The Idle Rocks Hotel & Restaurant

The Best Hotels in the United Kingdom: 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards

"St. Mawes is one of Cornwall’s prettiest harbor villages, and The Idle Rocks has a grandstand view of the bay from the glistening waterfront. This relaxed but luxurious Relais & Chateaux is simply elegant, and exclusive enough that you’ll need to book well in advance. The hotel has 19 bright and airy bedrooms, most with a sea view, each subtly different and designed with utmost attention to detail—from perfect cotton sheets to fresh flowers in vases and televisions set in mirrors. The walls are lifted by local artwork, and colorful bedspreads and upholstered armchairs bring added charm. Bathrooms have lavender-scented Aromatherapy Associates products, some with standalone tubs. Downstairs, there’s a terrace for cocktails and dinner throughout the summer, while a fire crackles in the lounge in colder months. And then there’s the food: The Idle Rocks is known for its destination restaurant and head chef Dorian Janmaat (formerly of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons) is one of the reasons why. Seasonality and sustainability are at the heart of his cooking, and all meat, fish and dairy come from Cornwall, his home county. Dine al fresco, then take it all in on lots of beautiful walks, kayaking in the bay, and fishing trips. It’s a short stroll to St. Mawes Castle, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are a short drive away." - Ramsay Short