Cornwall may be surrounded by water, but for a holiday, or to get away for a night or two, sometimes what you are looking for is a chic pool. We’ve delved into our extensive Little Black Book – and beyond – to round-up the best hotel stays Cornwall has to offer which also feature an indoor or outdoor swimming pool.

Carbis Bay Estate, Carbis Bay

spa view pool Carbis Bay Hotel St Ives Cornwall — Outdoor pool at Carbis Bay

Carbis Bay is a sweep of blue sea with golden sand almost a mile wide, flanked by St Ives harbour and Godrevy lighthouse in the distance. The art-deco style white walled Main House at Carbis Bay Hotel was built in 1894 by Cornish architect Silvanus Trevail. The family-owned estate quickly gained popularity among Victorian travellers, who arrived by rail, and it has attracted the well-heeled ever since, hosting the G7 in 2021 and won Best Hotel in the Muddy Awards 2024. The multi-award-winning C Bay Spa, with year-round heated pools and peaceful treatment rooms, offers Bamford Spa Treatments – so exclusive, it is the only spa in Cornwall which does. Not technically adults only, but children are restricted to morning and afternoon swim slots. Read the full listing here.

Best adults-only hotels with pools in Cornwall

The Scarlet, Mawgan Porth

All 37 rooms at the Scarlet hotel have sea views of the wild Atlantic and unspoilt beach at Mawgan Porth on Cornwall’s north coast, carefully designed to make you feel closely connected to the natural coastal environment. Watch the surfers and the sunset from the cliff top hot tubs, and unwind in the Ayurvedic-inspired eco spa. Take a swim in the scenic indoor pool, or beautifully fresh outdoor natural reed pool then sit back in the clifftop cedar wood sauna and restorative steam room, all with wide views of the blue horizon. Read the full listing here.

Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa, Newquay

Fistral Beach Hotel pool — Indoor pool at Fistral Beach

Exclusively for adults, Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa is a contemporary hotel overlooking the UK’s best surfing beach with 71 cool comfortable rooms and suites, a stylish spa, laidback lounge bar and buzzy beachside restaurant. Find the pool and spa in the basement. Read the full listing here.

Merchants Manor, Falmouth

This is not your standard hotel stay. Merchants Manor is a boutique retreat for grown ups* and their four legged friends, shaped by the belief that the good life is all in the details. Inside, expect spa serenity, garden hot tubs and genuinely personal service, plus breakfast, all day grazing plates and afternoon tea. 39 rooms and two luxury self-catering suites combine the elegance of the country house with the luxuries of a modern hotel, some with balconies and sea views. *over 12s. Read the full listing here.

Best family hotels with pools in Cornwall

Watergate Bay Hotel, Newquay

the swimming pool at watergate bay hotel — Indoor pool at Watergate Bay

With 80 bedrooms, including 20 family suites and 7 epic beach lofts, two Village family apartments and a selection of dog-friendly rooms, the Watergate Bay Hotel is all about the balance of life: getting active & having a good time.

The Swim Club, Watergate Bay Hotel’s take on a spa, blurs the boundary between beach and hotel, bringing the outside, inside. Swim in the infinity pool or have a treatment and watch the surfers in the water, relax in the Ocean Room lounge by the roaring fire or in the hot tub and sauna on the deck looking over the Atlantic. With beachside changing areas and hot showers, there is no excuse not to get out and join the surfers – or even kite surfers – with a lesson from Wavehunters surf school. Also on the beach is a wood-fired sea view sauna, and sand-based fitness and yoga classes. Read the full listing here.

Bedruthan Hotel & Spa, Mawgan Porth

Bedruthan Hotel Cornwall Muddy Stilettos Cornwall June 2024 Three Pools — Outdoor pool at Bedruthan

Bedruthan in Mawgan Porth is a beautiful hotel that plays homage to California’s modern desert houses, perched on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic in a small Cornish beachside village between Newquay and Padstow. Bedruthan was first built in 1959, designed by Richard Neutra. Mid-century architecture and 50s Danish interiors, outdoor shaded terraces and a refreshing sea views means calm and airy family-friendly coastal stays. Guests have access to the onsite spa facilities which includes both indoor and outdoor pool as well as the hydropool, steam room and sauna as well as sports facilities, and a daily complimentary wellbeing class. Read the full listing here.

