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February half-term break in Cornwall: Una St Ives Review

Blog· Travel

4 Feb

“I think I can see the sea!!!!”

*sounds of shrieks of delight from the back of the camper van

It had been a long drive, but all is immediately forgotten as we spy a glimpse of those Cornish waters glistening in the sunshine. We had arrived in Cornwall, and were heading to Una St Ives – our home for the next few days. Here is our Una St Ives review.

#Ad press trip/review stay

Welcome to Cornwall

  • Welcome to Cornwall
    • Una St Ives review 
    • Una St Ives – Leisure facilities
    • Una St Ives Spa – The Retreat Spa
    • Una Kitchen
    • Things to do in St Ives
    • Porthmeor Beach
    • Tate St Ives
    • Rock pooling and seal watching at Godrevy

I love Cornwall. I love the beautiful turquoise waters. I love the stunning beaches. I love the independent, quirky shops and the abundance of restaurants and coffee shops dotted along the cobbled streets. It was February half term, and it had been particularly cold and wet up until now. We were all longing for a bit of sunshine, sea air, rest and relaxation…and days spent on coastal walks… sporting sandy windswept hair and weathered cheeks.

Una St Ives review 

We had been invited to stay at Una St Ives for four nights. Una St Ives is a development of 1, 2 3 and 4 bedroom properties situated on the edge of St Ives. The stunning Carbis Bay coastline is just a mile away and the white sands and cobbled streets of St Ives are just a five minute drive from the resort.

On arrival at the resort, I instantly sensed a feeling of calm. An impressive wood clad building stood to the front of the entrance, and we then spied a collection of delightful properties dotted around the resort…29 in total – giving a definite intimate feel to the resort. We were staying in a four bedroom property. Once we had been given our keys, armed with a map of the resort, we headed over to find our property. On opening the door and stepping inside – I have to say we were wowed. The luxury home had around 33 foot of  living space, with a stunning open plan kitchen diner, large sitting room with TV and wood burner, ground floor cloakroom and WC, giving us plenty of space to spread out, relax and enjoy our break. I really do love an open plan living space, I find it really works for families. The kitchen was fully equipped with cooking utensils, crockery, and there was a cooker, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine. Everything you need for your holiday. The stylish decor was contemporary and modern, there was ample space and the accommodation was immaculately presented.

Upstairs led to four beautiful double bedrooms, all individually and beautifully decorated. There was a master bedroom with an ensuite, three other bedrooms; two with double beds, one with twin single beds. The family bathroom had both a bath and a free standing shower. Inside the master bedroom, there was a TV, and patio doors, leading out onto a balcony equipped with table and chairs, to sit outside and enjoy the views and the Cornish sunshine – whatever the temperature.



Una St Ives – Leisure facilities

There is everything here to allow you to escape from the chaos and daily routine and relax and unwind. We made full use of the leisure and fitness suite – every day. There is a well equipped gym, fitness classes to enjoy, and an indoor heated pool with a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. I loved the fact that there was a small children’s pool – 0.45m deep…this was just perfect for toddlers and babies to enjoy. Access to the leisure facilities are complimentary for guests staying at Una St Ives.

Swimming pool – photo courtesy of Una St Ives

The grounds of Una St Ives are immaculate, with well kept gardens, decking areas, stone walls  and pushchair friendly (and scooter friendly) pathways. There is a play park for the children, with deck chairs and hammocks dotted around. They have thought of everything here for adults and children alike, providing a resort for ultimate escapism and relaxation. The girls absolutely loved it – particularly the play park and the swimming pool.

Una St Ives Spa – The Retreat Spa

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Una St Ives Spa for an hour of relaxation, and well…. ‘me time’. Something that I honestly never find the time for. The Retreat Spa is a beautiful luxurious addition to the resort that allows you to relax and indulge yourself. Step inside to the oasis of calm and you can’t help but notice the stunning contemporary and stylish decor. I loved the seaside twist to the decoration, the calming colours, low lighting and drift wood sculptures. A beautiful setting to enjoy some well deserved pampering. I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute of a 45 minute facial while my wonderful husband occupied the kids back at the property.

