We were invited for a luxury dog-friendly weekend away at Crantock Bay Holiday Apartments in West Pentire, North Cornwall….
Back in Poppy’s puppy days finding somewhere dog-friendly AND luxury to stay was quite a challenge! People imagined that if you wanted to take your dog on holiday with you, you probably lived in something closely resembling a kennel! However, fast forward twelve, almost thirteen, years and the world of dog-friendly has come a long way. More and more places are realising that us Brits are a nation of dog-lovers and having your canine companion in tow no longer means you have to compromise on luxury accomodation.
Last weekend we felt incredibly privileged to be invited to stay at Crantock Bay Apartments; a cluster of fifteen, five star luxury holiday dwellings which boast the most enviable views across Crantock Bay on the North Coast of Cornwall – just a stones throw from Newquay. [I kid you not, when I first stepped out onto our balcony and saw the view it took my breath away – it is just stunning!]
All of the apartments are privately owned, and as such, they all have their own unique style and decor. Seven of them allow dogs to stay too. Being as the beach is so accessible from the coastal path which runs along just in front of the apartments it really does provide a little haven for dogs [and humans too, of course!]. We stayed in apartment fourteen, a second floor penthouse. It really is like something out of a lifestyle magazine – stylish, light, airy, yet incredibly homely, with lots of personal touches. You can imagine that princess Poppy felt very at home!
A Warm Welcome
It’s difficult not to fall in love instantly when you walk into the spacious apartment, tastefully decorated in fresh vibrant tones, with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the ocean and the vast expanse of sandy beach below – it truly was like arriving in paradise for the weekend.
Not only that, but all the staff were so incredibly friendly, and made us feel so very welcome during our stay. Nothing was too much trouble and you felt they really enjoyed their job – it’s makes such a difference when you’re on holiday to be surrounded by happy, pleasant staff. Of course one of the highlights for me was meeting resident Black Labrador, Jasper, who was ‘on paw’ in reception to greet all the guests. Naturally Poppy was the main focus of everyones affections! [She knows how to work a room does my girl!]
We arrived to all the essentials you could possibly wish for – an inviting selection of milk, bread, wine, fudge [notice what I consider to be life’s essentials!] Seriously though, our welcome hampers [yes, there were two of them!] were so incredibly generous; one full of everyday essentials and the other packed with delicious local delicacies, including a rather scrumptious cream tea. There was certainly no need to rush to the local shops to stock up, we could simply unwind and enjoy our cosy new surroundings.
Living Space
The apartments living space is open plan, comprising an extremely well equipped kitchen, dining room and living area which provide the perfect place to relax and soak up the amazing sea-views. I just love open plan living, particularly on holiday as it encourages people to socialise, chat and chill out – after all you don’t want to keep ducking off to another room when you’re spending quality family time together.
The apartment is so well equipped, they have literally thought of everything. There are board games for rainy days; binoculars to watch, in awe, the surfers bobbing about on the waves below; and maps of the area so you can plan doggy days out.
All the practicalities have been considered too. There is a utility room, complete with a washer dryer; an under stairs cupboard which houses all those everyday living essentials – a clothes airer, vacuum cleaner, ironing board, mops and buckets etc – everything you need for a week by the seaside with the family.
The Bedrooms
The apartment can sleep up to six people (two on a sofa bed) and has two stylish bedrooms – one with a double bed and one with two singles (this can be changed to a king-size if requested). Both bedrooms are tastefully decorated with crisp clean bedding and a splash of colour brought about by stylish throws and scatter cushions. With a selection of pillows, comfy mattresses and a choice of bedding to suit all temperatures, seasons and tastes, you can be certain of a good nights sleep.
There are two spacious bathrooms, both of which are spotlessly clean just like the rest of the apartment. The main bathroom has a shower over the bath, and the en-suite has a walk-in rainfall shower both of which are finished to an incredibly high standard with quality fixtures and fittings – very much the envy of someone who has been without a bathroom at home for fourteen months! [The joys of house renovations when you live with a tradesman – I love you really Mr T!]
Self-catering with benefits!
It will come as no surprise that I love any holiday which includes Poppy dog and much as I am a self-confessed sun-worshipper, I just pine for her when we go abroad. [It’s hardly worth the suffering poor Mr T has to endure to be honest!] Self-catering holidays are always great with Pops in tow, you can please yourself and enjoy your own space. The real advantage is there’s no other guests no worry about – no one who may inadvertently prompt a barking fest from my bossy little princess!
