Abi Manning basks in the pleasures of luxe old‑school hospitality at the seaside
We South West locals know we’re very lucky to live in this lovely corner of the world – and are usually quite evangelical about sharing its appeal. So when friends from the city come to stay, we make sure their time isn’t just spent soaking up the scenery, but that they also get to experience the South West lifestyle that makes this region so special.
And that’s exactly the premise of a stay at The Nare. Guests are treated as friends, welcomed with warm hospitality, wrapped in comfort and offered a taste of Cornish life at its most refined. It’s little wonder so many return year after year.
Time-honoured tradition
The Nare is one of an increasingly rare breed of uber‑trad hotels. In a sector leaning into Scandi minimalism, small plates and casual vibes, this proudly nails its colours to the mast as a luxurious old‑school hotel that does formality with buckets of charm.
Its proprietor, Toby Ashworth, is a hotelier by blood. For over a century, his family have owned and run hotels in Cornwall – he was even raised in one. The Nare was acquired by Toby’s grandmother in the eighties and he took over its stewardship in 2000.
So it’s no surprise that visitors feel like they’re staying at Toby’s country house by the sea. Like any good host, he ensures his charges are enjoying themselves and spends time checking in during his weekly Champagne reception or at afternoon tea in the drawing room.
A sense of place
On entering the hotel (note the large shovel behind the door for competitive sandcastle building), most guests don’t clock the reception desk, thanks to the mesmeric draw of the glittering ocean vista that steals all attention.
These views, which are the result of The Nare sitting right above beautiful Carne Beach, are maximised at every turn. Each table in the hotel’s two restaurants (The Dining Room and The Quarterdeck) has a view of the coast, the outdoor pool overlooks the ocean, and the beach‑house hot tub allows guests to gaze across rippling seas to a rugged headland.
Get the ocean connection in every element of the stay by pushing the boat out and booking a sea‑view suite. Sipping a glass of sherry from the in‑room decanter while surveying the big blue beyond your private balcony is the perfect way to melt away travel‑related tension. In the mornings, greet the day with the gentle sea breeze on your face as you enjoy, alfresco, your delivery of fresh coffee and a newspaper – blankets are provided to stave off any autumn chill.
Further seaside thrills can be discovered by following the garden path to the beach where shoreside strolls, ocean dips and rockpooling await. The beach connects with the South West Coast Path, which leads directly back to the hotel, so walkers can easily explore the surrounding coastline. Can’t hack the return hike? Call the hotel and they’ll send a driver to sweep you back to comfort.
Seafood and silver service
The sea‑inspired synergy continues in The Quarterdeck Restaurant. It’s been reimagined of late with the aim of becoming a premier destination for Cornish seafood. The menu certainly reads like a celebration of the bountiful south coast and our starter of St Mawes octopus comprised a curled tentacle on a bed of corn velouté with a jalapeño and passionfruit glaze, crunchy quinoa tuile and chimichurri. Rich Portloe crab, meanwhile, was lifted by a quartet of fresh flavours: avocado, lemongrass, tomato and grapefruit.
Mains continue the maritime tale, with the ocean theme even lent to dishes more traditionally rooted in the land. A meaty monkfish wellington, encased in prawn mousse, was accompanied by a potato terrine and heritage carrots, zapped with curried warmth courtesy of cumin and vadouvan.
Regionally sourced ingredients also show up in desserts like Tregothnan Estate Earl Grey Tea‑injected crème brûlée with honey and hazelnut.
While The Quarterdeck is relatively informal (non‑residents are welcome and it even has a small dog‑friendly dining area), The Dining Room is the spot for trad five‑course table d’hôte dining. Classic silver service, a daily changing menu, an hors d’oeuvres trolley and guéridon‑served flambés all bring the vibe. Its theatre and flourish makes dinner an occasion – which is reflected in guests’ attire of jackets and ties and fancy frocks.
Toby’s love affair with wine is evident in an extensive cellar that offers a treasure trove of exceptional bottles from across the globe, plus a few from local vineyards.
Bespoke break
If a visiting chum was an outdoorsy, adrenaline‑seeking sort, you wouldn’t plan their stay around spa lounging. Just as you wouldn’t create an itinerary of watersports, hiking and tennis for someone who prefers curling up with a good book. And in just this way, The Nare ensures each guest enjoys a holiday experience perfectly tailored to their tastes. The team discover personal preferences ahead of arrival and put in place appropriate activities.
That might mean booking a soothing facial in one of the treatment rooms, arranging complimentary tennis tuition, or coordinating a cruise aboard the hotel’s elegant boat the Alice Rose. Guests can also borrow hotel kayaks for a paddle around the bay or flex their creative muscles in an art session with resident artist Jeannie.
The possibilities are abundant at this bespoke Cornish resort. In fact, it’s difficult to pack it all in during one stay … see you next year.
Need to know
Must pack: gladrags for a dressy dinner
If you do one thing: hit the high seas on the Alice Rose
Insider tip: guests staying in a suite receive a complimentary 20-minute spa treatment
narehotel.co.uk
