“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.
Welcome to Cornwall
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
Great place to spend half-term break! I wish I could just pack my bag and go there right now.
#MondayEscapes
Cornwall is so on my list! Nice digs 🙂 #mondayescapes
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/
Wow, this really looks amazing! #Mondayescapes
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
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
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
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!
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
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! 🙂
Oh the grounds and rooms look so inviting. And those custard tarts! St Ives looks like a winner for us!
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!
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.
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!
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