Scarlet Hotel Cornwall Muddy Stilettos Cornwall June 2024 Day 2 076

WHAT? WHERE?

Muddy Awards finalist for best hotel in the 2025 awards, Scarlet is a gorgeous coastal retreat on Cornwall’s north coast at Mawgan Porth, between Padstow and Newquay. Adults only, this is a super-luxe treat of a place to take a break – be it for a spa afternoon, a cheeky overnighter or weekend sans kids, or a full proper week’s Cornish holiday.

All 37 rooms at the Scarlet hotel have sea views of the wild Atlantic and unspoilt beach, carefully designed to make you feel closely connected to the natural coastal environment. Spaces are designed to maximise the view, including from the bathrooms.

THE VIBE?

cliff top hot tub Scarlet Hotel Cornwall

Very much laid-back eco-luxury and a retreat from the business of everyday life. 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.

If you’re not a fan of spas (why not? but apparently not everyone is) there’s plenty of space to relax and not get wet, which makes it a great place to visit for a couple where only one of you likes that sort of thing. There are several beautiful light filled rooms to relax in, plus garden and a bar, plus outdoor terraces.

SCOFF & QUAFF

scallop on a shell on a plate at Scarlet Hotel Cornwall

Non-residents as well as guests are welcome in the on-site restaurant, which follows a low waste, local produce approach. Breakfast is now also available to non residents Monday-Friday (book online). The daily wine tasting (£30pp) is a real hit and guests love the Taster Menu.

restaurant plate from above Scarlet Cornwall

We headed first to the top floor bar for a seasonal cocktail (I had a fig-roni) and then down to the sea-view restaurant for dinner. Again following a super-seasonal approach, there were just four choices of starters and mains (and two on the separate plant-based menu) which arrived beautifully presented. Not quite true fine dining – mostly because the portions were decent – but very elevated. We tried the beetroot tartlet, cured gurnard, brill and venison, with a pistachio and white chocolate cake to follow. All delicious.

sea view terrace restaurant Scarlet Cornwall

Breakfast was also pretty epic and served in multiple courses; not one to rush! I particularly enjoyed my caramelised pink grapefruit and there was an impressive choice of cooked options, from pancakes to a full Cornish.

PILLOW TALK

We were booked into a Just Right Double room for a dinner, bed and breakfast package, so we rolled up mid-afternoon and were able to check in right away to our room.

room with sea view Scarlet Hotel Cornwall

With doors opening straight out onto the Cornish cliff top, and no old-fashioned carpets or traditional hotel rooms – in this part of the hotel at least – the blonde wood and light bright decor meant the room was full of fresh air. No tea or coffee making facilities in the room – they bring them to you, which in theory is good but means you do have to think ahead a little for the morning. Their own-brand Oula toiletries smell amazing. The Just Right doubles are the smallest rooms and still feel generous and spacious, and some have baths rather than the walk in shower that ours had.

It did occur to me that this is the kind of room you should share with someone you know well – with the bathroom literally part of the bedroom and just a little glass door on the shower / toilet area – it might be a bit awks with someone you didn’t know well.

SPA

The main draw here is the spa, which really is very special and all guests have access to on both arrival and departure day – which with hindsight I should have really factored into my plans as I definitely didn’t want to leave.

Outside, there’s a spa garden with the aforementioned cliff top hot tubs (book a time slot in advance), the gorgeous – cold – natural reed pool, which I think may be my favourite ever place to swim. Sunshine on my back, cold clear water soothing all my limbs, and the wild Atlantic view beyond. Dreamy. There is also a sea view barrel sauna with ice-bucket challenge style cold water to balance, plus plenty of places to stop and rest.

Inside, there’s another beautiful pool, plus steam room and huge lounger from where you can watch the sunsets, plus Ayurvedic-inspired treatments on offer. We were booked in for a couple’s journey, which was a very nice way to reconnect after busy working and family lives.

indoor pool with outdoor pool beyond Scarlet Hotel Cornwall

We had a rhassoul, a massage each and ended up with a ritual bath (before I jumped again into the outdoor pool). A daily complimentary wellbeing class is included for all guests but sadly didn’t manage to co-ordinate my timings and I was already in relaxation mode.

You don’t need to be a resident to enjoy the spa, there are plenty of day spa options, which are really popular with locals.

cliff top spa garden at twilight Scarlet Hotel Cornwall

KID-FRIENDLY?

No. Definitely not. BUT! Handily sister hotel Bedruthan just up the hillside is not only child-friendly but one of the best in Cornwall, so if you’re a day spa visitor you can park your kids with your other half and send them up there, or down to the beach. Or, it is a good excuse for a little night off for some me / us time.

OUT & ABOUT

outside relaxation at Scarlet Hotel Cornwall

There’s a lovely garden to sit in and explore, and then the sandy beach is just below the hotel. This is somewhat of a celeb hotspot so pay attention as you walk down to the beach, as Cate Blanchett, Stanley Tucci, Chris Martin, Jason Statham are among those spotted in the village, or who have houses here. Learn to surf with Kings Surf, potter in the little shops, get yourself a takeaway from Catch or just walk the coast path.

Mawgan Porth is also handily placed for Newquay and Watergate Bay where you’ve more sandy surfing beaches. The towns of Newquay, Padstow and Wadebridge are all within easy reach, where there are many places to eat plus galleries and things to do – check out my guide to Newquay here.

The nearest airport and railway station are at Newquay, and an easy taxi ride away (it’s Cornwall though, so pre-book). If you are driving, Mawgan Porth is not far off the A39 and there is plenty of parking with even valet (ish) service at the hotel.

DOG-FRIENDLY?

Yes! Dogs very welcome. £20 per night will get you a dog-friendly room, with dog bed, towel and food bowls ready. Breakfast can be served at a booth in Scarlet’s bar, while lunch and dinner can be taken in the dog-friendly Retreat Lounge or Scarlet bar. Scarlet restaurant’s outdoor terrace is open to dogs.

ACCESSIBILITY

There are two accessible bedrooms and most of the hotel can be accessed by lift (aside from the bar). Full accessibility statement is here.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

mawgan porth beach from Scarlet Hotel Cornwall

Every beach view in Cornwall is lovely but there really is something about Mawgan Porth that is super special. The sunsets are epic, the headland opposite is distinctive and brings beautiful colour to the vista – and practically every room at the Scarlet looks out over it. It is grown up, peaceful; luxe without being overdone. I’ve been many times and each time feels just as lovely as the first time I set foot there.

Good for: If you’re a spa or eco-luxe hotel fan this is a must-visit on your Cornish itinerary. An excellent choice for couples wanting a break from the everyday.

Not for: Being adults-only you can’t bring your young family! Head to Bedruthan instead – and then come solo as a day spa visitor.

The damage: From rate £265 B&B in a Just Right Room, private dining and weddings are available.

Scarlet, Tredragon Road, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, TR8 4DQ

Review: The Scarlet, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall

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