I am a huge fan of Cornwall and it's somewhere I try to visit at least once a year to get my fix of their wonderful fresh air and gorgeous sea views. Last summer, my parents and I had the pleasure of visiting Carbis Bay, near St Ives, for the first time and staying in one of the self-catering holiday apartments at Hawke's Point.
Hawke's Point is situated just a short stroll from the beach at Carbis Bay with an enviable location on a hill looking right out at sea. The smart and modern brick and cream painted building holds fifteen apartments and penthouses, some with outdoor gardens and terraces or balconies. We were given apartment number 28, which was a penthouse apartment with sea views and a balcony with a table and chairs overlooking the buildings gardens.
Inside, our penthouse featured two bedrooms, one king size with an en suite and one superking (which could also be a twin), an open plan living and dining area and a separate bathroom. It was nicely spacious, especially in the open plan living area, which had a dining table seating 6, two armchairs, a large sofa with added pouf (which was one of the comfiest sofas I've ever sat on and it was very relaxing lazing with my feet up), coffee table, desk and two chairs looking right out at sea through the floor to ceiling windows. You could use the vintage telescope provided to get a closer look at the boats passing by at sea but most of all, we discovered that this spot was amazing for watching the evening sunset.
Decorated in cream tones throughout, the apartment was spotlessly clean and had a very calm and relaxing feel to it and the furnishings, as stated on the website, did have a very french boutique style to them but with elements of Cornish charm such as the beach house cushions, wooden feature lamps and notice board with postcards for local restaurants and activities.
On arrival we were greeted with a plate of scones, strawberry jam and Rodda's clotted cream and there was a bottle of Camel Valley Vineyard sparkling wine in the fridge, which was a lovely touch and something we enjoyed straight away whilst looking out at the sea view. We were also given a hamper of local foods including local eggs, bacon, sausages and bread, Cornish apple juice, tea and coffee and local jams, which were the perfect items to create a hearty breakfast one morning.
During our four day stay, we were lucky with the weather so got to enjoy Carbis Bay beach, dipping our feet in the sea and enjoying a pleasant sit in the sand. We also walked into St Ives a couple of times, which was a really scenic stroll up the hill past the Carbis Bay Hotel and through the hilly tree lined paths, where the views of the sea and St Ives just got better and better. There is also a train that stops at Carbis Bay and goes straight into St Ives, for those times you might not feel up to the walk!
We enjoyed some gourmet fish and chips at Harbour Fish & Chips, which came with Sweet Potato Crisps over the fish and was something I'd never seen before, and a refreshing drink at The Lifeboat Inn. We also drove out to The Gurnard's Head near Zennor, which was recommended to us by Hawke's Point owner Charles (who was very friendly and helpful), and enjoyed an absolutely delicious lunch, which was great value at £19 for three courses, in lovely cosy surroundings.
Hawke's Point is situated in a wonderful position for exploring St Ives and the surrounding areas and their penthouses and apartments really are ideal for a luxurious and relaxing break. With their splendid picturesque views over Carbis Bay, you would be hard pushed to find a better apartment to sit back, relax and watch the world go by.
Hawke's Point, The Sands, Porthrepta Road, Carbis Bay, Cornwall, TR26 2FG.
http://www.hawkes-point.co.uk/