We invited Allison Sadler (@allison_sadler_) and her husband Christian down for a weekend away to experience our adult only beach-side haven in Cornwall. As a returning guest, we knew how much she’d love coming back and oh how right we were…

Cornwall! My favourite place in the world. I’ve been holidaying here for almost 20 years and I never tire of the dramatic, rugged coastline and slow bohemian way of life. As soon as I hit the Atlantic highway I start to feel at home. Over the years I’ve stayed in caravans, cottages and cute apartments and explored ‘a lot’ of different Cornish beaches. From the tropical vibes of Kynance Cove to the laid-back magic at Watergate Bay. All are equally as beautiful in their own unique way but my absolute number one hangout for the last few Summers has been Fistral Beach and not just for the surfer watching either ;) although this place is a surfers dream, you could just choose to bob about on a belly board if you like to take things nice and easy like me! We’ve spent many a family holiday here, sunbathing behind a windbreaker, building sandcastles and eating pasties and cream teas! And now my kids are older, I’m indulging myself in some ‘bucket and spade free grown up time’ with my lovely husband Christian. It’s absolute bliss... especially if you book yourself a stay at the wonderful Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa. I’ve stayed here twice now and couldn’t love it more.

The location is just perfect, situated in the quietest part of Newquay, in a prime position overlooking the stunning Atlantic Ocean and beach ~ be sure to book yourself a sea view room so you can soak up those epic views from your balcony or the bath (yup, you can take in the views from the bathtub too) with a nice cold glass of something sparkling to spoil yourself while you watch those waves come crashing in. It’s worth staying here just for moments like these! This is an adult only hotel and after years of holidaying as a family of four, the peace and quiet feels like an absolute treat and makes for a very relaxing break. From the moment you enter the building, you’ll know it won’t be your last visit. Rooms are contemporary and unfussy, complete with welcome drinks on arrival, white fluffy robes, slippers, personalised gin (available on request) chocolates and ‘exclusive’ fun Fistral beach sunglasses.

The attention to detail is spot on and the service is so warm and friendly, they’ve really thought of everything here and know how to make you feel super special. Once you’ve settled in, you can head to the hotel spa in your gown and slippers and laze about for an hour or two in the indoor pool, sauna and jacuzzi. Or ever fancied having a whole swimming pool to yourself? No problem, in the evenings you can take advantage of booking it exclusively for you. How cool is that! There’s also a gorgeously good offering of treatments available to help you unwind, I chose a rejuvenating facial and a hot stone massage, (both the best I’ve ever had) I barely remember floating back to my room. Cue more wave watching and naps before dinner. And cocktails. Oh my the cocktails, where do I begin. They’re good. Like REALLY good. Do not leave the Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa without trying the Pineapple Caipirinha, one will lead to another and another and I guarantee more magical memories will be made! Can I also recommend the steak and chips for dinner, with mushrooms and creamy peppercorn sauce and sweet oven roasted tomatoes on the side... followed by delicious sticky toffee pudding and ice cream. You’re welcome :) Eaten in the smart Dune Restaurant or if you fancy a more casual affair, you can dine in the Bay Bar. You’re closer to the cocktails there too! Twenty-four hours in and I haven’t had to leave for anything. That’s what I love the most about this place.

Once you’ve parked the car, you honestly won’t need it again for the duration of your stay. There’s enough to explore right on the doorstep to keep you busy (but not too busy) without having to go too far. You can hit the shops, but I suggest giving the mainstream stores and bars on the high street a miss and head off the beaten track instead to discover the cool independent shops and foodie places that are taking up residence in Newquay. There are more and more indies popping up each time we visit hidden amongst the amusements and ice cream parlours and they’re worth seeking out. You’ll be spoilt for choice for brunch if you’ve got any room left after your tasty hotel brekkie but if you do, go to Box & Barber for avocado on toast, Jam Jar Jess’s for vegan cakes and cracking coffee and the PAVILLION bakery for the best pastries in town.

For dinner head to Gilmore’s, you can play crazy golf there while they cook your tacos. The Mexican food here is SO good I’d drive the four hour journey from Birmingham just to eat one of their burritos. Work off brunch with a mooch around MMW Revolver and Bon Bon Fistral, both excellent lifestyle stores, with a gorgeous offering of goodies. Then hit the coastal path, whichever direction you choose, you won’t be disappointed, every road will lead you to ‘another’ breath-taking beach. Crantock, Tolcarne, Porth, Lusty Glaze and Watergate Bay are all close by. That’s if you can bare to tear yourself away from Fistral.

Which is almost impossible. Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa is the kind of place you dream about revisiting or if you’ve never been before, put it at the top of your wish list. My top tip would be to go out of season, the silence is blissful. You can watch the sunrise from your bed and if you’re really lucky, you can take an early morning stroll before the surfers arrive and have the beautiful beach all to yourself. Surely the stuff dreams are made of. Find Allison at allisonsadler.co.uk or follow her on Instagram @allison_sadler_