HOTEL TRESANTON: ST MAWES

21/03/19

*AD: Gifted - this was a press visit and I was given a complimentary stay with dinner and breakfast by Hotel Tresanton in return for an honest review*

Why you should visit:

To gaze out at the glorious coastal views
Enjoy a delicious dinner and breakfast
Relax in stylish and unique interiors
Take a short stroll into picturesque St Mawes

DESTINATION:

I have visited Cornwall many times but I have to say, I think St Mawes is my favourite place to visit. It has been referred to as the ‘St Tropez of Cornwall’ and I can completely understand why, with it’s stunning sea views across the South Coast of Cornwall. On a sunny day, which is luckily what Steve and I experienced during our visit in March, you definitely feel as if you could be abroad and the view is one that is hard to beat.

Hotel Tresanton is nestled neatly into the hillside on on the main road into St Mawes and its enviable position gives it a clear view to sea and St Anthony’s Lighthouse. There is a brand new beach club, with sun loungers looking out to sea, but it wasn’t open whilst we stayed as it was out of season. It’s only a short walk into the small and pretty town and you can also take the ferry over to nearby Falmouth for a day trip, so once you’ve arrived and the hotel have valet parked your car, you can relax and most definitely explore by foot (or boat).

DECOR:

Hotel Tresanton is Olga Polizzi’s hotel, which she bought and completely redesigned over two years. What she has created is a completely unique space which is light and airy but at the same time full of character, detail and delicate hints of colour. There is a seaside feel to the interior and St Anthony’s Lighthouse, which can be seen from all rooms, features on lots of small details throughout the hotel.

There is a large cosy lounge area in the main part of the hotel (which had some of the neatest cushions I’ve ever seen!) and was the perfect spot to curl up in front of the roaring fire with the paper over an afternoon glass of wine. The dining room had to be my favourite room of all though; with its stylish blue and white decor, it felt like you were on the most glamorous vintage cruise ship looking out to sea.

Our room was a really generous size and it had a huge comfortable bed alongside a sofa, dressing table and wardrobes. The bathroom was also spacious, with a rain shower, large bath and double sink. The highlight though, was the picture postcard view.

DINING:

We enjoyed both dinner and breakfast at Hotel Tresanton and I was excited to be eating twice in the stunning dining room. The menu is heavily based around fresh, local seafood but they also serve meat and Vegetarian dishes.

To start we chose Beetroot, Blue Cheese and Chicory Salad and Mackerel with Pancetta, Watercress and Egg and for main course, Tuna with Red Pepper, Green Beans and Crostini and Goats Cheese, Squash and Red Onion Arancini. Everything was presented on bright white plates and served in a rustic way which made you want to dig straight in. The mackerel came as two full fillets and it was deliciously fresh, as was the tuna which was perfectly seared and reminded me of a warm Nicoise Salad.

We were contentedly full but the lure of the Vanilla Cheesecake with Rhubarb and Ginger was too much so I ordered that whilst Steve opted for Cheese & Biscuits. The cheesecake was rich and creamy and the sharp and fruity rhubarb complimented it perfectly.

I would usually have photographed the meal but the restaurant felt very intimate and it felt intrusive to get my camera out and spoil the romantic atmosphere.

We awoke the following day after a great night’s sleep to another sunny day, which meant we got to enjoy breakfast with the french doors wide open in the restaurant. There was a fantastic spread of fruit, cereals, yoghurts, pastries and juices to enjoy with lovely fresh flowers as a centrepiece. The menu was also more interesting than your usual breakfast offerings, and we ordered Portabello Mushroom Rarebit with a Fried Egg & Tomato and a Ham and Cheese Toastie with a Fried Egg, which were both delicious.

DEBRIEF:

Hotel Tresanton is one of a kind. It is beautifully unique with stylish interiors and the most spectacular views and somewhere where you feel completely relaxed with attentive and friendly service. It’s such a treat.