Review of St Moritz Hotel & Cowshed Spa

Nestled along Cornwall’s dramatic northern coastline, St Moritz Hotel & Cowshed Spa is an exclusive boutique destination set in the tranquil village of Trebetherick. Overlooking the sweeping Padstow Bay and the endless Atlantic beyond, this elegant property offers direct access to some of England’s most celebrated beaches and coastal paths—all within easy reach from your suite. 

With just 48 chic rooms and suites, the St Moritz provides an intimate experience, but also features a collection of self-catering apartments and villas, ideal for families or groups seeking privacy and flexibility. Accommodation options range from cosy doubles to expansive residences accommodating up to eight guests. 

Signature facilities include the renowned Cowshed Spa, temperature-controlled indoor and outdoor pools, a modern fitness centre, tennis and croquet lawns, a supervised kids’ club, two outstanding restaurants, a stylish bar, and seamless access to a curated selection of water sports—surfing, sailing, diving, horse riding, and championship golf are all at your doorstep. 

This is a destination that appeals to discerning couples, families, and anyone yearning for a refined British seaside escape. The hotel’s enviable location places you minutes from Cornwall’s top attractions, such as the Eden Project and the culinary hotspots of Rock and Padstow. 

Trebetherick, with its storybook charm, sits on the right bank of the River Camel, offering a tranquil setting just 37 kilometres from Newquay Airport and 24 kilometres from Bodmin Parkway, the nearest major rail link. The journey from central London to this idyllic corner of Cornwall typically takes around five hours by car. 

The St Moritz Hotel is just two miles from Rock, where a quick ferry ride delivers you to Padstow, a culinary mecca famed for its award-winning restaurants and picturesque harbour views. 

The Eden Project—an international icon for its biomes, art installations, and family attractions—is only 34 kilometres away, making it a perfect day trip. 

This entire region is celebrated for its panoramic coastal scenery, golden beaches, and vibrant seafood culture, with world-class walking trails and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Cornwall, once considered a hidden gem for domestic holidays, now welcomes guests from around the world, drawn by its legendary surf and natural beauty. 

With just 48 individually styled rooms and suites, the St Moritz Hotel delivers a blend of contemporary coastal design and home-from-home comfort. Each guestroom is impeccably maintained, featuring crisp, high-thread-count linens, accent cushions in soft hues, and inviting armchairs for relaxation. Expansive windows and sliding doors fill the spaces with natural light, many opening onto private balconies or patios, some with sweeping sea or garden views. 

King-size beds—convertible to twins—are standard, while family suites can accommodate up to four comfortably, often with additional Z-beds for younger guests. Bathrooms are thoughtfully appointed, offering heated towel rails, plush bathrobes, and signature Cowshed amenities. Most have deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers, with a few compact rooms offering stylish en-suite shower rooms. Hairdryers, straighteners, and ample storage are provided as standard, while complimentary Cowshed flip-flops add a playful touch. 

All accommodations include high-speed Wi-Fi, a full suite of Sky TV channels, and plenty of power and USB outlets for modern travellers. 

Suites and apartments come equipped with fully fitted kitchens—featuring premium appliances such as ovens, microwaves, fridges, dishwashers, washer/dryers, and quality cookware—making self-catering effortless and elegant. Locally sourced milk, tea, coffee, and bottled water are refreshed daily, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to Cornish provenance. 

Daily housekeeping ensures a consistently pristine environment, and select rooms that lack sea views are complemented by access to vibrant private beach huts beside the outdoor pool—a delightful perk. 

Options abound for couples, families, pet owners, and those requiring accessible accommodation. Each room includes its own allocated parking space. 

Whether you prefer serene garden vistas or panoramic ocean outlooks, the guest experience here rivals the world’s finest boutique resorts. The attention to detail and sense of place are simply outstanding. 

Almost every activity imaginable is available either on-site or within a short drive of the St Moritz Hotel. 

