Having recently undergone a huge transformation following a multi-million-pound investment, St Michaels Resort, set on the beachside in Falmouth has emerged as the perfect family friendly resort on the Cornish coast. I had the opportunity to visit this stunning resort, tempted by the re-imagined spa resort featuring countless steam rooms and saunas, and the stunning restaurant renovations. It was the perfect trip to relieve stress that I needed.
Jumping off the train and heading across to the quaint coastal town of Falmouth, I was stunned by the view of the St Michaels Resort, standing proud looking over the sea. Walking into the reception area, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the modern, yet classic décor, the glass-fronted restaurant and little touches inspired by the beachside location. The staff were inviting and incredibly helpful, more than pleased to show us around the complex – proudly showing off the recent renovations, including the two restaurants, health club, incredible gym facilities and, of course, the new spa area. It’s an impressive establishment, with everything you could want right on hand. The décor and facilities oozed luxury and I knew that this trip was going to be incredibly relaxing and indulgent – I knew that at the St Michaels Resort, nothing was too much to ask; I was in safe hands and about to have a wonderful time.
Entering our room in the Beach House, you could feel the amount of detail which had gone into the design. From the beautifully-laid super kingsize bed to the armchair snug area, from elegant bathroom with its huge mirrors and stunning tiling to the hot drink station, set with coffee machine and little biscuits. We enjoyed a coffee accompanied by a little shortbread – which was a lovely touch – whilst settling into the room, flipping through the brochures outlining different spa packages and anticipating our own spa experience.
We first headed down to the Health Club, which included a 17-metre swimming pool, sauna and extensive gym with daily fitness classes, a spin room and rowing machines. Access to these facilities comes with every stay at the St Michaels Resort, meaning even if you can’t splurge for the spa, you can still enjoy a luxurious experience. On our tour, we’d been told that the Health Club is also available to non-residents and is at the heart of the local community, having 2000+ members. It was lovely to enjoy a swim and sit in the sauna and Eucalyptus steam room, feeling my stress from the train journey melt away and truly begin to relax.
One of my favourite parts of the stay was our evening meal in the Brasserie on the Bay restaurant, where we enjoyed a beautiful 3-course meal. This new restaurant serves dishes crafted from the very best fresh and seasonal Cornish produce with an emphasis on fish and seafood, allowing you to embrace the local influence of the sea. In addition to this, the menu featured many meat and vegetarian options, a variation which certainly made it difficult to choose! Our starters of Thai crab cakes and prawn cocktail were deliciously light and the perfect enticing start to our meal. My main course of pan-seared Cornish hake was divine; accompanied by crushed potatoes and a basil and pea puree; it was a fresh and flavourful dish which was perfectly light.
My partner enjoyed the steak burger which was lean and a very generous portion, perfect after our swim which had really built up an appetite. The addition of the cumin chutney was wonderfully original and a touch which highlighted an attention to detail shown throughout the hotel and restaurant alike. I always look forward to dessert – who doesn’t?! – and I was not disappointed with the selection of original options on the menu which included an ‘Open Blueberry Cheesecake’ and ‘Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Tarte’. I opted for the Cherry Frangipane Tart which was rich and a lovely chewy texture. The accompanying almond ice-cream was creamy and complemented the sharp cherries perfectly.
Each dish was served with friendly service which really enhanced the whole experience and the restaurant was filled with a lovely, buzzing atmosphere as couples and families alike enjoyed their meals. Finishing off the meal with an espresso was the perfect end to the day. I will definitely be visiting the Brasserie on the Bay next time I am down in Falmouth to try more of their dishes! I would also be interested to try an afternoon tea; I can’t believe that anything could beat indulging in such an occasion whilst gazing over the sea below.
Returning to our room and sinking into the covers, I had a fabulous night’s sleep and woke to a lovely morning coffee before venturing down for a delicious cooked and continental breakfast and heading across to the stunning new spa.
This, for me, was the highlight of the stay.
Described as a destination spa, the St Michael’s hosts the world’s first Cornish sea salt steam room and the largest hydrotherapy pool in the south west, with 21 massage stations and different jets. Stepping into the spa area was an experience in itself; as soon as you enter the spa reception and changing rooms, it’s difficult to not become overwhelmed by the stunning décor which oozed luxury. With beautiful sofas, vanity stations and beauty products to use, there was everything you could want. Grabbing our soft robes, towels and heading into the spa, we were ready to relax and detox. Beginning with the rainforest experience shower, I warmed up in a fine mist before heading to the hydrotherapy pool, which is kept at a wonderful 35 degrees. We worked our way around the different massage stations, enjoying the jets targeting the different pressure points and working their magic.
It’s impossible to not relax immediately; with hot water hitting my back, shoulders and neck, I felt the tension built up from a hard week of work simply melt away. Sitting for a moment on the loungers, we took in the atmosphere of couples and friends chatting in quiet voices, whilst deciding what to try next. The Cornish sea salt steam room was incredible; kept at 43 degrees, I could feel the toxins melt away from just a few minutes and came out feeling cleansed to my soul. Whilst there’s a number of steam rooms and saunas, possibly my favourite experience was the Wooden Barrel sauna set on the patio, with a full glass front overlooking the garden area. This was lovely and private, and a step away from the busier spa area. The Barrel sauna was the best way to finish off the experience. Although we didn’t have time to experience everything, the St Michaels Resort spa also includes a deep relaxation room and a manicure and pedicure champagne bar and 10 treatment rooms where they offer many different massage packages, including some special offers coming up ahead of the festive season. Perfect for couples, a day out with the girls or for treating your special someone. And with access to the hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms and saunas from £35 for 3 hours, you don’t have to break the bank to have a wonderful time and incredible spa experience.
In terms of the local area, Falmouth has plenty on offer to keep all the family entertained and this is a great time to visit with quieter beaches, loads of water activities and a bundle of local events to keep the whole family entertained. Children will love kayaking to discover hidden swimming coves or experiencing a Stand-Up Paddle Board lesson on Gyllyngvase beach. Families can also enjoy long walks along the coastal path, stopping off for a Cornish pasty, picnic or delicious Cornish Roskilly’s ice cream along the way.
I had a fabulous experience at the St Michaels Resort; from arrival to dinner to the spa, everything has been designed and transformed to enhance relaxation and indulgence. I left feeling restored and rejuvenated, ready to face anything. I would like to thank all the staff for making the stay so wonderful. You can tell the level of care which has gone into designing and renovating the resort, and I would recommend anyone looking for a weekend break or a longer stay to escape reality to visit the St Michael’s Resort for a really wonderful experience. With many festive packages coming up ahead of the festive season, there’s no better time to look for a fabulous UK destination to enjoy with your family at Christmas or in the New Year!
To find out more about their restaurants, spa packages and stay options, please visit their website at: https://www.stmichaelshotel.co.uk/.