Sometimes though, traditional self-catering holidays can be a bit lonely, and that for me, is one of the many reasons Crantock Bay Apartments are so perfect. You have your own space, but equally there are fantastic facilities on site that you can enjoy and that provide that sense of belonging – that community spirit. There is the wonderful C-Bay Cafe where you can grab a tasty bite to eat throughout the day [meaning there’s no need to cook if you don’t want to!], and there is also a spa and swimming pool for guests to indulge in a spot of pampering, ensuring that you go home feeling completely refreshed and rejuvenated.
C-Bay Cafe and Bistro
Just off the coastal path, so a popular pit stop for walkers, C-Bay Café Bar and Bistro, is a fabulous eatery which enjoys an informal café ambience by day. It offers a fine selection of savouries, homemade cakes, lite lunches and the most amazing coffee. [I’m such a fan of a Flat White and theirs knocked spots of any high street chain I can tell you!]
The café has recently undergone major development and work had literally been completed the week before our stay, so everything feels fabulously fresh, new and welcoming with a vibrant colour scheme of greys, blues and pinks. Complimenting the modern relaxed feel of the rest of the complex, the café is the perfect place relax and unwind after a day of exploring the sights that this beautiful county has to offer – and of course sample the locally baked doggy biscuits!
By night, C-Bay is a licensed bistro where dogs are welcome to join you whilst you dine. Very generously, we were treated to dinner on one night of our stay and the food was just scrumptious. The menu includes a mouth-watering selection of Cornish and British influenced dishes, incorporating locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. I opted for the Fish, Chips and mushy peas, my choice not influenced at all, of course, by an inquisitive furry snoot nudging me from under the table! Meanwhile, Mr T opted for the Thai Green Curry which, by all accounts, was very tasty – it certainly didn’t take long to disappear, always the sure sign of a delicious meal!
We were both a little full [probably something to do with the cream tea earlier in the day!] to enjoy a desert, but the menu looked very tempting with a fabulous selection to choose from.
C Bay Spa – aka Heaven on Earth!
Just a stones throw from the Apartments is C-Bay Spa….oh my goodness, seriously I thought I’d landed in heaven! Imagine walls painted in rich cosy colours, adorned with twinkling fairy lights; luxurious leather loungers with velvety throws; and inviting giant beanbags dotted about so you can relax and soak up the sounds of the soft background music and heavenly aromas of sweet-smelling essential oils.
I’ve not had a spa treatment for years, it’s just one of those things that is always on my ‘to do list’ and yet I never seem to make the time for! Five minutes into my shoulder, neck and back massage with Patsy and I wondered why I’d ever left it so long [this lady seriously has magical hands!]! *
The Local Area
As is often the way when we go away on holiday the weather didn’t play ball!! Seriously we could go to Mexico and be hit by a snow storm!! You’ll remember that unseasonably hot weather at the end of February, well that came to an abrupt end on the Wednesday before we arrived and was replaced by Storm Freya!!
Everything happens for a reason though, and in many ways it made us relax and appreciate our beautiful surroundings even more. There’s something strangely cathartic about watching the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash against the rocks – I mean not quite as therapeutic as the wall to wall sunshine of the week before, but hey ho, it didn’t detract from the beauty of the place at all.
I love Cornwall with its rugged coastline and quaint fishing villages, it’s such a contrast from the rolling hills of Wiltshire and the perfect place for a spot of R & R. We’ve stayed in Cornwall several times before, but I have to admit, I think this time we found perfection! I am not someone who enjoys hustle and bustle – I like peace and tranquility and West Pentire, the tiny Cornish hamlet in which Crantock Bay Apartments are nestled, provides both. It really is the perfect combination – country meets seaside. The beautiful golden sands of Crantock Bay are just a ten minute walk along the coastal path and there are several other stunning coves and beaches all within easy walking distance to explore – it really is doggy paradise.
The Pawfect Retreat
If you’re looking for a luxury retreat, you really have to look no further, Crantock Bay Apartments are just perfect in every way. With the warmest of welcomes and the most breathtaking surroundings you feel relaxed from the very moment you arrive.
Thank you so much for having us, it really was a weekend full of wonderful memories that I will treasure for ever.
Woofs and Wags
Kate and Pops
xox
* Unfortunately Crantock Bay Spa closed it’s doors in 2024