The Cowshed Spa, located on the main floor, is the only spa of its kind outside the Soho House group in the UK. Established in Somerset, the Cowshed brand is synonymous with holistic luxury and natural wellness. During our visit, expert therapists delivered bespoke treatments—ranging from rejuvenating facials to soothing CBD oil massages—and the spa menu is updated regularly to reflect current trends in holistic health. It’s essential to book ahead, especially for the sought-after signature rituals. 

The fully equipped gym features state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, with personal trainers available for tailored workouts. 

Families are exceptionally well catered for. The Mini-Moritz kids’ club offers a supervised playroom with video games, films, and creative activities. The outdoor pool complex includes a dedicated children’s pool, and all young guests have access to the heated indoor pool. The hotel organises seasonal nature activities, from guided rockpooling to surfing lessons, and wildlife sightings—dolphins and porpoises are sometimes spotted offshore. 

The aquatic facilities include a trio of indoor pools: a 13-metre lap pool, a family oval pool, and a splash pool for toddlers, all maintained at a comfortable 29–31°C. The wellness area also offers a steam room, sauna, and Jacuzzi for ultimate relaxation. 

From late March through autumn, guests can enjoy the 16-metre outdoor pool, also heated, adjacent to the Seaside Café. Here, poolside lunches and drinks are served, and there’s even a table tennis area for active guests. 

The property boasts a professionally maintained asphalt tennis court, croquet on the main lawn, and a leisure lawn dotted with inviting loungers and colourful beach huts reserved for certain room categories. 

Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the renowned St Enodoc Golf Club—just a 10-minute drive away—offering spectacular links play with Atlantic vistas, club hire, and caddies. Cyclists will find a range of scenic routes, from gentle rides to challenging trails, with the Camel Trail through the award-winning Camel Valley Vineyard being a particular highlight. Sampling the local sparkling rosé is highly recommended. 

The hotel partners with trusted local adventure companies for water sports, yoga, diving (PADI-certified), fishing, and more. Guests can also arrange horse riding and hot air ballooning nearby, ensuring every interest is catered for. 

The property’s prime position offers unrivalled access to Cornwall’s famed walking routes. From the hotel grounds, panoramic estuary and ocean views are ever-present. A leisurely seven-minute walk leads to Greenaway Beach, perfect for families with its safe swimming and rock pools. 

To the north, Polzeath is renowned for its sandy beach, lively restaurants—such as The Cracking Crab—pubs, and shops. Further along the coast, Pentire Point and The Rumps provide some of the region’s most breathtaking viewpoints. 

Heading south, Daymer Bay invites with its gentle sands, followed by Rock, where dining at Paul Ainsworth’s The Mariners is a must. From Rock, water taxis ferry guests to picturesque Padstow, home to Rick Stein’s celebrated eateries and Paul Ainsworth at No. 6, a Michelin-starred culinary experience. 

This slice of Cornwall continues to set the benchmark for luxury coastal holidays in the UK. 

The St Moritz Hotel’s story began in the 1930s, when a grand private residence was constructed on the current site. During WWII, the estate served as a boarding school before being transformed into a guesthouse. 

Inspired by the Alpine luxury of the original St Moritz in Switzerland, founder Richard Underwood named the hotel in homage to his travels. The present-day St Moritz Hotel reopened in 2008 after a meticulous redesign, which drew on classic Art Deco influences—think clean lines, geometric forms, and a sense of understated glamour reminiscent of Burgh Island or The Savoy. Guests familiar with Miami Beach’s iconic architecture will appreciate the subtle nods to this design language. 

The hotel’s whitewashed exterior is accented by carefully curated landscaping, creating a sense of order and escape. Interiors are bright and minimalist, with expansive windows flooding communal areas—reception, restaurants, and bar—with natural light, ensuring a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere at all times. 

St Moritz Hotel offers two restaurants and two bars, their operation tailored to the season. 

The main Shorecrest restaurant, elevated on the first floor, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner year-round. Mornings begin with a choice of à la carte or buffet breakfast, spotlighting locally sourced produce expertly prepared to order by the kitchen team. 

Lunch features a relaxed menu of British favourites—think fresh fish and chips, gourmet burgers, and artisan pizzas—followed by indulgent Cornish ice cream or gelato. 

