In 'the most idyllic location', cascading down the cliffs at St Mawes with views to St Anthony's lighthouse, Olga Polizzi's seaside hotel continues to delight readers. Once home to a yacht club, it is spread across a cluster of houses.

Hidden in a back street of Padstow's old town, these sybaritic B&B suites, created by chef Paul Ainsworth and his wife, are an ideal retreat for foodies.

A hip, youthful vibe permeates this quirky hotel and local hangout above the harbour, with beach-shack chic bedrooms, café, cocktail bar and curated art collection.

If you can't get enough of the freshest of seafood at this restaurant-with-rooms, you can learn to prepare your own lobster for grilling and the perfect hollandaise sauce at Rick Stein's cookery school across the road.

With a waterside terrace, coolly stylish interiors, well-equipped bedrooms and a chef who honed his craft in Raymond Blanc's kitchen, this Edwardian hotel in a fishing village on the Fal estuary is the place to idle away blissful days.

A landmark Victorian building above Fistral Bay, this hotel is a mix of the grand and contemporary, with pools and spa treatments, a golf course, surf school, bedrooms in coastal colours, refined and informal dining.

Chef-owner farmers Tom Adams and April Bloomfield draw inspiration from European agriturismo at their rustic-chic guest house and restaurant in an ancient farmhouse and outbuildings.

Victorian features blend with modern comforts and contemporary style at this B&B, where breakfast choices might include a Mumbai classic of eggs Kejriwal, alongside a full English or veggie.