Bedruthan Hotel and Spa

Seen through walls of windows, the sea is a huge presence at this family-run hotel ‘in a fabulous location’ on the cliffs above a surfers’ beach. Built in 1959 in the California Modern style, it has breezy, Scandi-inspired decor. The bedrooms have been recently refurbished. Some overlook countryside, but most have Atlantic views. Doubles have a bath and walk-in shower or double monsoon shower, an Italian espresso machine. ‘Apartments’ have a king-size bed, a separate bunk room, living area and patio or Juliet balcony. Activities include everything from painting classes to open-air theatre. The spa, bar, lounge, shop, art gallery and two restaurants are at your disposal. Outside, there is a sun terrace, play area, pods, hammocks, a hot tub. You can eat in the Wild Café, a bakery breakfast (cooked items extra), salads and sandwiches (roasts on Sunday); dinner à la carte – maybe smoked haddock and mussel chowder, coconut cauliflower curry, rack of lamb. In The Herring, short carnivore and vegan menus start with small plates for sharing – because it’s a sharing sort of place. (See also sister hotel The Scarlet, next entry.)