Fowey Hall Hotel, Fowey

Outside pool Fowey Hall Hotel Cornwall — Outdoor pool at Fowey Hall

If you’re after a stylish family escape in Cornwall that won’t make you sacrifice your sanity or your interiors taste, Fowey Hall Hotel delivers in spades (and buckets). Heated indoor and outdoor pools have family swim and adult-only swim time, plus there is a spa. Read the full listing here.

The Esplanade Hotel, Newquay

Esplanade Newquay — Indoor pool at The Esplanade

Overlooking the famous surf beach, Fistral, Newquay, The Esplanade Hotel, is famed for its laid back beach vibe, free family activities during the school holidays and on-site surf school. Find the very family-friendly indoor pool in the basement. For adults-only swim and spa, head next door to Fistral Beach Hotel. Read the full listing here.

SeaSpace, Porth

SeaSpace is a coastal stay with a difference – everyone is invited whether that it is to stay, gather, work or play; design-led studios and two- and three-bed apartments are on offer. Vibrant shared spaces indoors and out bring a lift to remote working or informal catch-ups, while free-range roaming in the grounds, a maze and indoor and outdoor play areas for the kids ensure everyone’s happy, however they’re spending their time. Read the full listing here.

Tregenna Castle Resort, St Ives

Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a fun-filled family holiday, or a large group getaway, Tregenna Castle Resort offers a wide range of options – and was voted Best Large Hotel in Cornwall in the 2023 Muddy Awards.

Choose from over 90 hotel rooms and apartments or 50 self-catering properties across the estate – with flexible stays and all the benefits of an on-site resort. Guests can enjoy the heated indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, studio gym, and a 9-hole golf course. Read the full listing here.

Polurrian on the Lizard, Mullion

outdoor pool Polurrian on the Lizard Cornwall — Outdoor pool at Polurrian

Polurrian on the Lizard sits in a glorious position on the Lizard peninsula, in the south west of Cornwall, with 40 bedrooms, ocean views and its own lovely beach accessed by a stairway directly from the hotel. Choose between indoor and outdoor pools, and some rooms have private hot tubs. Read the full listing here.

St. Moritz Hotel, Polzeath

Just across the estuary from Padstow, St Moritz Hotel brings a touch of Mediterranean style to the North Cornwall coast. The standout attraction is its heated outdoor pool, complete with sun terrace and sea views, while there’s also an indoor pool, spa and health club for cooler days. Add stylish rooms, apartments and villas, plus easy access to Daymer Bay and Rock, and it’s a brilliant choice for families, couples and anyone looking to mix coastal adventures with a little poolside relaxation.

Best spa hotels with pools in Cornwall

Budock Vean Hotel & Spa, Helford

Budock Vean swimming pool — Indoor pool at Budock Vean

Budock Vean Hotel & Spa is a gorgeous historic riverside Cornish manor hotel set in 65 acres of gorgeous Cornish gardens and countryside on the banks of the River Helford near Falmouth. Pool and spa is open to guests and local residents. Read the full listing here.

St Michaels Resort, Falmouth

Sitting just above Falmouth’s sandy Blue Flag Gylly beach, you’ll find St Michaels Resort, an award winning family-friendly resort complex, with 92 hotel style bedrooms, four spa lodges, self-catering beach apartments, sea view dining, award-winning spa and state of the art health club.

The Headland Hotel & Spa, Newquay

Perched above Fistral Beach, The Headland Hotel is an iconic five-star hotel, home to the impressive AquaClub, where six indoor and outdoor pools, a hydrotherapy pool, vitality pool and adults-only spa facilities make it as much about wellness as swimming. Families are brilliantly catered for too, with dedicated splash zones and plenty of space to unwind after a day on the beach.