The Retreat Spa

The Retreat Spa

M O N D A Y – wishing I was back spending an hour or two in this gorgeous spa…. but no- it’s back to the work and school run dash for us. I’ll just keep dreaming of relaxation… family time… sunny walks … beach days… and those twinkling turquoise waters. ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ #hosted @una.stives @stivestourism #cornwall #coastallove #cornishcoast #cornishlife #ilovecornwall #relaxation #metime #ukexplore #spa #myhappycapture #stives #carbisbay #travel #traveldeeper #traveldiaries #ig_captures #ig_travel #beautifuldestinations #beautifulbritain

A post shared by MrsS (@otisandus.blog) on Feb 26, 2018 at 12:05pm PST

The Retreat Spa is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. However, other days may be available. Please enquire for a list of treatments and to book.

Una Kitchen

We love to have an opportunity to eat out as a family – when we can. For us, we try to set aside time each month to head out and grab a breakfast, or an evening meal…giving us a night off cooking, and allowing us to sit and enjoy time together as a family without the distractions of computers, tablets, TV and toys. For us eating out is a real treat, so we loved the opportunity to visit Una Kitchen. The food was delicious. Una kitchen offers mediterranean inspired cuisine wood fired in a Gozney oven. They also offer a children’s menu and colouring pens, books and paper available for the kids. I love little touches like this that make eating out with young children easier. I can highly recommend the wood fired pizzas –  simply delicious. We also popped in one morning for a cooked breakfast which was a great start to the day. With menu choices including pancakes and fresh fruit, cooked full Cornish breakfast, a vegetarian cooked breakfast and kids’ cooked breakfast options there is something to suit all requirements.

Una Kitchen

Una Kitchen

Things to do in St Ives

Carbis Bay is a seaside resort and village and lies on the western coast of St Ives Bay. Carbis Bay Beach is a beautiful award winning beach, situated just 1 mile away –  within walking distance from the resort.

St Ives is a five minute drive away. Here you will find an abundance of restaurants, cafes, independent shops and beautiful beaches. We can highly recommend the Cornish pasties from The Cornish Bakery, and we loved The Digey Food Room… not to mention those beautiful beaches….

The Cornish Bakery

The Drill Hall

Porthmeor Beach

An award winning sandy beach, popular with surfers and families, just a stones throw from the centre of St Ives, and situated just below Tate St Ives.

Porthmeor Beach

Tate St Ives

You can’t visit St Ives without visiting the iconic Tate St Ives gallery.

S N O W. I love the stuff… but much prefer to sit in the warmth and admire its beauty from the comfort of my chair.. anyone else with me here? This was taken last week during our trip to St Ives. We had such a lovely morning visiting Tate! Do you have any plans for the weekend?! . . . . #cornwall #TateStIves #tatekids #modernart #art #ukexplore #ig_captures #culture #beautifuldestinations #photooftheday #travelphotography #daysoutwithkids #takeyourkidseverywhere #snowscene #snow #travel #beautifulbritain #myfamilyadventures #mycolourfulkids #funseekingkids #cameramama #fearlessfamtrav #travelmadfam #culturedkids

A post shared by MrsS (@otisandus.blog) on Mar 1, 2018 at 10:52pm PST

Rock pooling and seal watching at Godrevy

This was one of my favourite beaches… set at the far end of St Ives Bay it is one of the most exposed beaches on the Cornish North Coast.

Godrevy Lighthouse

We absolutely loved every minute of our few days in Cornwall, so much so we are already planning our next visit in the Summer …..

For more information head over St Ives Cornwall Tourism Association online

**Disclosure – We were invited to stay at Una St Ives for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

Do you love Cornwall as much as we do?

Do you have a favourite beach or attraction for us to add to our list next time we visit?

Pin for later

February Half-term break in Cornwall #familytravel #UKbreaks #StIves #Selfcatering

A week in Cornwall Uni St Ives Review #Familytravel #UKtravel #weekendbreaks #UnaResort #StIves

I love to hear what you think of my blog, do leave a comment. You can find us over on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

17 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Claire @ the ladybirds adventures says

    March 5, 2018 at 2:47 am

    Looks like you had an amazing time. Una looks beautiful and perfect for families. I’d love to visit Cornwall. you were very lucky with the weather.

