12 best spa breaks in Cornwall for ultimate relaxation

If you’re looking for spa breaks in Cornwall, then I know that a real treat awaits. Cornwall is one of my favourite places in the UK for a spa break.

Spas here come with sea view terraces, infinity pools and superb accommodation and dining. All while offering outstanding spa experiences.

I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve visited Cornwall, and I’ve been lucky enough to stay at a number of spa hotels in Cornwall.

So I’ve compiled my own personal experiences with recommendations from fellow travellers to bring you my top pick of spas in the Cornish county.

Whether you want to sweat it out in the steam room, take an aromatherapy shower or relax in a bubbling hot tub, these are my favourite spa breaks in England’s most south westerly county. 

1. The Scarlet, near Newquay

Address: Tredragon Road, Mawgan Porth, Newquay TR8 4DQ

Best for: Eco spa

In my opinion, The Scarlet is synonymous with spa breaks in Cornwall. This luxurious property has been making waves since it first opened in 2009, and I believe it offers one of the most singular spa experiences in the British Isles.

My favourite aspect of the seaview spa at the Scarlet is its exceptional coastal location. All guests staying at the hotel can enjoy complimentary use of the steam room, sauna and pools.

This eco spa has an indoor bromine-filtered pool and a natural outdoor reed pool. 

Treatments and rituals are delivered in restful rooms lit by lanterns. Guests can fully unwind afterwards in one of the suspended, cocoon-like pods in the relaxation zone. 

2. Headland Hotel, Newquay

Address: Fistral Beach, Headland Road, Newquay TR7 1EW

Best for: Seaview spa

If you fancy staying close to the magnificent world-class surfing beaches of Newquay, then I’d highly recommend a stay at the Headland Hotel.

Spa hotels in Cornwall don’t come with better views when you enjoy watching surfers skimming expertly over the surface of the ocean.

Just the sight and scent of the sea can be enough to help you unwind, but there’s more.

Comfortable treatments rooms with low, relaxing lighting, a lounge with stunning sea views and a series of revitalising treatments. I had the most incredible massage here.

The Headland Spa and Aqua Club also boasts a Cornish salt steam room, a hydrotherapy spa pool, a Swedish sauna, a hot tub and aromatherapy showers. 

Read my full review of the Headland Hotel.

3. The St Enodoc Hotel, Wadebridge

Address: Rock Road, Rock, Wadebridge PL27 6LA

Best for: Outdoor pool

The spa at St Enodoc Hotel in Rock is complemented between Easter and September by a beautiful outdoor pool. During the winter months, the focus shifts to the indoor treatment rooms.

I love that a wide range of beauty and wellbeing rituals are available at St Enodoc. As well as waxing, tinting, Elemis facials, manicures, pedicures and body treatments, there are a whole range of signature regimens.

These include deep tissue back or full-body massages plus the all-over, two-hour Paradise Escape that treats you from head to toe – I’d highly recommend this one!

Discover the best things to do in Wadebridge in my guide.

4. Watergate Bay Hotel, Watergate Bay

Address: Trevarrian Hill, Newquay TR8 4AA

Best for: Beach spa

The broad, golden sweep of sand at Watergate Bay has become one of Cornwall’s most iconic sights during recent times. In fact the beach stretches for two miles, and is another favourite with surfers. 

If you can tear yourself away from the hotel’s outstanding restaurants (I challenge you!), a treat awaits at the Swim Club.

This is Watergate Bay’s unique take on the spa concept, with a sauna and hot tub on the cliff top and a 25-metre seaview pool.

Face, body, hand and foot treatments can also be booked here, including reflexology, hot rocks massage, salt scrubs and more.

5. Fowey Hall, Fowey

Address: Hall Hotel, Hanson Drive, Fowey PL23 1ET

Best for: Family spa

Fowey Hall Hotel and Spa has more of a family focus than the average hotel providing Cornish spa breaks.

With a creche and play areas among the facilities, parents can fully unwind while their kids are taken good care of. So I’d definitely recommend this one for families!

The hotel has a 12-metre indoor pool and a well-equipped gym, and treatments can be delivered either at the hotel spa or within your own room, which I think is a lovely touch.

A Matilda-themed afternoon tea is also offered here, to the delight of all younger guests – as well as a few older Roald Dahl fans.

Discover the best spots for afternoon tea in Cornwall in my guide.

6. Bedruthan, Mawgan Porth

Address: Trenance, Mawgan Porth TR8 4BU

Best for: Roman-style spa

An untamed spot close to Bedruthan Steps and Mawgan Porth beach provides the setting for this sumptuous hotel and spa. It’s sister hotel to The Scarlet, so I know you can expect good things.

