Book a staycation that delivers indulgence both indoors and out. Abi Manning scouts out luxe summer getaways with fabulous outside spaces
Watergate Lodge, Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Watergate Lodge is the epitome of luxe coastal living, thanks to its epic vistas and sleek Scandi-style interiors.
The striking light-filled house blurs the line between indoors and out, providing guests with a seamless connection to the coast.
A landscaped Mediterranean courtyard garden and generous outdoor social spaces make this a getaway that’s all about alfresco dinners under wide skies, nightcaps around the firepit and stargazing from the roof terrace.
Guests staying at Watergate Lodge (or any other property in Beach Retreats’ Iconic Set) receive a bundle of land&water natural bath and body products, and a £100 voucher towards an organic delivery from The Cornish Food Box Company.
Five bedrooms, plus the proximity of the house to walking paths, the beach, a surf school, restaurants, cafes and shops make this a stonking find for a multi-generational family holiday or group getaway.
Ennys Cornwall, St Hilary, Cornwall
Set in 20 acres of wild pasture and lush gardens complete with sun-dappled outdoor pool, Ennys Cornwall is a Georgian manor farm with four pretty cottages crafted from the former granary and dairy.
The largest of these is Garden Cottage, which offers attractive reverse‑level living for up to four people. Upstairs, a spacious sitting room has views over the gardens. Exterior granite steps lead down to a Mediterranean‑style private terrace with outdoor dining table – ideal for sunny breakfasts and relaxed sundowners.
A cream tea, fresh flowers and a welcome basket of provisions from artisan producers provide additional treats for guests, and are a delicious way to ease into a stay at this enchantingly peaceful spot.
Continue reading to discover more luxe summer getaways
Honeydown, Hatherleigh, Devon
Each of these five handcrafted wooden domes, affectionately known as truffles, provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in woodland wonder.
The truffles – located in 15 acres of woodland – provide snug nests beneath the shelter of oak trees. Planning a romantic hideaway for two? Hang in the hammock, feast alfresco and snuggle by the firepit. Seeking a unique family adventure? Let curious mini minds explore the woods and go wildlife spotting.
Castle Trematonia, Tamar Valley, Cornwall
For a passport to paradise, look no further than this slice of exoticism by the Cornish coast.
Inside, the Georgian manor is a riot of colour and pattern (think grand staircase smothered in leopard print), while, outdoors, acres of subtropical gardens twist around turrets and roll into orchards before leading to a natural pool, sauna and ancient Indian poolhouse.
This is a house of bodacious proportions, sleeping up to 18 in nine sumptuous bedrooms. If you can drag yourself away from the luscious pool there are plenty of alternative pleasure‑seeking pursuits to enjoy, from ping pong in the gatehouse to an indoor skate ramp.
Lilypod, Okehampton, Devon
Bob your way to bliss in a floating pod on a hidden lake in the countryside.
The soothing tranquility of being beside the water is hard to resist, and you can’t get much closer than at Lilypod’s Kingfisher and Heron pods. Set anchor at this innovative accommodation and experience peaceful lakeside luxury.
With geodesic skin and frames hewn from local Devonian timber, the pods set a benchmark for low‑carbon and ecologically responsible off‑grid living.
If the wild swimming, water‑hammock lounging and canoeing opportunities aren’t enough to fill the days, then wild moorland, forests and beaches are all within a half‑hour drive. There’s also a vineyard next door and award‑winning pubs, historic houses and pretty towns nearby.
Praktyka, Buckland Brewer, Devon
This tucked-away creative retreat is an unplugged idyll designed to ease guests into finding their rhythm.
Praktyka is an evolving art concept, a space where architectural cabins plus craft workshops (such as jewellery making and cyanotype printing) provide inspiration and an opportunity for those who want to slow down and practise creativity.
Out-of-the-ordinary accommodation is unique and considered, and adorned with private garden, hammocks and interesting furniture. Stay in a giant dome on a floating deck with wide-reaching views towards Exmoor, kip in a barn in a peaceful corner of the gardens, or hunker down in a cabin designed by award-winning architect Niall Maxwell of Rural Office. Gather your clan and book the whole site – it can host up to 12 – for a group getaway.
Your hosts, Henry and Ania, can help you plan adventures in the surrounding area: discover secret beaches, pop into the best local coffee spots and visit local artists’ studios.
Enjoyed our round-up of luxe summer getaways? Delve into more curations of inspired breaks.
