645w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Elliott-White-High-Res-26-516x800.jpg 516w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Elliott-White-High-Res-26-768x1191.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Elliott-White-High-Res-26-991x1536.jpg 991w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Elliott-White-High-Res-26-1321x2048.jpg 1321w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/03/Spa-St-Michaels-Resort-Falmouth-March-2024-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-Spa-Gardens-Hydrothermal-Experience-Elliott-White-High-Res-26.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 645px) 100vw, 645px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-and-quaff">SCOFF AND QUAFF</h2>



<p>There are two restaurants, the Garden Kitchen and Brasserie on the Bay both serve seasonal and locally focused food. Spa guests eat at the Garden Kitchen, which is a more informal relaxed plant filled space. Add lunch to <a href="https://www.stmichaelsresort.com/spa/hydrothermal-experience">The Hydrothermal Experience</a> and as you would expect from a resort offering health and wellbeing retreats, there were vegetarian, vegan and plant-based options aplenty on the menu.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/st-michaels-resort-food.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26714" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/st-michaels-resort-food.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/st-michaels-resort-food-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/st-michaels-resort-food-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/05/st-michaels-resort-food-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I enjoyed their take on a Buddha Bowl, with plenty of salads and roasted aubergine, and my friend ate an open sandwich. Pudding is also on offer, although not quiet as healthy (we shared a brownie!) as well as drinks, juices and plenty of options for non-drinkers and drinkers alike.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Yes, it unwound beautifully, so anyone seeking some peace and quiet and restorative spa action will be in heaven. The pool has different areas to target different muscles, and the cold plunge pool and sauna feels very virtuous. A fun day out with a friend or partner.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> The hydrotherapy pool is not suitable for those who are pregnant.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong>  Not bad at all, considering what is included. The 2-hour Hydrothermal Experiences start from £50 per person. Hotel guests can access a discounted £40 Hydro Experience and Health Club members can enjoy the experience from £30. Treatments are extra.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.stmichaelsresort.com/"><em>stmichaelsresort.com</em></a>, the spa is bookable daily from 9am &#8211; 9pm</p>


Review: St Michaels Resort Spa, Falmouth

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