As compared to many, Bedruthan offers a pared-back spa, based on the sort of simple principles favoured by the Romans.

There’s a hydropool, steam room, sauna and caldarium, plus a range of Ayurvedic style treatments.

I love the delightful outdoor spa garden, which I think is the icing on the cake. While the relaxation room offers incredible views over the turquoise waters and soft white sands.

7. Fistral Beach Hotel, Newquay

Address: Esplanade Road, Newquay TR7 1PT

Best for: Surfers’ spa

As the name suggests, the Fistral Beach Hotel also overlooks one of the county’s most iconic locations.

I’d recommend this one as an ideal place for combining a seaside or surfing break with spa days in Cornwall. Few come with finer views in my opinion!

Though ultra modern, the deep blue pool at the Fistral Spa calls to mind ancient Rome or Greece, with a couple of small, elegantly curved statues overlooking the water. 

Spa days and breaks take a holistic approach, with treatments that are designed to revitalise, invigorate or rejuvenate.

Gaia products are used throughout, or you can book a ‘QuickSilver Surfer Massage’ to treat those tired muscles.

Note that this is an adults only hotel, so you can expect the utmost peace and quiet.

8. The Carlyon Bay Hotel and Spa, St Austell

Address: Sea Road, Carlyon Bay, St Austell PL25 3RD

Best for: Golfers’ spa

With excellent service, fine dining, a golf course and a stunning location, I think the Carlyon Bay Hotel makes a superb base for a luxurious Cornish break. And then there’s the spa.

A key selling point of this spa is the outdoor pool, which is heated to keep you warm all year round.

The Carlyon Bay spa also boasts an indoor pool, a spa bath, experience showers, a steam room and a sauna.

There are even poolside loungers to relax on, plus a pool bar, gym and nail studio. 

9. Hotel Meudon, Falmouth

Address: Maenporth Road, Mawnan Smith, Maenporth, Falmouth TR11 5HT

Best for: Subtropical setting

There’s no mistaking that you’re taking a spa break in Cornwall when booking into Hotel Meudon, thanks to the subtropical garden setting.

The property is nestled into a hidden valley, and lies close to one of the county’s most peaceful beaches. Meudon’s philosophy is to nourish both body and mind.

Activities like paddle boarding, yoga classes, wild swimming and personal training are offered here to complement the list of spa treatments, which I think is wonderful for getting back to nature. 

Read about the best places to go paddleboarding in Cornwall in my guide.

10. The Cornwall Hotel & Spa, St Austell

Address: Pentewan Road, Tregorrick, Saint Austell PL26 7AB

Best for: Parkland setting

The Cornwall Hotel Spa and Lodges offers a range of deluxe rooms, apartments and lodges. Plus, of course, a glorious spa.

The 43-acre site is also home to an infinity pool and a manor house dating from the 1800s. Caudalie products are used for the face and body treatments here.

Guests can also chill out in the walled garden and I’d definitely recommend swimming a few laps in the indoor infinity pool. The soothing green parkland setting alone is surely enough to calm anyone.

11. St Michaels Resort, Falmouth

Address: Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth TR11 4NB

Best for: Hydrothermal pool

A stunning, blue mosaic tiled pool with a bubbling tub at the centre is the showpiece at St Michael’s Resort in Falmouth.

In fact the spa is home to the south west’s biggest hydrothermal pool, which I think is reason enough to visit!

Blissful, bespoke treatments are delivered by expert therapists here. Plus, there are rituals designed for men, women and overall wellbeing.  

As Cornwall’s largest spa, St Michael’s Resort offers something for everyone. In addition to a full service health club, a range of restaurants and beautiful bedrooms.

12. St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa, St Ives

Address: The Terrace, St Ives TR26 2BN 

Best for: Town centre spa

The St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa is another jewel in the crown of the Harbour Hotels group.

The boutique hotel is set right by Porthminster Beach in one of Cornwall’s most interesting and scenic towns.

The HARSpa here features a sunny terrace furnished with loungers and offering spectacular coastal views. I think it’s just perfect in the summer months.

There’s also a steam room, an indoor heated pool and a range of holistic therapies designed to balance your mind, body and soul. 

With its dreamy coastal views and calming countryside, I think Cornwall is the perfect place for a spa break.

Looking for more Cornwall inspiration? Discover more of my Cornwall guides:

• 10 best luxury hotels in Cornwall
• 9 beautiful waterfalls in Cornwall
• 15 amazing seafood restaurants in Cornwall