“A luxury hotel overlooking one of Cornwall's most beautiful bays. Rooms are light and airy with retro furniture and magnificent views. With a wide choice of dining options, a full service spa, and the beach on the doorstep - this is suited to both couples and families.”

Hotel review

Few hotels in Cornwall can rival the setting of Carbis Bay Hotel. Looking out over pale sand and almost impossibly turquoise water on a bright summer’s day, the bay can feel more Mediterranean or even Caribbean than British.

The hotel itself is sprawling with a mix of accommodation styles ranging from contemporary beach lodges to more traditional bedrooms and suites. Nearby they also have some glamping pods. Some areas feel fresher and more modern than others, though most people are drawn here by the location rather than interiors alone.

The C Bay Spa is a strong addition, particularly the outdoor sauna pod overlooking the sea, and the beach restaurant remains one of Cornwall’s better spots for a long lunch by the water. During school holidays, service occasionally struggles to keep pace with demand, though the atmosphere remains relaxed and genuinely family friendly throughout.

If your ideal Cornish escape involves sea swims before breakfast, a walk to St Ives, spa treatments in the afternoon and sunset drinks overlooking the bay, Carbis Bay is the perfect choice.

Recommended for

  • Families

    • With excellent facilities and a whole host of family orientated activities, it's a great spot for a trip with the kids
  • Active Holiday

    • With a host of watersports facilities on site, a nearby beach and walking trails, it's perfect for an active holiday
  • Restaurant

    • A choice of six dining options ranging from casual fare to fine dining
  • Golf

    • West Cornwall Golf Club is less than five minutes drive away
  • Spa

    • C Bay Spa offers a wide range of spa and beauty treatments
  • Surfing

    • The surrounding coastline is full of popular surfing spots
  • Private Hot Tub

    • All of the Beach Lodges feature a private outdoor hot tub
  • Watersports

    • The hotel offers a whole host of onsite watersports
  • Great walks

    • Stunning nearby coastal walking trails
  • Luxury

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Views

  • Contemporary

  • Wellbeing

  • Beach nearby

  • Child friendly

  • Village

  • Gym

  • Sea Views

Facilities

  • Rooms

    47 rooms in this hotel
  • Hot Tub

    The beach hot tub is bookable by the hour so that it is always a private occasion
  • Restaurant

    A choice of six dining options ranging from casual fare to fine dining
  • Spa

    C Bay Spa offers a wide range of spa and beauty treatments
  • Private Hot Tub

    All of the Beach Lodges feature a private outdoor hot tub
  • Swimming Pool

    An outdoor pool and a hydropool
  • Garden

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • No pets

  • Massage

  • Sauna/Steam

  • Bar

  • Parking

  • Bath robes

  • Games room

  • Wifi

  • Room service

  • Sitting Room

  • Child friendly

  • Gym

Activities

  • Golf

    • West Cornwall Golf Club is less than five minutes drive away
  • Surfing

    • The surrounding coastline is full of popular surfing spots
  • Watersports

    • The hotel offers a whole host of onsite watersports
  • Great walks

    • Stunning nearby coastal walking trails

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel?  Carbis Bay Estate caters for all ages, all generations. From babes in arms, toddlers and teens, through to grandparents and great great-grandparents – all have a place and feel welcome in this beautiful part of England.

What is there to do in the area? Many like to stay on the estate, where they can relax on the beach, or enjoy sea swimming, a dip in the pool, book into the C Bay Spa or take a paddleboard out. St Ives is a short walk along the coast path, and we recommend a visit to the Tate and the Hepworth.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? There is a expansive breakfast menu available in The Orangery daily, or if you’re in a rush pop into the deli for a croissant and coffee. In the Beach Lodges we deliver a hamper of breakfast goodies each morning. 

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner  - we have some lovely options on the estate including Walters on the Beach, The Orangery, The Deli, The Beach Club, The Gannet and we’re excited that Tom Sellers is opening MOR in July. Locally we recommend the Porthminster Beach Café and Ardor over in St Ives, or in Penzance the Barbican Bistro does small plates, and the Jubilee Pool Café is wonderful after a swim!

Which are your most popular room types, and why? The Beach Lodges are really something special, all with access to our blue flag beach, private gardens and each with a hot tub. The views are simply unbeatable.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? We have a popular kids club in holiday time, which caters for children ages 4+. From silent discos, kite making, painting, pizza making and the epic ‘Cornish Pirates and Zennor Mermaids’ treasure hunt – everyone has a great time!  The club leader is Paediatric First Aid Trained and all activities are conducted by DBS-qualified staff.

What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers? Forget the stress of an airport and flights…come to Cornwall instead!

Other reviews

Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate Review

Scenically perched just above its own sandy Blue Flag beach outside St Ives, Carbis Bay’s position is truly stunning...

Originally published by The Telegraph

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