SEVAN Spa at The Idle Rocks

At The Idle Rocks, fitness comes with fresh sea air and stunning views, guaranteed! Whether you’re hiking, paddleboarding or simply strolling along the coastline, you’ll keep fit and burn calories, without ever stepping onto a treadmill. And with Sevan Spa’s holistic treatments waiting for you, you can pair your coastal adventures with a deeply relaxing ritual., 

Lace up your walking boots and explore the Roseland Peninsula, where gentle coastal paths lead to hidden coves. Take a leisurely stroll to St Anthony Head for panoramic sea views and a historic lighthouse, or venture further along the South West Coast Path for a longer, more challenging hike. Prefer two wheels? The quiet country lanes around St Mawes are perfect for cycling, with plenty of picturesque pit stops. 

But with direct access to the gentle, sheltered waters around St Mawes, The Idle Rocks is a dream for watersports lovers. Try kayaking, paddleboarding or sailing, or simply take a dip in the sea. And to make your post-swim experience even better, you’ll find soft beach towels in every room.

It’s not just the sea views that steal the show at The Idle Rocks – it’s the exceptional food and drink you’ll find at the celebrated Reef Knot Restaurant. Whether you’re sipping something chilled on the wrap-around terrace, indulging in a Cornish seafood feast, or unwinding with a perfectly crafted cocktail, every meal here is an occasion.

Stop for a drink at the bar. A destination in its own right, you can while away the evening watching expert mixologists shake up drinks from an extensive cocktail menu – or create bespoke concoctions tailored to your every whim.

Next, it’s time for dinner. Still not sure what to order? Well, with the harbour right outside the door serving as your larder, it would be a shame not to sample the seafood! From Cornish octopus to Cornish cod, you might even have spotted your dinner being landed on the quay earlier on, fresh from the day’s catch.

This is Cornwall on a plate, where the menu is a celebration of the region’s finest produce, sourced locally and seasonally. But while the ingredients are exceptional and the quality of the cuisine undeniably high, the atmosphere is laid-back and relaxed. Dining here is all about enjoying great food, great company – and those unbeatable coastal views.

No, there’s no swimming pool or wet facilities at Sevan Spa. But it really doesn’t need one, because the ultimate infinity pool is right outside, and it’s called the Atlantic Ocean!

Nestled right on the waterfront in St Mawes, The Idle Rocks offers direct access to the sea, meaning you can swim even at low tide from the beach and rocks below the hotel. Worried you won’t be able to brave it? You will, we promise! Thanks to St Mawes’ unique microclimate, the waters here are calm, sheltered and surprisingly mild. And to make your seaside swim even more luxurious, soft beach towels are provided in every room, so you can wrap up in comfort.

Absolutely! The beautifully boutique Idle Rocks has 19 rooms, each bursting with seaside charm. Individually styled by owner Karen Richards – an interior designer with exceptionally good taste – interiors are effortlessly stylish, with that chic and understated New England beach vibe. Seeing your name written on a small blackboard sign hung on the door is a lovely touch.

Grand Seaview rooms are bright and spacious, and let you wake up to panoramic vistas. Some Seaview rooms feature a stunning juliette balcony to make the most of the fresh air. Cosy rooms are comfortable yet elegant, with Hypnos beds, soft linens and coastal-inspired décor.

But no matter which room category you choose, you can expect plenty of life’s little luxuries, including soft beach towels, full-size Aromatherapy Associates toiletries and plush robes and slippers.

Here on an overnight stay? Lucky you. Check in is from 3pm (and could be earlier if your room is available). Check out is before 11am, but you may be able to arrange to leave later if you ask.

St Mawes isn’t just packed with seaside charm. Its sheltered position provides a unique microclimate, with mild temperatures and gentle seas. As such, it’s a sailor’s paradise, where you can hop on a boat and cruise the Fal Estuary, learn to sail on the Osprey, take a scenic ferry ride to Falmouth or kayak along the Roseland Peninsula. 

More of a history lover? Explore the hidden passageways of St Mawes Castle, a Tudor fortress built by Henry VIII to defend against invasion. Take a coastal walk along the Roseland Peninsula to discover hidden coves, or take a leisurely walk to St Anthony Head, where you’ll find a historic lighthouse. And if you’re looking for a unique souvenir, St Mawes is home to independent galleries, showcasing local artists and coastal-inspired creations. 

Sevan Spa is a grown-up escape where relaxation reigns supreme. As such, it’s only for those aged 18 and over. But while the spa is reserved for adults, families are more than welcome at The Idle Rocks. 

With one spacious family room, little ones have plenty of space to settle in. Soft, oversized beach towels are provided for sandy adventures, and direct beach access means kids can build sandcastles, explore rockpools, paddle in the shallows and play to their heart’s content. The hotel even has a playroom filled with fancy dress costumes to spark little imaginations.

While the ground-floor bar, lounge and restaurant are all accessible, and the hotel has one accessible bedroom, accessibility is somewhat limited at Sevan Spa. This is due to the historic nature of the building. Guests with specific needs are encouraged to contact the hotel in advance to discuss any requirements. 

For those looking to explore St Mawes, the town is relatively compact, but some steep inclines and cobbled streets may pose challenges to wheelchair users. 

What’s a seaside escape without your four-legged friend? At The Idle Rocks, well-behaved dogs get a proper Cornish welcome in two ground-floor bedrooms in the hotel’s adjoining cottage. For a one-off fee of £30 they’ll get a cosy dog bed, welcome treats, a water bowl and maps of local walks. 

While dogs aren’t allowed in the public areas of the hotel, including the restaurant, terrace, and lounge, you can still dine with your dog at The Idle Rocks’ sister hotel, The St Mawes Hotel, just across the harbour.

No, there’s no golf course at The Idle Rocks. Your nearest option is Truro Golf Club, just 45 minutes away by car. This beautiful parkland course offers 18 holes of rolling fairways, set against the backdrop of Cornwall’s lush countryside. You don’t need a membership – visitors are welcome to pay and play.