There’s more to St. Ives than just a pretty beachside town! Did you know that this northern region of Cornwall is a hotspot for artists and writers? In fact, so much of St. Ives’s culture is embedded in art, literature, and its heritage sites. Add in the scenic coastline and you’ve got the perfect creative rural retreat. There’s no doubt that this town’s unique characters make it one of the best holiday resorts on the coast!
St Ives Hot Tub Breaks: Luxury Holiday Cottages & Lodges
Are you an artist looking for the perfect place for your art retreat? Or perhaps a writer in search of a remote cottage to write your stories? Maybe you’re a solo traveller on a quest for rest and relaxation! No matter the occasion, there are many homes in St. Ives to accommodate your needs. From couples to groups, all lodges can fit different parties and include garden spaces, breathtaking views, and luxurious hot tubs. See the top picks below and choose your next weekend home!
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Starboard
Carbis Bay, Cornwall
Sleeps 5 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2
Luxurious villa with panoramic seaside views. Walking distance to Carbis Bay beach and includes access to South West Coast Path.
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Atlantic Watch 7
Carbis Bay, Cornwall
Sleeps 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2
Semi-detached lodging with modern interiors. Coastal views from all windows. Master bedroom designed with private Juliet balcony for romantic moments.
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Gwel An Godrevy
Carbis Bay, Cornwall
Sleeps 6 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3
Spacious open-plan lodge with bi-folding balcony doors. Private patio offers al fresco dining and beautiful ocean view. Best for small families.
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Tremorva
St Ives, Cornwall
Sleeps 8 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3
Three-storey holiday home with breathtaking room views. Enclosed garden with separate utility shed. Space fits large families or groups.
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Boscarne
St Ives, Cornwall
Sleeps 19 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4
Contemporary lodging with wooden accent designs. Wide patio includes outdoor seating and fantastic coastal scenery. Walking distance to shops and pubs.
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Chy Lowen
St Ives, Cornwall
Sleeps 10 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4
Roomy modern home located at one of St. Ives’s residential areas. Generous sun-filled patio with fenced garden. Just a stone’s throw away from Porthmeor Beach.
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Bayside
Carbis Bay, Cornwall
Sleeps 10 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4
Detached luxury home featuring games room and landscaped garden. Outdoor views include west Cornish coast. Pets are welcome.
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Rocky Close
St Ives, Cornwall
Sleeps 8 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4
Stone-walled house with woodburning stove in the sitting room. Private terrace includes BBQ grill and picturesque coastline.
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Fernhill Lodge
Carbis Bay, Cornwall
Sleeps 7 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2
Living room built with vaulted ceiling and skylights. Ample space on patio and balcony for dining and socialising. Perfect spot for weekend breaks.
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Carrack Vean
St Ives, Cornwall
Sleeps 6 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2
Cosy home with coastal-inspired interiors. Beautifully-maintained garden for outdoor activities. Located near Porthminster Beach.
About St Ives & The Area
St. Ives is a coastal town up in the northwest region of Cornwall. In the Cornish language, the town’s name is “Porth Ia” which means “St. Ia’s cove.” The name is derived from the Irish saint Ia of Cornwall who arrived during the fifth century. Over the years, the name evolved and became the St. Ives people know and love today.
When it comes to geography, St. Ives has a very unique location. The town faces St. Ives Bay with a headland that’s also known as “The Island.” Both the Island and the Smeatons Pier protect the harbour from the incoming tide. St. Ives also boasts a long stretch of golden sand consisting of the harbour and Porthminister Beach.
On the other side of town is Porthmeor Beach which runs half a mile long and is frequented by surfers. The town itself is extremely hilly and the streets are lined up with an eclectic mix of cottages and shops. Art galleries, studios, and museums are abundant, and there are lots of beautiful areas for en plein air painting sessions.
Like many coastal towns around Cornwall, St. Ives’s industry largely depends on fishing and mining. However, the town has grown to become an attractive spot for artists and writers, even producing its own group of painters. Much of its history is also attributed to many artists visiting the area over the years.
Once the railway system was established, artists such as William Turner, James Whistler, and Walter Sickert were frequent visitors to St. Ives. Highly-acclaimed writer, Virginia Woolf and her family often stayed in town during the holidays. St. Ives is also referenced in many artworks and literary pieces such as Woolf’s A Sketch of the Past.
There are many buildings devoted to creativity in St. Ives, including a branch of the Tate Gallery, the St. Ives Art Club, and The Sloop Inn. With new studios popping in every year, it’s no surprise the town has maintained its popularity as a favourite artistic seaside getaway.
Things To Do On Your St. Ives Hot Tub Break
There are many things to do in St. Ives, both for artists and enthusiasts alike! The town harbour is always open to guests who want to sketch the view. If you’re up for some visual learning, feel free to pop into Tate St. Ives and look at the wonderful art. And for those who enjoy architecture, there are plenty of buildings within the village that are full of character. Here are other ideas to add to your list the next time you’re at St. Ives:
Learn all about art at Tate St. Ives
Tate St. Ives first opened its doors in 1993 to house Cornish artists and their works. The building is as iconic as the town itself with its imposing circular vestibule, so you won’t miss it! Although visitors peak during the summer, you can visit the gallery from March to October. Its permanent collection includes artists like Alfred Wallis, Marlow Moss, Partou Zia, and Bob Law. After touring the galleries, you can also visit the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. If you’re a big fan of her work, you’ll be delighted to know that the site pays an incredible homage to Hepworth’s artistic contributions.
Take up a pottery class at The Leach Pottery
Another artistic location is The Leach Pottery, a studio and museum showcasing the lives and works of its founders, Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada. And if that’s not impressive enough, you’ll be surprised to learn that the pottery studio is over a hundred years old! The museum offers immersive educational tours and contemporary potter exhibitions for all ages. For guests who want to take their shot at pottery, they also hold several classes and workshops!
Visit the favourite artist hangout spot – The Sloop Inn
Did you know that one of the oldest inns in Cornwall is located in St. Ives? Yes, it’s true! In fact, The Sloop Inn dates back to 1312. Although many renovations have taken place to update the public house, most of its original exteriors remain the same. The place functions today as a traditional pub with outdoor decking for guests. The inn is also the favourite hangout spot of many Cornish artists including Louis Grier whose paintings used to adorn the walls.
Take a stroll along Down-a-long
The Down-a-long or “Downalong” is a local term for the lower part of St. Ives before you reach the Island. This area is a representation of what the town used to look like in the old days. It’s a popular hit with tourists because of the rows of cobbled streets and quaint cottages. So grab your cameras and travel back in time through this scenic village!
Surfs up at Porthmeor Beach
When you want to take a break from painting, grab your surfboard and head over to Porthmeor Beach. While St. Ives isn’t exactly known for watersports, its beaches actually have excellent currents for surfing on all levels. You can also just lay back on the sand and enjoy the sun with the salty breeze blowing on your face!
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