Idyllic doesn’t cover this small but perfectly-formed spa hotel, if we’re talking the rugged natural beauty of Britain’s seascapes that is. Having undergone significant refurbishment of its public areas and guest rooms over the past couple of years, the Carbis Bay Hotel has further enhanced its offering with a state-of-the-art spa facility realised by spa consultancy firm,”Spa Creators. Hospitality Interiors’ Gemma Ralph reviews her experience at the C Bay Spa.
Whether you’re the hardy outdoors type or the kind that would prefer to observe Mother Nature’s beauty from the safety of a cosy sitting room – the year-round beauty and rejuvenating power of this small town on the”North Coast of Cornwall would surely be lost on no-one.
Looking out over its own Blue Flag Beach, and advantageously situated in a sheltered bay, the Carbis Bay Hotel certainly shares in St Ives’ timeless charm. Indeed, despite arriving on a fresh January afternoon – when much of the UK was being battered by storms – the clean air and distant sound of waves breaking on the shore were enough to convince me that this was not purely a seasonal retreat.
The new spa facilities are part of a wider £1.5m investment by father and son owners of the Carbis Bay Hotel, Malcolm and Stephen Baker. Despite it being a relatively difficilt period in which to invest, the pair are confident that the development will benefit the tourism economy in St Ives, provide more jobs for local people and, of course, attract greater year-round business for the hotel.
Open to hotel guests and the general public alike, the spa is a haven in the true sense of the word. The main reception and hospitality area is a soft, neutral space that really sets the tone for a relaxing experience. Complete with a Ruinart Champagne bar, this area features a comfortable seating area, with squashy armchairs and booths in pale creams and greys.
On the same floor are the changing facilities – equipped with a luxurious shower, decorative lockers and plentiful organic-themed materials and accessories – and a private corner used for cosmetic treatments, manicures and pedicures.
Upon arrival we were guided up to the cosy relaxation lounge to await our treatments, the floor-to-ceiling glass windows revealing breathtaking views of the bay as we sipped our champagne.
Natural materials and motifs are abundant in this uplifting lounge area, from the creams, whites and greys of the relaxation chairs and soft furnishings, to the delicately-dappled wallpaper and striking stone fireplace surround. The stylish Norwegian Bio Ethanol Fire provides a clement heat during the winter months, while the adjoining ocean-view balcony and decking area – complete with white, ergonomical c-shaped swing chairs from Thomas Bramwell – creates additional seating during high-season.
“the warm cream tones of the candle-lit walls, coupled with the earthy tone of the storage cabinets, pebbled shower surround and heather-coloured soft furnishings, create a cocoon-like feel that is greatly comforting.”
A low-lit corridor off the relaxation lounge leads to C Bay Spa’s various treatment rooms, among them a luxurious hydrotherapy room and a couple’s treatment room. A full complement of treatments – from facials and massages to body scrubs, wraps and signature bath rituals – is offered.
In line with C Bay Spa’s holistic approach to treatments, the interiors of these treatment rooms are relatively minimalistic in style so as not to detract from the therapy itself. Despite this, the warm cream tones of the candle-lit walls, coupled with the earthy tone of the storage cabinets, pebbled shower surround and heather-coloured soft furnishings, create a cocoon-like feel that is greatly comforting.
Aside from the peaceful treatment rooms, guests can make use of the spa’s outside facilities, including a sauna and heated outdoor swimming pool. The Ocean Spa pool, with its striking stone surround, is however the main centrepiece. Designed by Spa Creators using eco-friendly and recycled materials, the pool allows guests to while away the hours against this beautiful Atlantic backdrop – even on a brisk January afternoon.
All in all, the C Bay Spa offers everything you would expect from a luxury facility – but it is the attention to detail and the cohesive flow of the space that is most impressive – that, and a bit of Cornish charm!