More hotels with pools in Cornwall

The Falmouth Hotel, Falmouth

indoor pool at The Falmouth Hotel Cornwall — Indoor pool at The Falmouth

Standing grandly on the picturesque seafront overlooking Castle Beach, The Falmouth Hotel is a timeless testament to Cornwall’s rich history and seaside allure. Currently the hotel has 71 rooms plus restaurant, pool, gym and spa, with the experienced team now having completed a number of renovation projects. This ‘sleeping giant’ has been firmly reawakened. Read the full listing here.

The newest member of The Cornwall Hotel Collection, The Atlantic is perched above Newquay, offering guests a stunning new way to experience Cornwall’s north coast, just moments from the town’s beaches and vibrant centre. Established in 1892 at the heart of Newquay, The Atlantic stands as an historic local icon with marbled entrance that was once graced by the The Beatles!

From great-value classics to luxury suites and cliffside stays, The Atlantic offers inspiring views across the coast, harbour and surrounding beaches. Each of the 57 rooms and suites feature elegant Art Deco touches, high-speed Wi-Fi, and luxury bathroom amenities, with complimentary use of the spa facilities and pool included. Read the full listing here.

THE NICI Newquay

Newquay’s newest luxury coastal resort brings a slice of Mediterranean glamour to the Cornish coast. Perched above the town’s famous beaches, THE NICI is all about relaxed seaside style, with 82 rooms and suites, sea views, family-friendly facilities and a standout spa. With indoor heated pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room, THE NICI is set to become one of Cornwall’s go-to pool hotels.

Carlyon Bay Hotel, St Austell

Set on a clifftop overlooking St Austell Bay, The Carlyon Bay Hotel has a pool scene that’s just as appealing as the sea views. Guests have access to both a heated indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool, alongside a spa complete with sauna, steam room, spa bath and treatment rooms, making it an excellent choice whatever the weather. Beyond the water, there’s an award-winning golf course, elegant dining and direct access to a private beach.

The Nare Hotel, Roseland Peninsula

The Nare is a grand five-star country house hotel overlooking Carne Beach, guests can choose between a heated outdoor pool with sweeping sea views across Gerrans Bay or a warm indoor pool complete with a jet stream and hydrotherapy spa pool, while the sea-view hot tub, sauna and steam room make it a brilliant choice for a restorative coastal escape.

Harbour Hotel St Ives, St Ives

Overlooking Porthminster Beach with sweeping views across St Ives Bay, Harbour Hotel St Ives is a stylish seaside retreat. The hotel’s HarSPA is the place to unwind after a day exploring St Ives, with an indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms, plus a sun terrace.

Boscundle Manor, St Austell

A hidden gem near the Eden Project, Boscundle Manor is a boutique Cornish escape with a tranquil spa feel. Guests can enjoy the indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and treatment rooms, all set within the peaceful grounds of this elegant country house hotel. Best for couples looking for a relaxing break away from the crowds.

The Cornwall Hotel & Spa, St Austell

Set in 43 acres of woodland near the historic port of Charlestown, The Cornwall Hotel & Spa combines country estate charm with modern spa facilities. Guests can enjoy the indoor pool, sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool and treatment rooms, making it a great year-round escape for spa breaks, couples and families.

Mullion Cove Hotel, Mullion

Perched dramatically above the sea on the Lizard Peninsula, Mullion Cove Hotel is all about wild coastal views and old-school Cornish charm. The hotel has an indoor pool and leisure facilities, making it a lovely choice for storm-watching weekends, coastal walks and relaxing stays by the sea.

outdoor pool at Mullion Cove Hotel — Mullion Cove Hotel outdoor pool

Best hotels with swimming pools in Cornwall: 20 gorgeous spa, family & luxury stays

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