The Headland
Looking for a calm coastal oasis? where traditional style and service meets contemporary spa and wellness? where you can catch a beautiful sunset on a former film set? Cornwall’s Headland Hotel and Aqua Club might be just the ticket for that seaside spa break.
The lowdown
When you first catch a glimpse of Newquay’s imposing Headland Hotel, perched on the rugged cliffs overlooking Fistral beach, it doesn’t immediately scream ‘luxury spa hotel’ – more “er, does this place remind you of the hotel in that film The Witches?” But this popular Victorian pile now boasts a multi-million-pound, award-winning, luxury spa and wellness centre – The Aqua Club. With six pools and a stunning sea view sun terrace, it’s a great choice for a coastal spa escape – either for a spa day or staycation.
Spavellous for
Families, dog lovers, keen swimmers, surfers, active types, teens
Spa info
The Headland’s spa offering is impressive, consisting of the recently updated original hotel spa, plus cosy cottages, and the new, architecturally awesome Aqua Club.
The original spa has a decent sized hydrotherapy pool, a traditional Swedish sauna, Cornish salt steam room, indoor hot tub, and aromatherapy showers.
The new Aqua Club takes the spa to the next level. It’s a beautifully designed purpose-built space using natural materials to reflect, and make the most of, its coastal location.
There are three indoor pools:
• 25-metre training pool
• Indoor hydrotherapy pool (adult only)
• dedicated children’s splash pool – with hydraulic pool lift aid for anyone with mobility issues
Plus, outside:
• heated sunset spa and edge pools – sheltered, with a sun terrace and sea views
• heated outdoor vitality pool
Under 12s aren’t allowed in the hydrotherapy pool, vitality pool or the sunset spa pool. 12-
16s can use the pools but need to have an adult with them.
Other facilities include:
• 6 treatment rooms – including two doubles, each with their own shower
• Relaxation room
There’s also a VIP suite with its own hot tub/jacuzzi if you fancy some privacy
3-hour Aqua Club sessions are bookable for £30, less for kids. Aqua Club access is free to hotel and cottage guests. And robes are available for day guests to hire.
Treatment highlights
The spa offers a full range of Elemis spa treatments, including classic facials and massages.
If you’re looking for top-to-toe pampering and relaxation, the Headland’s signature Wave Ritual soothes body and soul with five mini rituals, including a foot ritual, circulation-boosting body brushing, a bespoke massage targeted to your needs, a tension-soothing scalp massage and glow boosting mini facial.
For fans of something a little firmer, the herbal poultice-powered Muscle Release delivers soothing warmth deep into the muscles.
Other favourites include pre and post-natal treatments, couples treatments – delivered in the divine dual treatment suite – and dedicated treatments for men.
Rooms
The hotel has 95 classically decorated rooms, many with a sea view, and several suites plus fabulously positioned self-catering cottages. The dog-friendly policy extends to much of the accommodation too – check with the bookings team for details.
Hotel rooms range from the aptly named ‘cosy’ to the altogether more spacious ‘best’ and ‘splendid’ rooms boasting four-posters. It’s worth splashing out on a sea-view balcony room if you can.
Several bedrooms are suitable for wheelchair users and there are lifts to all floors.
The Headland’s popular self-catering cottages offer flexible accommodation and are perfect for multi-generational family groups. And, if you’re staying in a cottage, you get full access to the hotel facilities, including the spa. Cottage accommodation ranges from one to three bedrooms, with sea views and outside space, and some have their own hot tubs.
Wining and Dining
There’s something for everyone at the Headland on the food front.
The Deck serves up Mediterranean classics, RenMor delights with fresh, seasonal favourites and Adam Handling’s elevated Ugly Butterfly is due to alight very soon
why so spavellous?
The family run Headland Hotel has a unique ambiance and friendly service, and the new Aqua Club makes it a real sanctuary by the sea. Plus, if you’re bringing your four-legged friend, it has one of the most relaxed dog policies around. Children are made similarly welcome and even have their own swimming pool.
For any active types in your group, there’s tennis, golf, and water sports on the doorstep.
spavellous tips
If you’re planning on using the pools, it’s worth checking whether you need to book your swim slot in advance.
For staycationers, why not try a surf lesson or coasteering at the Headland’s own Surf Sanctuary – ask for Dom.
Spa Goers say...
‘LOVE the new spa! The original spa was good, but the Aqua Club is next level!!’
‘booked a Mud Rassoul and couple’s massage for my girlfriend’s birthday and both were
great’
‘I recently spent a day at the Aqua Club for a friend’s birthday. We loved the spa and
cocktails and it was pretty affordable too compared to other spas’