With a multi-million-pound spa renovation now open, St Moritz Hotel is making its mark as the epitome of beachside luxury and the ultimate wellness destination in the South West.
Words by Lydia Paleschi
Nestled atop the cliffs between Rock and Polzeath, St Moritz Hotel stands as a hidden gem in one of Cornwall’s most stunning and sought-after locations. This exquisite resort harmoniously blends laid-back luxury with a Miami-inspired aesthetic, offering rooms that are both beautiful and functional. Now, with a £2+ million renovation of its spa, St Moritz is set to redefine the wellness scene in the South West. Open this month, the new facilities promise to elevate the hotel to the pinnacle of relaxation and rejuvenation.
The renovation, led by Steve Coombe of 3idog, has transformed the entire pool area into a sanctuary of intimate spaces and ergonomic heated loungers, designed to provide the ultimate in warmth and comfort. The spa’s tiling features Italian rock and pebble-inspired flooring and marble white mosaics in the pools. The walls showcase vibrant blocks of colour, with lozenge-shaped blush pink tiles complementing the overall aesthetic. Day beds, adorned with vivid fabrics in turquoise, coral, and sunshine yellows, add a playful touch, encapsulating the vibrant essence of Miami.
St Moritz have always prided themselves on their wellness offering, therefore it comes as no surprise that guests are able to indulge in a fantastic range of wellness experiences amidst these exquisite surroundings.
The high-tech outdoor hydro pool offers warm, therapeutic waters in an open-air setting, whilst the innovative crystal sauna and spacious steam room provide unique avenues for relaxation and detoxification. These hydrotherapy and steam room sessions will not only enhance skin health by promoting deep cleansing and improved circulation but also support overall wellbeing by relieving stress and muscle tension. Additional features such as drench and experience showers, an ice fountain, and ergonomic loungers complete this holistic sensory journey, integrating the principles of hot and cold therapy.
Also known as contrast therapy, hot and cold therapy offers numerous health benefits. The alternation between hot and cold treatments can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve muscle soreness. High-heat therapy helps to relax muscles and promote blood flow, whilst cold therapy reduces swelling and can numb pain, together enhancing overall recovery and wellness.
The hotel’s unrivalled location, overlooking the waves of Polzeath, means guests can also enjoy the benefits of blue health, which emphasises the therapeutic benefits of spending time near water and the sea. Once considered a fad, spending time in blue spaces has since been proven to combat the stressors synonymous with modern life and is increasingly found in the arsenal of health professionals.
The new wellness space at St Moritz Hotel will enhance its existing Cowshed Spa, a distinguished facility originally launched in 1998 by the international private members club brand Soho House. Known for its inspiration drawn from the English countryside and its focus on the therapeutic benefits of botanical essential oils, Cowshed has become a signature spa brand. The St Moritz location is unique, being the only Cowshed Spa outside a Soho House property and the only coastal Cowshed in the UK.
The Cowshed spa features six treatment rooms where guests can enjoy curated treatments by Cowshed, Medik8 and OTO, along with manicure and pedicure stations and a relaxation lounge. Cowshed’s products, crafted in England from organic ingredients and wildcrafted plant extracts, are available at Soho House locations and global beauty retailers.
In addition to its exceptional indoor wellness experiences, St Moritz features a vibrant Seaside Pool Club that enhances guests’ wellbeing through outdoor activities and relaxation. Central to this experience is the 16-meter biomass-heated outdoor pool, which includes a children’s pool and is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, creating a serene environment perfect for unwinding. Adjacent to the pool is one of the best standalone seaside restaurants in Cornwall. Here, guests can enjoy stone-baked sourdough pizzas, fresh-caught seafood, and local seasonal produce, all served informally with stunning views across the Camel Estuary and Stepper Point.
For those seeking more active pursuits, the club offers a full-sized sea view asphalt tennis court located beside the coastal villas, ideal for a friendly game. St Moritz is deeply committed to providing a family-friendly environment that caters to all ages. During the summer, the outdoor pool becomes a hub of activity, complemented by the welcoming Mini Moritz children’s club, which offers daily activities such as scavenger hunts, rock pooling, and football on the lawn. In the winter, arts and crafts, cupcake decorating, and movie nights keep young minds and hands busy, ensuring every stay is enjoyable and enriching.
By integrating these outdoor amenities with its wellness focus, St Moritz ensures guests enjoy a holistic relaxation experience, balancing physical activity with restful tranquility in a picturesque seaside setting.
The accommodation at St Moritz has been meticulously designed to enhance the hotel’s wellness focus, offering a variety of options to suit every taste and ensure a holistic relaxation experience. Luxury bedding, fluffy white robes, and Cowshed flip-flops and products add a touch of sophistication and comfort, enhancing the wellness experience and ensuring guests feel pampered throughout their stay.
For those seeking flexible accommodation, individual or interconnected room pods are available. Each pod includes a suite, a king room, and a cosy room, forming an apartment connected by a private hallway. These pods offer a contemporary villa ambiance, perfect for groups or families, blending privacy with communal spaces.
St Moritz’s accommodation extends further with coastal villas, 15 apartments, and an off-site house, ensuring every guest can find the perfect setting to unwind and rejuvenate All those staying have access to host of activites and facilities; a fully equipped gym, tennis court, ping-pong, croquet lawn and wellness facilities, to name just a few. There is also direct access to the South West Coast Path from the hotel, or guests are welcome to use the convenient e-shuttle service to nearby Polzeath, Rock, and Daymer, ensuring a relaxing break in an unbeatable location.
St Moritz Hotel is delighted to welcome Chef De Cuisine, Jake Arthur Grove this season. With a wealth of culinary expertise garnered from top establishments including the Michelin Starred Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen in Port Isaac, Jake’s appointment promises an elevated dining experience reflective of the region’s culinary heritage.
Aligning with the hotel’s wellness ethos, menus at both the Seaside Pool Club and the Shorecrest Restaurant are crafted to nourish guests. Chef Jake utilises the freshest seafood, locally reared meat and a variety of vegetables, letting the market dictate the daily menus which are based on ingredient freshness. For a relaxed, al-fresco dining experience, the Seaside Pool Club is the perfect destination, while a new three-course menu at the Shorecrest Restaurant offers gastronomic delights complemented by St Moritz’s renowned impeccable service.
Guests can also indulge in Camel Valley’s award-winning wines, sourced less than 15 miles from the hotel, featured on a carefully curated wine list. Bar Manager Andy crafts a cocktail culture that transitions from light aperitifs to rich after-dinner drinks, adding to the culinary experience.
All of the St Moritz Hotel and Cowshed Spa options are available to book via www.stmoritzhotel.co.uk or by calling 01208 862242. The new spa facilities opened in June 2024.