Hotel Review: Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa, Cornwall

Overlooking one of the most famous surfing spots in the UK, Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa offers a prime position on the north Cornish coast. A 20-minute walk will take you into the town centre, where you will find an array of independent eateries, pubs, bars, boutiques and cafes. On the far side of the beach is a small complex of eateries, including Rick Stein Fistral, The Stable, The Fish House and Ann's Cottage.

By car: it's 5 hours from London, 3 hours from Bristol and 90 minutes from Exeter. There is paid private parking available.

By train: London Paddington to Newquay (via Par) takes around 5 hours. The station is 10 minutes from the hotel in a taxi. Book trains to Newquay.

The ideal hub if you're looking to take time out and relax to a backdrop of sea and sky; the hotel's design celebrates its spectacular location, reflecting the laidback vibe of Fistral Beach that's brought into focus through the recently transformed interiors that combine natural materials with a contemporary edge and maximise on the Cornish landscape - the outside brought in, through the floor-to-ceiling windows. A palette of soft blue, grey and white hues offer a backdrop for interiors made from locally sourced timber, emulating the Cornish coast.

The light-filled Dune restaurant, lounge and Bay bar lead to an outside decked area, offering the ideal space to relax over a sundowner whilst watching the surf. There is also a fitness suite and fitness room, hosting 20 classes a week, ranging from yoga to boxercise and beach-fit. If you fancy catching a wave, the Quiksilver Surf School is affiliated with Fistral Beach, based at a sister hotel, The Esplanade.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Swimming pool

• Spa

• Gym

• Parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The 71 cool and comfortable rooms and suites have the same coastal-inspired design - honing in on the surrounding sea vistas, with soft palettes and crisp bed linen, set against simple, understated furnishings. Bathrooms boast large rain showers, robes, slippers and GAIA toiletries.

Room types: Economy, Standard, Sea View, Sea View Balcony, Best, The Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, TV, free Wi-Fi

The ocean views at the two-AA Rosette Dune restaurant provide the ultimate backdrop to tuck into fresh Cornish seafood; carefully curated dishes reflect the ethos of the hotel with locally-sourced ingredients used to create a contemporary and flavoursome menu that evolves with the seasons.

Dune Restaurant: fine dining with ocean views, modern European cuisine. Open for breakfast and dinner.

Bay Bar: relaxed atmosphere, small plates and cocktails. Open for lunch and dinner.