With surf-in, surf-out access, eye-popping sea views and incredible family facilities beside the beach, it’s no wonder that the Watergate Bay Hotel is one of our favourite places for family surfing breaks in Cornwall.
Instead of dwelling on this lockdown business, we’re in the business of focusing on the fun we can have when it’s all over. Like flopping into a stylish beach apartment for a surfing weekend with our families, and living life like this lockdown blip never happened. We’re not the only mums that think we deserve a break after the relentless juggling act of homeschool and working from home; which is why we’re rolling out our Mums’ Family Surf Breaks at Watergate Bay. Launching in spring, these are the ultimate family surfing weekends with a special focus on mums.
Having stayed at the Watergate Bay Hotel with children aged from one to ten years old, we can’t think of anywhere better to hit the surf and enjoy the perfect balance of me-time and family time. As soon as you arrive and kick off your shoes in a family suite or apartment, the echo of the waves immediately soothes your stress levels and beckons you to the beach.
As mums who have searched much of the globe for the perfect locations for family surfing holidays, in these strange times when global travel is so restricted, we’re lucky to have hit the jackpot here in Cornwall. It’s about 4.5 hours drive from London to Watergate Bay, so no flights are necessary and you can even bring the dog. And while you can’t trust the weather in Cornwall to be as tropical as Costa Rica or the Caribbean, you can trust that the Watergate Bay Hotel rolls out flawless facilities for a family surf break whatever the weather or time of year.
Once you’ve clapped eyes on the two-miles of wave-lashed sands, you can plan your surf sessions around the tides and rest of what the location offers. Personally, we like to start with a blast of briny air and our toes in the sand, followed by a cocktail and grazing platters in the Living Room restaurant and bar. Here you can stare at the waves a little longer and enjoy some peace and quiet while the children make friends and play Xbox or pool in the kids’ zone. Childcare in the creche is included for younger children, too, you just need to pre-book a slot and decide what you’re going to do in that precious child free time. Surf, swim, hot tub or an indulgent massage?
Good food is high on our criteria for what makes a good holiday, and the Watergate Bay Hotel doesn’t disappoint with its huddle of beach restaurants catering for different tastes and occasions. For family dining take a seat in the stylishly relaxed Living Space for seasonal grazing dishes and classic favourites, or get even closer to the waves at the Beach Hut, where seafood, legendary burgers and Extreme hot chocolates top the menu. But if you’re looking for something more sophisticated, opt for the contemporary culinary experience of Zacry’s (you can use the in-house baby monitor system from your room to here), or book a babysitter and walk a few footsteps for sublime food and sea views at the brand new Emily Scott Food. We can organise all your restaurant reservations for you, or you can graze on takeaway food at Street Food By the Sea – serving lots of choice from gourmet hot dogs and Napoletana-style pizzas to artisan ice cream.
So, how can you expect to spend your days at Watergate Bay? Wake up and check the surf, jog or stroll along the beach, then fuel up for the day with a delicious breakfast spread including waffles, granola, fresh pastries or a full English. Being the home of stylish coastal living, there is plenty to distract you within the light-flooded hotel, but life here is all about the beach that beckons through every window. We can organise all your surfing lessons, bodyboarding and other watersports. It’s up to you if you want to do something all together, or make the most of the childcare options if you’d prefer some time out.
Once you’ve got salt-tousled hair and sandy feet, it’s time to relax and unwind back at the hotel. Kick back in the comfort of your accommodation, soak in the hot tub, swim in the infinity pool or sizzle in the sauna. Older children are bound to make friends in the kids’ clubroom, while you sip a glass of fizz and watch the sun set over the ocean.
Surf, play, eat, sleep and repeat at the Watergate Bay Hotel.