    Reply
  2. Esther says

    March 5, 2018 at 8:02 am

    I simply adore Cornwall and I’d love to go back someday!! It’s so beautiful. I love where you stayed. (And I can’t wait to have some proper scones, clotted cream and jam in Cornwall, it’s just the best).
    #MondayEscapes

    Reply
  3. Sandra says

    March 5, 2018 at 9:00 am

    Great place to spend half-term break! I wish I could just pack my bag and go there right now.
    #MondayEscapes

    Reply
  4. beatravelling says

    March 5, 2018 at 10:13 am

    Cornwall is so on my list! Nice digs 🙂 #mondayescapes

    Reply
  5. Martin Bellamy says

    March 5, 2018 at 11:28 am

    We love St Ives – you’ve inspired me to think about repeating our trip there in 2015.

    http://c13mpr.com/2015/09/28/as-i-was-going-to-st-ives/

    Reply
  6. Annabel says

    March 5, 2018 at 6:59 pm

    Wow, this really looks amazing! #Mondayescapes

    Reply
  7. Claire at Tin Box Traveller says

    March 5, 2018 at 8:56 pm

    You know I adore Cornwall. It was sad that we only just overlapped for this visit. Maybe we can be better coordinated for a summer meet up?! What a beautiful place to stay and I love all the facilities. The spa must have been such a treat – a whole 45 minutes of bliss! You’re pictures are reminding me of how utterly beautiful Cornwall is in the sunshine. We picked the right week to visit! #MondayEscapes

    Reply
  8. Zoe says

    March 5, 2018 at 10:31 pm

    I loved following your stay through your posts on Instagram…this is absolutely my cup of tea. The holiday accommodation at Una looks so sleek. Plus spa for you…play areas for the kids. Smiles all round! #MondayEscapes

    Reply
  9. CHLOE CILIBERTO says

    March 7, 2018 at 8:44 pm

    This is literally around the corner from my house. We love their pool and spa and the food is so delicious! It looks like you had such a gorgeous holiday. It’s such a fun place for kids isn’t it? 🙂 x

    Reply
  10. Lisa (Travel Loving Family) says

    March 8, 2018 at 10:13 pm

    Oh wow what a stunning place for a family break. The spa sounds and looks stunning. I’m glad you got some lovely you time, its so difficult to fit it in isn’t it. The Una St Ives sounds like a hidden gem of a place!

    Reply
  11. Sarah Chrsitie says

    March 8, 2018 at 10:37 pm

    Oh wow I have never been to St Ives and this looks so beautiful, what a gorgeous lodge so cozy and the views looks amazing what a beautiful area x

    Reply
  12. Emma Raphael says

    March 9, 2018 at 10:00 am

    That looks like such a gorgeous place to stay, and the fact that it’s in Cornwall too – wonderful! It’s just so beautiful there! When we arrived back in the UK last year it was grey and miserable (and let’s face it, Cambridge is pretty flat!) and our kids were so upset that we had torn them away from beautiful Bavaria, so we booked a few days in Cornwall and that really really helped! 🙂

    Reply
  13. Carrie - Flying With A Baby says

    March 10, 2018 at 10:36 am

    Oh the grounds and rooms look so inviting. And those custard tarts! St Ives looks like a winner for us!

    Reply
  14. TraveLynn Family - Jenny says

    March 10, 2018 at 3:52 pm

    We really need to explore Cornwall more. It’s just so far from Kent and with beaches on our doorstep, we just haven’t made it. But your photos are just beautiful and certainly tempting me to book a trip down there!

    Reply
  15. Chloe: Picture Taker Memory Maker says

    March 11, 2018 at 8:06 am

    Oh Katy it looks absolutely gorgeous! I’m not sure that I’ve ever been to St Ives even though we visit Cornwall every single year – I think I might have to add it to our itinerary for our next visit in a month or so’s time. Una St Ives looks like the perfect, luxurious place to stay as well – they’ve really thought of everything haven’t they? It looks like you had a lovely time.

    Reply
  16. Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me) says

    March 13, 2018 at 1:36 pm

    This place looks incredible! Really lovely for a family stay. I’m not surprised you wowed when you walked into the place. And now I’m hungry for the Full Cornish!

    Reply
  17. Zena's Suitcase says

    March 14, 2018 at 5:09 pm

    I completely agree with you, Cornwall is just a great place to go on holiday and didn’t we have great weather that week. This holiday accommodation looks amazing, we would happily consider a stay here as your photos look amazing

    Reply

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Vanlife Family • Travel


Ad🌟Top Tip 🌟

Fairy lights dotted around a
Ad🌟Top Tip 🌟

Fairy lights  dotted around a climbing frame
 
= A few more extra hours outside over the winter months 

Add in a flurry of snow ....

