Selena Young steps into a coastal spa break at St Michaels Resort in Falmouth that features more than a touch of the Tropics

Who isn’t guilty of comparing a sun‑drenched coastal scene in the UK to one that could be – huge brushstroke here – “abroad”? When the sand feels warm underfoot and the sickly scent of Hawaiian Tropic is on the breeze, your senses can trick you into the illusion that you’re in a far‑flung land.

Yet anyone lounging spa‑side at St Michaels Resort would be forgiven for being astonished they’re not actually in the Tropics.

The indoor-outdoor hydrothermal spa and neighbouring spa lodges sit in luscious subtropical gardens, rich in 50 shades of green. A tapestry of plants, including towering echiums and palms, ruffled ferns and bright bamboo shoots, deliver an earthy perfume that only heightens the fantasy.

The sensory pleasures of nature are dialled up by the hotel’s proximity to the blonde sands of Gyllyngvase Beach, so spa sessions come with a vista of Falmouth Bay and the distant whisper of waves stroking the shore. Cue: dreamy sigh.

We managed to manifest the sun on our visit, so naturally spent most of the time outdoors. The scene was one of la dolce vita: guests sprawled on daybeds with lazy smiles on their faces as they dried in the sunshine, cracking the spines of new novels, snoozing under towels and sipping Champagne. The only reason to peel away from one of the loungers? To slide into the 12‑person outdoor hot tub, lower into the goosebump‑inducing plunge pool or cocoon in the warmth of the barrel sauna.

Hydro happiness

Inside, the main attraction is the hydrotherapy pool – the largest in the South West – which is heated to a balmy 34C and features a dozen purpose‑made stations designed to target different muscle groups with jets of water. Guests cruise between the bubbling beds, waterfall spouts and massaging streams, manoeuvring in little movements to target their knottiest spots.

After a session in the pool, we hopped in and out of the different spa chambers, chugging grapefruit‑infused water to rehydrate between rooms. We let the stress evaporate in the herbal Finnish‑style sauna, breathed in the calming, heady aroma of plants in the rainforest steam room, drenched ourselves in brrr‑cold water from an ice bucket, and let the Cornish Sea Salt steam room deliver its healing properties.

Putting the ‘treat’ into treatments

There’s always a reason to treat yourself, and this is the place to give in to a little self indulgence – whether that’s a massage, facial or a rhassoul mud experience. As nearlyweds in need of a little R&R, we plumped for the shared experience of a couples massage. All thoughts of wedmin were rubbed out as we sank into the weightless bliss that a good full‑body massage delivers.

Our masseuses let us choose the Elemis massage oil we preferred – the ‘Active’ blend of sea buckthorn, orange peel extract and sea fennel soothing us into a serenely uplifting trance. Massaging in synchronised patterns from top to toe, the pair unlocked tight muscles in practised movements.

Eat, sleep, spa, repeat

To live like a wellness VIP for a couple of nights, it’s worth splashing out on a stay in one of the four Spa Garden Lodges at St Michaels Resort. Hidden among the flora surrounding the spa, they each have a private outdoor terrace with wooden deckchairs, an alfresco shower, a heated lounge area and – best of all – a copper bathtub for soaking under the stars.

Paddle and play in the waves at Gylly beach, sluice off the sand in your outdoor shower, then bask in the tub till your skin prunes and the peachy sky fades to dusk.

The lodge interiors reflect the calm coastal vibe in contemporary style. And, from the plush bed and lounge furniture to finishing touches like yoga mats (morning vinyasa flow on your deck? Namaste to that) and St Eval diffusers, every detail has been considered to encourage gentle unfurling. Spa lodgers are also granted unlimited access to the spa and reside just a few flip-flops away, so there’s no dashing through the hotel in your robe, flashing flesh. Wherever you sleep, nourishment made from Cornish produce is to be found at the hotel’s Brasserie on the Bay or its laidback little brother, Nourish. The latter deals in healthy and vibrant eats via small plates, salads and pizzas in a spot that complements the zen vibe of a spa-centric stay.

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