St. Moritz Hotel is one of the most family friendly Cornwall hotels in the north of the county, as Natasha Harding and her 11-year old daughter Lexi found out on a recent two night stay.
St. Moritz, one of the most family friendly hotels in Cornwall
St. Moritz is one of the most family friendly Cornwall hotels
Lexi and I couldn’t have been more excited by our impromptu mini-break at St Moritz Hotel in Trebetherick, in between Rock and Polzeath, and from the moment we arrived in the spacious foyer, all of our expectations were met.
We checked into a recently refurbished one bedroom suite with a view of the Atlantic, it was more than spacious enough for the two of us and the large balcony with sun loungers was the icing on the cake. I quickly discovered it was also a sun spot, and naturally a great place to enjoy pretty spectacular sunsets.
Although I wasn’t planning on cooking during our stay, there was everything I needed if I changed my mind: I didn’t, in case you were wondering.
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Some quiet pool time for Lexi, St. Moritz Hotel
Pools for proper swims and plenty of hammocks for lazing
The hotel has two pools, one inside and one outside so, as the sun was shining, we made our way to the outdoor pool, which is set in beautifully maintained grounds with views of the ocean. It was blissfully warm once you were in and so quiet too, plus it’s open from 8am – 8pm and there aren’t any restrictions for children, although there isn’t a lifeguard.
The pool is great size if you want to swim properly and the kid’s splash pool is ideal for younger children. There are sun loungers aplenty as well as three large hammocks, an all-weather ping pong table and a selection of outdoor games.
The loungers are well set up, with some facing the pool and others facing the ocean, so if you’re not having to keep an eye on young swimmers and want to savour that view, you can.
The Seaside Café serves light meals, snacks and drinks from noon, and Lexi was delighted that she could buy a 99 ice cream with a flake for just 99p: many of these were bought over the course of our stay.
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Outdoor hydro pool, St. Moritz Hotel, Cornwall
All family friendly Cornwall hotels should have spas like this
The indoor pool and wellness centre has recently undergone a £1.5million investment and it shows: it’s a calm, relaxing space that is clean, bright and airy. It is open from 6am – 9pm and children are welcome between 9am – 6pm, ensuring that everybody has time to use the facilities.
There is also an outdoor hydro pool (which you access via the indoor pool), steam room and two saunas alongside ice fountains and sensory showers.
Lexi loved the ice bucket – particularly when she was pouring it over my head. I kept reminding myself about all of the supposed health benefits of freezing cold water. Again, there are plenty of loungers, for those who are able to enjoy some quiet time away from the little ones.
If you’re able to check out the Cowshed Spa then do. I had a voucher that a friend had bought me for my birthday and was very eager to use it. I booked a 60 minute massage and it was an hour of pure bliss.
Be aware that the spa gets booked up, so if you’re planning a trip, book your treatments sooner than later to avoid disappointment.
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Polzeath Beach, Cornwall
Catch the St. Moritz shuttle bus and hit Polzeath Beach
The great thing about St Moritz, is you can park your car upon arrival and not have to get back into it again.
There is so much to do in and around the hotel and the hotel’s shuttle service which is available to all staying guests is a huge bonus.
As well as dropping you down and picking you up from Polzeath Beach, they will also take you to Rock and Daymer Bay. You book at reception, and call when you want to be collected.
We took the mini bus down to Polzeath for a wander on the beach and to soak up the atmosphere.
With the sun shining and the sea full of surfers, we really felt as though we were on holiday and enjoyed a lovely hour taking in the sights – and shops.
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Oystercatcher, Polzeath, Cornwall
Take your pick of family friendly Cornwall restaurants nearby
That evening, we walked down the hill to the Oystercatcher, which is a pub with rooms and a fabulous, well-priced menu including: Grilled Seabass & Thai Style Raw Salad, West Country Sirloin Steak and Red Thai Curry.
I enjoyed the Herb Crusted Salmon Fillet which was cooked to perfection, while Lexi had pizza with a side of fries.
The Make-Your-Own Sundae for pudding went down incredibly well.
It was really busy that evening as you’d expect for July but the staff couldn’t be more efficient or friendly.
The short walk up the hill afterwards was just what was needed after our delicious meal.
We finished our first evening with a game of cards on the balcony as the sun was setting, it couldn’t have been more idyllic.
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St. Moritz, family friendly Cornwall hotels
Don’t miss Mini-Moritz for kids right now, it’s free
We were up bright and early the following morning for an 8am Aquafit class which was run by an incredibly enthusiastic instructor.
It was a super way to start the day and it meant we were well and truly ready for breakfast afterwards.
It was the day that kept on giving with more indoor and outdoor swims, another trip down to Polzeath and quiet time on our balcony.
St Moritz clearly try very hard to ensure that every guest has the best experience possible.
This year, there will be even more for youngsters to do this summer as the Mini Moritz Summer schedule has been announced.
Designed for children of all ages (with under 6s to be supervised), the free sessions run from 10am–12pm, Sunday through to Thursday.
Outdoor games, scavenger hunts, rock pooling explorations and creative arts and crafts are just some of the activities that will be available.
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Lexi, Polzeath Beach, Cornwall
The type of hotel stay you just don’t want to end
Although Lexi was very happy to just be with me, it’s great to know that there are so many options available for families travelling with youngsters.
We finished the day with dinner at the on-site restaurant Shorecrest which is open seven-days-a-week and serves fresh, beautifully cooked fare. I enjoyed Cornish Lamb which came with pressed potatoes and grilled courgette while Lexi tacked an 8oz Sirloin Steak – and appeared to win!
After dinner we went for a stroll around the grounds to work off all of the meat before heading back to our suite for our final night.
We had the best of trips and really didn’t want to leave the next morning – which is always the sign of a great break.
How to plan your St. Moritz stay
How to get there
St. Moritz Hotel is 40 minutes’ drive north of Newquay
Where to stay
St. Moritz Hotel, King Room (2 adults, 2 children) B&B from £400 per night