Fistral Beach Hotel And Spa - Adults Only

Katie, who gave us our treatments, was wonderful, really friendly, and clearly loves her work. The treatment itself was amazing, and the bar staff were very nice. But we left without anyone saying thank you or goodbye. There are plenty of spas in Cornwall that offer a more luxurious experience for the money, so I wouldn't return to Fistral unless there had been major changes. In Newquay I'd recommend Watergate Bay or The Headland, even if they cost a bit more. The spa felt tired and rundown. I remembered twinkling lights on the pool ceiling, but now it looks worn, with white patches that resemble mould, though I don't think they actually are mould. The experience felt more like a basic gym and swim than a luxury retreat. There was very little seating by the pool: just two pairs of rattan chairs, with nowhere else to lie down and read. To use the relaxation room, you have to go up three flights of stairs, so you can't easily alternate between a dip, relaxing, and the sauna. Other spas of this standard make the relaxation experience feel more connected. The changing rooms were worn too. Half the lockers didn't work, there was only one hairdryer in the ladies' room and someone was using it for a full blowout, and the sauna handle was hanging off. Members told us it had been that way for over a year. The relaxation room itself was set up nicely, but we were asked to wait there for treatment and it was cold. We paid for a 90 minute treatment and afternoon tea, booked nearly a month ahead. The hotel chooses treatment times on the day instead of letting you select them. We were told to arrive at 9:45 to get everything arranged, then on arrival learned my mum's treatment was at 12:30 and mine at 2:45, with tea booked for 4. I pointed out that mine wouldn't finish until 4:15 and I'd need time to change, but was told not to worry. The front of house service was disappointing. When asked if we'd been before, I said it had been many years, and the receptionist gave us vague directions from his desk. We and several other guests had to search for the spa areas ourselves. At other spas, staff have shown me around. We were there from 9:45 in the morning and were told snacks would be available during the day, but they weren't. Afternoon tea arrived well after 4:30, after my treatment and a wait, so we were starving. I was trying to stop my stomach rumbling through an otherwise lovely treatment.

Sophie, my masseuse, was skilled and professional, and did a great job on the knots in my back. The massage cost a bit more than at other places, but the price included use of the hotel's facilities for the day, and I didn't regret it. Afterward, I relaxed in the warm, cosy room, then tried the sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and pool. That turned the massage into a full 10/10 experience. I skipped the gym, though it looked clean and inviting. The location is amazing, with lovely panoramic views and surfers right across from you, catching the great waves by the beach. I was there on my own, but the couples all seemed content. It has a nice adult atmosphere. I'd like to come back with my partner sometime.

I've stayed at a lot of hotels, but none beats this one. It's my favourite hotel of all time, luxurious, beautiful, spotless, and faultless throughout. The staff are professional and welcoming, the spa is divine, and both the food and service are amazing. My room was gorgeous, with so much attention to detail across the hotel.

The hot stone treatment was fantastic and really relaxing, and the light lunch was lovely. We sat by the window with a great view of Fistral, and the restaurant is a wonderful space. The staff were all friendly and helpful. But would we book another spa day? No. It didn't feel special or luxurious, so we'll stick with St Michael Hotel for that kind of experience. The pool area is a cold swimming pool in the hotel's basement, and calling it a spa feels like a stretch. The Jacuzzi was so hot we couldn't get in, and others agreed. The facilities generally felt old and worn, more like gym, swim, sauna than a luxury retreat. The changing rooms are tiny, most lockers didn't work, and there was nowhere really to do my hair and makeup. The relaxation room was nicely set up, but freezing while we waited for treatment. The lift was broken too, so even sitting for ten minutes meant climbing three flights of stairs to a cold room.