The Headland Hotel and Spa
In January, after a lovely but very busy Christmas Mr J and I decided we’d go away for a few days to relax and unwind before getting back to work. We didn’t want to travel far so decided on a short Spa break in the UK.
We love being by the sea, whatever time of year it is so we decided to try The Headland Hotel in Newquay. The Hotel is situated high up on a cliff overlooking the gorgeous Fistral Bay and has stunning views.
The hotel is rather large in comparison to the usual hotels we choose to stay in but the location and Spa were just what we were looking for.
When you drive up to the hotel it is a very imposing sight on the landscape. However, after being there for over a century it has become an integral part of the landscape.
The Headland received its first guests in June 1900. Whilst the new arrivals loved the luxury and staggering views; the first manager loved helping himself to stock and was dismissed six months later! As tourism grew, it became a busy haven for the great and the good, complete with quarters for their servants. But the owners wanted to go even further…
A stylish Ballroom was soon added to bring further glamour. The new maple dancefloor was supported by 2,500 coil springs; London orchestras were booked and the hotel hosted BBC broadcasts (a far cry from the Radio One Roadshows that would be hosted many years later).
Although The Headland has 95 bedrooms it is still a family owned hotel rather than being part of a chain which gives it more of a family feel.Â
Our Room at The Headland
Our room was one of the Ocean View rooms and had been recently updated with more of a contemporary feel and was fresh and airy, with stunning views across the Atlantic.
The large bathroom had a large walk in shower and underfloor heating so was nice and warm on the feet. But my favourite part of the bathroom was the gorgeous bath that was situated underneath the window overlooking the sea.
There was the usual selection of miniature toiletries. Although with our growing awareness of the problems that single use plastics are causing to our environment I’m happy to forgo these and use my own. Something for the hotel industry to think about.
Eating at The Headland
Breakfast at The Headland was the usual fare of hotel breakfast buffets. The food was well cooked and there was a nice selection. It was also possible to order some dishes to be cooked to order such as Eggs Benedict. Breakfast was pleasant but uninspiring.
There are two restaurants at The Headland, The Terrace which is a bistro style restaurant and the more formal Sapphire restaurant. On our first evening we booked at table in the Sapphire restaurant.
Executive Chef Christopher Archambault is in charge of the Sapphire restaurant and the menu is interesting and varied with plenty of local ingredients. Our starters of Confit stuffed squid and Seared venison were sublime. However, our main courses of Pheasant and Belly Pork in comparison was slightly too dry which was very disappointing. Dessert was lovely and the wine list was adequate.
For the remainder of our stay we ate out at local restaurants, including the wonderful Fish House which warrants a standalone review, so we didn’t get to give the Sapphire a second chance which I think it deserves.
However, we did thoroughly enjoy our Afternoon Tea in the Terrace Restaurant after returning one afternoon from a bracing walk on the beach. At £19 per person I thought it was very good value, but then I am used to paying upwards of £50 per person for Afternoon Tea in London. It was the perfect traditional Afternoon Tea with smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise and cucumber sandwiches. A lovely selection of small cakes and warm homemade scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream. All accompanied by a pot of loose leaf tea.
Our Verdict on The Headland
We had a wonderful few days at The Headland. For such a large hotel it still retains a warm and intimate family feel and there was always a quiet corner somewhere that you could find to sit. The Spa with it’s Steam Room, Sauna and Pool were the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day walking and the location itself is stunning.
Aww it looks so magical there – what a striking location! Isn’t it the hotel used in the film The Witches? 🙂
I didn’t realise The Witches was filmed at The Headland, I had to google it and you’re right. I wish I’d known that while we were there, The Witches was one of our daughters favourite films 🙂
It’s a stunning looking hotel and I love that it’s remained family-owned. Sounds like you had a lovely stay. Pity your meal in the restaurant was a bit of a let down but I’m glad it didn’t ruin your break.
Sounds like the perfect place for a break, although shame the hotel food wasn’t always impressive. Love the photos of your afternoon tea though. Yum!
What a stunning location! I bet the views were amazing and that beach looks gorgeous despite the weather. I’d be on it any season. The food looks so pretty and delicious too and I love that festive tree
What a stunning looking hotel, I would love to visit and explore *adds to list*
That is a beautiful hotel. And it’s been around since 1900? That is amazing! I just love historic places like that. Definitely my kind of hotel!
How nice to have a break before returning to work. It looks very imposing and I’m sure it’s seen some sights – oh to be a fly on the wall. I think the afternoon tea sounds like amazing value! X
What a beautiful place and that afternoon tea is really lovely. I love going to the beach for my holidays, I am drawn to them instantly
Looks like you had such a relaxing time – seems like a great place for a little break and the afternoon tea looks fab!