The Lugger Hotel

Portloe, Nr Truro, Cornwall

Set on the water’s edge and sheltered on three sides by green rolling hills tumbling into the sea, this lovely little former inn is as pictureseque as any you will come across. Reputedly the haunt of the 17th-century smugglers The Lugger Hotel overlooks a tiny working harbour in the scenic village of Portloe on the unspoilt Roseland Peninsula. It is a conservation area of outstanding beauty and an idyllic location in which to escape the stresses of today’s hectic world. Seaward views from the hotel are stunning and reaching out from each side are lovely coastal paths leading to secluded coves. The welcoming owners have created an atmoshere of total comfort and relaxation whilst retaining an historic ambience. The 21 bedrooms have every amenity; each is en suite, tastefully decorated and furnished, whilst some are situated across an attractive courtyard. A great variety of dishes and innovative dinner menus are offered in the restaurant overlooking the harbour. Local seafood is a speciality with crab and lobster being particularly favourites.

Price Guide: (including dinner) Double/twin £200.

Facilities: 21 bedrooms, owner managed, children welcome 12 and over, cable/satellite tv in all bedrooms, fishing can be arranged, golf course nearby, shooting can be arranged, riding can be arranged.

Rose-In-Vale Country House Hotel

Mithian, St Agnes, Cornwall

This 18th-century Cornish manor house lies hidden away in 11 acres of glorious gardens, woodland and pasture in a wooded valley of great natural beauty. There is a sense of timelessness: a world apart from the bustle of modern living. Tasteful décor contrasts with dark mahogany throughout the elegant public rooms and pretty bedrooms, many of which have outstanding views across the valley gardens. 3 ground floor rooms have level access. The Rose Suite and Master Rooms feature four poster/half-tester beds, other rooms have coronet king-sized beds. Expect imaginative cuisine and speciality Cornish crab, lobster, fish, dishes in the valley restaurant. The gardens feature ponds, a secluded and heated swimming pool, croquet, badminton, dovecote and summer house. There is a solarium, sauna and games room.

Price Guide: Single from £64, Double/twin £112-£152, Suite £152.

Facilities: 18 bedrooms, owner managed, access for wheelchairs, children welcome four post bedroom, dvd/video player in bedrooms, non-smoking bedrooms, outdoor swimming pool, croquet lawn, fishing can be arranged, golf course nearby, riding can be arranged, helicopter landing pad.

Meudon Hotel

Mawnan Smith, Nr Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5HT

Set against a delightful romantic backdrop of densely wooded countryside between the Fal and Helford Rivers, meudon Hotel is a unique, family-run, superior retreat with sub-tropical gardens leading to its own private sea beach. Nine acres of sub-tropical gardens are coaxed into early bloom by the Gulf stream and mild Cornish climate; Meudon is safely surrounded by 200 acres of beautiful National Trust land and the sea. All bedrooms enjoy gardens views. Many a guest is enticed by the cuisine to return; in the restaurant fresh seafood, caught by local fisherman, is served with wines from a judiciously compiled list. You can indulge in golf at nearby Falmouth Golf Club, sail aboard the hotel’s skipperd 34-foot yacht or just laze on the beach.

Price Guide: (including dinner): Single £110, Double/Twin £210, Suite £280.

Facilities: 25 bedrooms, owner managed, access for wheelchairs, children welcome, four post bedroom, isdn/modern point in all bedrooms, lift, fishing can be arranged, golf course nearby, shooting can be arranged, riding can be arranged, helicopter landing pad.