TAKE ME WITH YOU…
Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa is set just above the sandy shore of the beach of the same name in Newquay, Cornwall. Home to generations of surfers, this stylish, contemporary four-star hotel has 71 rooms and suites, a laid-back lounge bar, and a vibrant 2 AA Rosette beachside restaurant.
If you are staying overnight, you can park right in front of the hotel; day spa guests will need to leave their car on the road or in one of the nearby car parks. If you can stay, make sure you book a sea view room; the beach views are stunning and there’s always seems to be something interesting to watch. The lounge bar is a buzzy spot come evening, too.
SHALL WE SPA?
Take the lift from reception to the second floor for the spa; you’ll collect your robe, flip flops and towel from the spa reception. If you are staying overnight, you can get ready in your room and saunter up to the spa en-robe.
The changing rooms and the 11-metre indoor pool - plus steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi - are all on the second floor. The whole areas is peaceful, with subdued lighting, cream and beige tiles and very blue water. Come down the curved steps into the pool for a refreshing swim; the two large metal swan necks will facilitate satisfying post-lap neck and shoulder pummelling. The circular hot tub
at one end of the room seats four to five people; lovers of dry heat can pop into the steam room at the other end. Cool off under huge circular showers afterwards.
There’s not much space around the pool for loungers, so leave time for a session in the restful relaxation room where recliners with cushions and blankets line one wall; armchairs and foot stools the other. Gentle lighting and gauze curtains creating privacy make it the ideal place for a post-treatment snooze.
TREATMENT TALK
We tried the Gaia Calming Journey (60 minutes, from £90).
Rachel, my therapist, collected me from the relaxation room and led me to a treatment room where she invited me to sit on a chair so that she could wash my feet and explain the various steps. She then asked me to smell three different Gaia oils so that I could select my favourite – I chose the second one - Calming - containing chamomile, clary sage and orange blossom.
Rachel then left the room so that I could disrobe and get comfortable on the treatment bed, lying face down. Applying a Gaia Awakening Body Scrub containing clay and sea salt to my back, arms and the backs of my legs, Rachel explained that this would exfoliate, cleanse and moisturise in one.
Scrub removed (with warm cloths), Rachel used my chosen oil to massage my back, using her body weight to lean on her forearms and create deep, soothing strokes. She then paid attention to my knotty shoulders, working hard to release tension.
Turning over, Rachel massaged my decolletage and arms before moving onto my upper shoulders and neck - this is where most of my tension is held, creating quite the challenge for my therapist.
In the relaxation room afterwards, I learned that my spa partner loved his Quicksilver Surfer Massage (60 minutes, from £90), designed for surfers regularly carrying boards out to sea. While he isn’t a surfer, regular log chopping for our fire does play havoc; he found the back massage particularly soothing.
HOW DID IT MEASURE UP?
My back and shoulders felt much looser, while my neck - thanks to the stretching – felt longer.
SPOT OF LUNCH?
We enjoyed afternoon tea in the Bay Bar while watching the waves roll in – as if the views weren’t spectacular enough, a rainbow appeared (show off). Elegant sandwiches, light scones and a selection of little cakes were served on a three-tiered cake stand, together with a choice of tea and a glass of Prosecco.
Supper in the Dune restaurant that evening was a nod to the Cornish coastline, with plenty of fresh fish dishes on offer. Our tastebuds were tantalised by an amuse bouche of roasted scallop – crispy on the outside; juicy in the centre – with some finely chopped apple.
For our starter, we opted for the fish of the day which was Plaice served with prawns, seasonal samphire and roasted fennel. A fantastic start to our meal. The Plaice dish for the main course was perfectly cooked, rich in flavour and served with new potatoes and a glass of crisp white wine. We ended our meal with an indulgent lemon tart topped with white chocolate.
GOT ALL DAY?
Hit that beach for a run, walk or a surfing lesson before heading to the spa for a few laps in the pool, and a spell in the Jacuzzi and steam room. Chill in the relaxation room before enjoying a treatment. Leave time for lunch or afternoon tea at Bay Bar, with its beachy views.
SHORT ON TIME?
Follow afternoon tea in the bar with a treatment and a quick power nap in the relaxation room.
Sybaritic Spy
2nd October 2024
Spy Likes:
Warm treatment beds; fragrant steam rooms; therapists who listen to what you say; unexpected treats such as back massages that start with hot towels on your feet.
Spy Dislikes:
Small towels; crowded changing rooms; black mould in the showers; therapists who sniff; anyone who doesn't take my lavender allergy seriously - until I'm actually sick on them!