Afternoon tea is a visual and culinary treat, blending sweet and savoury delights. Pre-booking (48 hours’ notice) is required for this event, which includes an array of cakes, pastries, sandwiches, scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam, alongside your selection of tea, coffee, Prosecco, or Champagne. 

Evenings showcase the creative flair of Executive Chef Jonathan Domé, who crafts a new menu each day, drawing on the freshest local ingredients. Dishes are inventive and playful—recent highlights included monkfish curry, tandoori lamb pizza, and crispy duck with honeyed bacon. The concise menu usually offers four starters, mains, and desserts, but the kitchen is happy to accommodate dietary preferences or special requests. During the summer, themed menus such as Earth, Land and Sea allow guests to mix and match vegetarian, meat, and seafood dishes. The bar menu’s scallop thermidor is a perennial favourite. 

The Seaside Café opens from spring onwards, serving upmarket casual fare—lobster, oysters, king prawns, salads, wood-fired pizzas, and an excellent vegetarian selection. 

Guests can choose between the main bar (adjacent to Shorecrest) and the Seaside Café Bar, both offering an impressive selection of Champagne, Cornish sparkling wines, spirits, creative cocktails, ciders, and craft beers. The Shorecrest Bar’s large balcony is a prime spot for sunset drinks. 

St Moritz is committed to supporting local producers, and this dedication is evident in every dish and drink. Even self-catering guests are encouraged to experience the culinary excellence of Shorecrest and the Seaside Café at least once during their stay. 

In a region renowned for its Michelin-starred and celebrity-chef restaurants, Domé and his team have carved out a distinctive and memorable gastronomic identity. 

The St Moritz Hotel demonstrates an ongoing commitment to sustainability through a range of green initiatives. The property operates an electric shuttle service and provides multiple EV charging points for guests. Both the indoor and outdoor pools, as well as the kitchen’s hot water, are powered by renewable biomass and solar energy systems. 

The culinary team prioritises local, seasonal produce, ensuring the freshest flavours while reducing food miles. In guest bathrooms, large refillable dispensers of Cowshed products replace single-use plastics, and glass bottles are standard for drinking water. Guests are encouraged to opt out of daily linen and towel changes to further minimise environmental impact. 

St Moritz Hotel actively encourages guests to help protect Cornwall’s pristine beaches, promoting a “leave only footprints” ethos as part of their environmental stewardship. 

• Accommodations: The 48 rooms and suites are masterfully designed, with private balconies or gardens, Cowshed amenities, plush sofas, sumptuous king beds, open-plan living and dining spaces, SkyTV, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, and captivating views. Perfectly suited for couples and families seeking luxury and comfort.
• Scenic Walks: Even those who aren’t avid hikers will be enchanted by the hotel’s direct access to Cornwall’s iconic coast paths. Each stroll rewards you with spectacular vistas, sandy coves, and the region’s untamed beauty—plus, there’s always a charming pub or ice cream parlour nearby for a well-earned treat.
• Service: From housekeeping to the eco-friendly shuttle drivers, the service is warm, attentive, and truly personalised. The team goes above and beyond for guests of all ages (and their pets), offering tailored recommendations for exploring the best of Cornwall.Varun SharmaEditor-In-ChiefBusinessclass 

• Location: The unbeatable setting is a major draw for St Moritz Hotel & Cowshed Spa. With Polzeath to the east, Padstow to the west, and the Atlantic ever-present, it’s a multi-generational destination that appeals to all.
• Generous Space: The hotel excels in offering spacious accommodation and expansive grounds. From open-air leisure lawns to private corners for relaxation, guests enjoy both freedom and privacy. Hammocks, al fresco dining at the Seaside Café, and plenty of green space make lingering irresistible.
• Recreation: St Moritz’s leisure amenities cater to every age. Whether it’s laps in the indoor pool, unwinding in the sauna and steam room, working out in the gym, or enjoying the outdoor pool and Seaside Bar & Café in the warmer months, there’s something for everyone. The croquet lawn and full-size tennis court with ocean views are particular highlights.Hugh RidgwayOwnerSt Moritz Hotel & Cowshed Spa