Cornwall: the ultimate staycation
Need a holiday? Try Cornwall: the ultimate staycation. If you’re in search of a relaxing break without the long-haul fuss, this is the perfect spot. Less than an hour’s flight away on the pretty coast of Cornwall, is an elegant country house named Merchants Manor. Perfectly situated less than a 10-minute walk from the beach, and surrounded by gardens, the country house offers something for everyone – whether you decide to come with your girlfriends, partner or family. A feature that’s sure to be a winner with everyone though, is the hotel’s latest addition, the Linen Rooms spa and relaxation complex.
The winning formula
From the interesting history behind the name (manor houses would reserve a private area for linen preservation, as they were seen as the symbol of nature, light and purity), to the expert therapists and organic treatment products, it doesn’t take long to see that the owners, Nick Rudlin and Sioned Parry-Rudlin have heavily invested in its spa concept. Teaming up with globally-trained therapists and artisan luxury organic brand Inlight, the Merchants Manor spa experience promises to do a whole lot more than make you look and feel good.
The secret starts with the Inlight products they use. The brand fuses medical science, homeopathy and herbology to treat skin naturally from the outside in – and that’s putting it simply. Because there’s nothing at all straightforward about their unique method of creating products that are as pure as they are effective. They are created by Dr Mariano Spiezia (the pioneer behind the original Spiezia Organics). And they merge ancient alchemic traditions with 21st century science in this innovative bio-lipophilic matrix, which heightens the powers of the essential oils and plant extracts – enhancing their positive energy and enabling them to re-attune your skin. So if you ever questioned the effectiveness of skincare products that boast 100 per cent natural and organic ingredients, think again! The oil-based Inlight formula is brimming with bio-actives to encourage maximum absorption and nourishment. The brand message is: allow nature to cleanse, detox and hydrate and you will feel balanced, healthy and happy from the inside out.
Working in harmony with the artisan products, the treatments are designed to relax your muscles as well as your soul. Unlike traditional massages, the Linen Room offers everything from the Herculean Deep Tissue ‘Dig Deeper’ four handed massage (with two therapists), to the Chavutti Thirumal ‘Nomad’s Walk’ massage (where the therapist uses their feet and heels), so that you really do feel like you’ve been transported to a dream island. The spa offers 19 different treatments, but no matter which you opt for you’ll emerge feeling like it was precisely what your body needed, as the therapist is trained to customise it to your body and personal preference. Post-treatment feedback with the therapist is even welcome, which I found to be quite refreshing and helped me to understand more about my body.
Trusted refuel
Whether you’re eating vegetation dishes, poultry or seafood, the Manor knows exactly where and who its produce is coming from. The ingredients are all sourced fresh and locally in Cornwall, then handed over to newly-appointed South African Chef Patron Hylton Espey and turned into a magnificent and tasty dish. Examples include ‘Grilled Mackerel, Confit Chicken. Charred Baby Gem & Wild Garlic’ and ’Tregothnan Venison, Wood Fired Carrot, Poached Pear & Earl Grey Smoke’. You may even find a picture of said chef posing with your dinner on Instagram, merely hours before it arrived on your plate. Sourced fresh and responsibly, and cooked expertly – what more could you possibly want?
Get moving
If you’re concerned about the lack of exercise you’re struggling to fit in between treatments and meal-times, Merchants Manor is home to Techno Gym, where you’ll find the latest equipment including Run Now treadmills and a Kinesis Wall. Or you can swim to your heart’s content in the 12-metre heated indoor pool (the hydrotherapy pool is perfect for rest periods). But if you fancy venturing out, take a short walk to Gyllyngvase Beach where you can spike your adrenaline by coasteering, kayaking, climbing and stand-up paddle-boarding (or swimming the Cornish way – in your bare essentials no matter the weather). With beaches dotted around, rolling hills, a golf course and mini forests, the surrounding area of Falmouth is also home to fantastic running routes – perfect for exploring the depths of the coast and putting your endurance to the test.
Retaining some of its traditional heritage and adding more modern and classic features (The Library is our favourite room), Merchants Manor has the potential to be what you make it. Whether that’s a peaceful and romantic getaway to an uplifting and fun break with your family or friends. We guarantee it’ll be somewhere you want to visit again and again – making different memories each time.