#1000hoursoutside 

#wickeyadventure #wickeyplaytime #lockdown3


🚐Vanlife with kids 🚐

I often get messages a
🚐Vanlife with kids 🚐

I often get messages asking “where do you all sleep” and where did your toddler or baby  sleep in the camper ?

We bought our #t5 when our eldest was just 2, and we have had to adapt as our family has grown. We didn’t have the roof converted until much later so we tried a fair few sleeping options! 

I thought It might be helpful if I listed all of the sleeping options we have tried in our vwT5 because I often get questions about sleeping options with young kids.

⭐️Our new born baby slept in a sleepyhead in the camper as it was easily transportable and worked as  crib.

⭐️ We then found a deluxe travel cot that fit perfectly at the base of our rib bed and this worked from about 6 months 

⭐️We then moved on to a toddler inflatable air bed placed again at the bottom of our bed. We  found the toddler beds fit perfectly across the width of the van 

⭐️moving on we purchased a hammock that fitted over just the driver and passenger seat  and this worked great from about 3+

⭐️ Finally as our family grew... We  had our pop top roof added and the children slept well in the roof. We had a safety net fitted to the opening  of the roof and this allowed all our children to sleep in the roof safely and gave us some peace of mind - particularly as our son was young.

I’ve linked my post in my stories but do let me know if you have tried any other options that work for young children, particularly if you don’t have an elevating roof! Always here if I can help with anything or if you have any questions.

🌈


A vintage rainbow 🌈

Mucho love tonight - hope
A vintage rainbow 🌈 

Mucho love tonight - hope you are all doing okay x


💫Still one of my most favourite captures 💫

💫Still one of my most favourite captures 💫 

Just popping on to wish all of you a Happy New Year 💕

Here we are .... Still hanging out in tier 4, (but hey I have three lovely days off 🤩) we have all got this🙌🏻

For now I’m going to keep dreaming, planning, doing a bit of vanlife shopping and redesigning our campervan 😂 (so if any of you lovely vanlife peeps can share and tag me in a picture of your interiors I would be eternally grateful). 

Hey I may even get this dissertation done 🤣

If it’s okay I’ll keep sharing the little bits in between, and of course our van life tips and tricks over the new year, until we can explore once again. 

Thanks for sticking with us - happy new year to my faves, lots of love and stay safe 

The Otis and Us tribe xxx


🌲 And that’s me signing off for Christmas. 🌲 

Let’s hope 2021 brings some sunshine, plans, adventures and a glimmer of hope. 

To all my lovely friends, family and wonderful vanlife peeps, thanks so much for all the love and support this year. 

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and New year from Otis and Us xxx

Ad / We are still loving our @wickey climbing fram
Ad / We are still loving our @wickey climbing frame, and so grateful to have this wonderful play area in our garden for the kids since the lockdown number two. 

It’s my last day of annual leave today. So we have spent the afternoon adding a few fairy lights to the MultiFlyer climbing frame - sprinkling a bit of magic and festive cheer out in the garden....

Moving on to the the camper next :) it definitely needs some fairy lights and a tree - Don’t you think? 🌲 

#wickeyadventure #wickeyplaytime #vimage


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Ad🌟Top Tip 🌟 Fairy lights dotted around a Ad🌟Top Tip 🌟

Fairy lights  dotted around a climbing frame
 
= A few more extra hours outside over the winter months 

Add in a flurry of snow ....

#1000hoursoutside 

#wickeyadventure #wickeyplaytime #lockdown3
🚐Vanlife with kids 🚐 I often get messages a 🚐Vanlife with kids 🚐

I often get messages asking “where do you all sleep” and where did your toddler or baby  sleep in the camper ?

We bought our #t5 when our eldest was just 2, and we have had to adapt as our family has grown. We didn’t have the roof converted until much later so we tried a fair few sleeping options! 

I thought It might be helpful if I listed all of the sleeping options we have tried in our vwT5 because I often get questions about sleeping options with young kids.

⭐️Our new born baby slept in a sleepyhead in the camper as it was easily transportable and worked as  crib.

