This UK hotel beats the world's best and rooms are £125 a night (until April)

At 7 o'clock, I make my way down the grand, deep-red staircase into a scene reminiscent of a scene from a classic 1920s dramatic film.

On a hillside, the Victorian hotel stands firmly against strong Atlantic gusts as a burnt orange sunset shines through its large bay windows.

I rub shoulders with flappers in elaborate gowns and exotic headpieces, as men in sleek, contemporary suits hastily enter the dining room.

exquisite culinary offerings.

It has been in operation since 1900, and has been in use since it first opened to visitors two years previously.

.

to have stayed numerous times in the 91-bedroom hotel

I had anticipated that I would be put off by the four million plus visitors that flock to the southern region annually.

But my experience at The Headland was over two nights. However, it's had a lasting impact, and I'm even counting down the days until I can return.

Although I was a first-time visitor, the staff gave me a warm welcome, making every pound of the £760 room fee for our two-night stay thoroughly justified.

When it comes to service and guest satisfaction

Dining in The Renmor

My evening at The Renmor is another reason I'll be in a hurry to get back to The Headland - the meal I was served there was perhaps the best I've ever had.

After a classic margarita at the bar, I treated myself to a posh fried chicken appetiser for £7, which was a sight to behold, followed by a starter of Galician octopus with romesco and gooseberry sauce, priced at £13.

Portion size, I'll freely admit, is something I struggle with as I have a tendency to overeat. The standout feature of the meal was the surf'n'turf main course, featuring lobster fresh from the day's catch (price on application), and a portion of delicious 10 oz medium-rare sirloin steak (£40).

As I often find the process of extracting lobster meat from its shell to be more tiresome than rewarding, the chefs had cleverly taken this into consideration, having carefully prepared the meat in advance and then filled it with a delicious mixture of mushroom and spinach.

Alongside this dish came a bowl of fries with a thousand layers, priced at eight pounds. They dissipated in a delightful dance on my palate, blending harmoniously with the dish's masterful fusion of coastal flavours.

But it's not just the cuisine that makes The Headland stand out, it impresses in almost every way, its luxurious rooms being a major draw.

Warm and inviting sage green walls surround a room that is both comfortable and plush, with elegant four-poster beds and spacious balconies that take in stunning views of the sea.

The loud call of seagulls can be heard from the marble bathroom, which features a freestanding bath, a walk-in shower and warmed flooring.

.

There's so much to do in Cornwall, and depending on your interests, here are some ideas to get you started:
1. "Exploring the coastline: From secluded coves to dramatic cliffs, Cornwall's coastline offers endless pleasures for those who love to walk, swim, surf or simply enjoy the fresh sea air."
2. Visit some of the many excellent beaches: Cornwall is famous for its beautiful beaches, each one more stunning than the last, including:
* 'Mousehole': A tiny fishing village with a stunning harbour and picturesque harbour wall
* 'St. Ives Harbour': A bustling seaside town with beautiful beaches and a harbour filled with boats
* 'Porthstocka Beach': A popular spot for families, with blue flag award-winning facilities
3. Discover some of Cornwall's many history and culture:
* "The Eden Project: Explore the world-famous biomes and discover the secrets of global ecosystems"
* "King Arthur's Great Henge: A mysterious ritual circle thought to be over 4,000 years old"
* "Tintagel Castle: Explore the legendary birthplace of King Arthur and witness breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean"
4. Try some local cuisine: Sample some of Cornwall's freshest seafood and local specialities, including pasties, cream teas and the famous Cornish Yarg cheese.
Enjoy your time in Cornwall!

?)

I was a bit sceptical about trying Picpoul de Pinet beforehand, being someone who generally favours it above all else, but I was pleasantly surprised.

On a guided tour (£50 per person) led by Healey's knowledgeable guide, Steve, I visited the origins of the brand, 150 years after its very first bottle was produced.

‘In those days, a typical labourer would drink four to five pints a day, doubling that in the summer,’ Steve notes as he shows us around the production facility. The Healey plant produces 52 million bottles annually – a staggering 6,500 an hour – enough to leave even the largest of farmers reeling.

Following the history lesson, it was time to take a seat and enjoy a drink. We sampled Rattler Original, Cornish Gold, Scrumpy, Cornish Whiskey Reserve, Rattler Dry Gin, Cornish Rum, Healey's whisky, brandy and sparkling wine. By some miracle, I was able to leave on two feet.

Did it all go straight to my head? Absolutely. But Steve had the perfect treatment for that - a cream tea, complete with the rich clotted cream and sweet strawberry preserve, which were absolutely exquisite.

After a tiring day of socialising, a visit to the spa is the perfect way to unwind. The Headland’s new spa is available for guests to make use of complimentary, with a range of facilities to enjoy, including a steam room, sauna and several warm pools.

I've never slept as well as I did and, following a wonderful breakfast of avocado on toast the following morning, I felt thoroughly pleased with my off-season holiday.

The only draw back to staying in this hotel is that, at some point, you will need to leave.

Would you like to hear a tale from me?

.

To never miss your weekly dose of must-see travel news, features, and ideas, subscribe to The Getaway newsletter from global world news.

Share :