Down a winding seaside road sits a ginormous white hotel that dominates the landscape and prompts you to make a beeline for it as the one to choose out of the dozens of establishments dotted around. Unassuming but large, the exterior gives little away, as inside, pure heaven awaits. Read below for our detailed review of Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa.
We arrived to be greeted with drinks at reception and even though we were hours early we were able to check in fine. A quick tour and a short journey in a lift took us to our first room (we’d requested a change the next day to the penthouse, with a hot tub), the seaside beach room with a balcony.
The Room
The room was jaw dropping with a freestanding bath that gave uninterrupted views of the sea and the beach. Stepping out onto the balcony we could watch the surfers, and take in the fresh salty air, as we relaxed with a hot coffee. The beds were Hypnos, which made them incredibly comfortable, while they were ample in size and laid with cotton sheets. The tea tray was stacked beautifully and the addition of fluffy dressing gowns, slippers and sunglasses was a lovely touch. When visiting Saunton Sands we were struck by how small the sea view rooms were but thought this was the price to pay for such a wonderful view. Fistral Beach Hotel does not compromise on space as the rooms are light, airy and large.
The Restaurant
We visited the restaurant for dinner the first night and the service couldn’t have been better. The dessert was a work of art, as I ordered Black Forest Gateaux and it came in the shape of a plump cherry while my friend’s white chocolate cheesecake resembled pebbles on a sandy beach.
The Breakfast
After a delightful night’s sleep we enjoyed a lazy morning as breakfast was served until 11. However, we did arrive a little late and were worried about making our first appointment in the salon for our nails, as we ordered the Full English and Eggs Benedict. We needn’t have worried, the restaurant staff said they would hold our order and serve us on our return. We had breakfast in the bar overlooking the beach at midday and it was delicious.
The Spa
Following brunch we entered the spa in our fluffy robes ready for our treatments. The spa smells divine and is a relaxing and tranquil haven that immediately puts a person at ease. The relaxation room is equipped with all you need from magazines to fruit infused water and tea, while the ESPA products on display allow you to buy the products used.
The Treatments
We chose the 90 minute HERO treatment that covers everything from top to toe. The therapist was lovely, very professional and friendly and I felt more relaxed than I ever have during the treatment. The therapists obviously love their jobs which makes a huge difference.
The Facilities
Following our treatment and a relax in the relaxation room we hit the pool. With a sauna, a steam room, a jacuzzi and water jets, this extended our pampering session further. The pool temperature was optimum, while the sauna and steam room were very clean. There were obviously some people who, quite rightly, take advantage of the gym and spa membership, as many in the sauna told me so. It was a lovely environment and one were no one was judged for being a little out of shape.
The Rock Star Room
During our treatments our bags were moved to the Rock Star Room. This room has a triple balcony and a hot tub inside. We immediately jumped into the hot tub to view the beach through the vast windows. It could not have been a more perfect setting as the sun set on Fistral Beach.
In summary, this is a hotel and location to put on your bucket list, throw caution to the wind and book the Rock Star room, or a sea view with a balcony for the best experience. The Rock Star room comes with its very own parking space too, just look for the star in the car park!