⭐️ We then found a deluxe travel cot that fit perfectly at the base of our rib bed and this worked from about 6 months 

⭐️We then moved on to a toddler inflatable air bed placed again at the bottom of our bed. We  found the toddler beds fit perfectly across the width of the van 

⭐️moving on we purchased a hammock that fitted over just the driver and passenger seat  and this worked great from about 3+

⭐️ Finally as our family grew... We  had our pop top roof added and the children slept well in the roof. We had a safety net fitted to the opening  of the roof and this allowed all our children to sleep in the roof safely and gave us some peace of mind - particularly as our son was young.

I’ve linked my post in my stories but do let me know if you have tried any other options that work for young children, particularly if you don’t have an elevating roof! Always here if I can help with anything or if you have any questions.

🌈
A vintage rainbow 🌈 Mucho love tonight - hope A vintage rainbow 🌈 

Mucho love tonight - hope you are all doing okay x
💫Still one of my most favourite captures 💫 💫Still one of my most favourite captures 💫 

Just popping on to wish all of you a Happy New Year 💕

Here we are .... Still hanging out in tier 4, (but hey I have three lovely days off 🤩) we have all got this🙌🏻

For now I’m going to keep dreaming, planning, doing a bit of vanlife shopping and redesigning our campervan 😂 (so if any of you lovely vanlife peeps can share and tag me in a picture of your interiors I would be eternally grateful). 

Hey I may even get this dissertation done 🤣

If it’s okay I’ll keep sharing the little bits in between, and of course our van life tips and tricks over the new year, until we can explore once again. 

Thanks for sticking with us - happy new year to my faves, lots of love and stay safe 

The Otis and Us tribe xxx
🌲 And that’s me signing off for Christmas. 🌲 

Let’s hope 2021 brings some sunshine, plans, adventures and a glimmer of hope. 

To all my lovely friends, family and wonderful vanlife peeps, thanks so much for all the love and support this year. 

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and New year from Otis and Us xxx
Ad / We are still loving our @wickey climbing fram Ad / We are still loving our @wickey climbing frame, and so grateful to have this wonderful play area in our garden for the kids since the lockdown number two. 

It’s my last day of annual leave today. So we have spent the afternoon adding a few fairy lights to the MultiFlyer climbing frame - sprinkling a bit of magic and festive cheer out in the garden....

Moving on to the the camper next :) it definitely needs some fairy lights and a tree - Don’t you think? 🌲 

#wickeyadventure #wickeyplaytime #vimage
If this year has taught us anything, it’s defini If this year has taught us anything, it’s definitely to not take anything for granted. To take each day as it comes and to enjoy the simple things in life, finding  joy in those ordinary moments. 

I don’t need reminding of this but family and friends are everything. As are good old hugs. (I miss hugs!) And plans. Blooming love a plan. 😍

So ill keep on bobbing on here if that’s okay? I’ll keep planning, writing about our campervan adventures and sharing our van life love and outdoor life. Because we have to have hope and we have to keep dreaming.... 

Hope you are all doing okay, sending a virtual hug if you need one this weekend. My inbox is ALWAYS open, always.
🚐 4 years! 🚐 4 years blogging!! Wowzers tha 🚐 4 years! 🚐

4 years blogging!! Wowzers that has flown by!! 

I’ve had lots of new followers lately so thought I would pop on and say hello and tell you a little bit about us.

I’m Katy and I am behind Otis and us travel blog. I started the blog during my maternity leave - really because I love taking photos and wanted  a place that the kids can look back on and to document our van life adventures. I  am a full time specialist nurse and also currently working on an MSc. I am a whirlwind and life is definitely jam packed but I wouldn’t have it any other way :) 

We love our beautiful T5!! We have made so many memories and taken some wonderful roadtrips over the years. We haven’t managed to get out in the van much this year, but hey I’ve still been dreaming ... hopefully next year🤞🏻🤞🏻

We have three free spirited kiddies who love nothing more than a road trip,  sleeping in the poptop roof, exploring, beach life and toasting marshmallows. 

Mr Otis and Us, what can I say? The chilled one who has so much patience😆. He drives the many miles, lives on coffee and never ever says no to my crazy road trips and ideas. 

So here we are - the Otis and Us tribe, popping on to say hi. 
 
Thank you so much for following along, for all your interaction and love. It means the world. I love to hear from you all, every message and every comment. Thank you 🙏🏻 

Hope you will stay with us for 2021 , 

Stay safe 

Katy xx 🌈

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