On Camel Estuary, a stone’s-throw from Polzeath and a ferry-crossing from Padstow, Rock in Cornwall is beloved by boaties.
Its lengthy, sandy seashore and great strolling trails additionally make it a magnet for holidaymakers. However when the waterfront’s busy, it may well all really feel a bit hectic, so reward be for the marvellous St Enodoc Resort.
Perched on a hillside overlooking the estuary on one aspect and plush countryside on the opposite, it was initially constructed as a non-public home in 1924.
Vicki Reeve checks into St Enodoc Resort in Rock, pictured, which provides epic views over the Camel Estuary
The lodge is run by younger couple James and Lucy Strachan, whose household purchased and renovated St Enodoc in 2019 and reopened simply weeks earlier than the lockdown
The aloof location means you’re removed from the madding crowd, however capable of dip out and in of the excitement under as and while you select.
After we arrive, climbing the steps from the automotive park via its properly planted gardens, we move the outside pool, a petanque courtroom and Zen zone. Pleasant, enjoyable vibes permeate the sunshine, vibrant, comfortable inside. Nothing is flashy or try-too-hard.
Younger couple James and Lucy Strachan, who run issues, are very hands-on. Their household purchased and renovated St Enodoc in 2019 and reopened simply weeks earlier than lockdown. A Rocky begin? You’d by no means understand it now.
Vicki describes the lodge’s inside as gentle, vibrant and comfortable. ‘Nothing is flashy or try-too-hard,’ she notes
Vicki stays in a ‘charming’ coastal-style Estuary View Superior Double, considered one of which is pictured above. ‘It has a super-comfy, super-king-size mattress (our spoilt canine secures a fleecy cushion), and bench seat on which I flop to benefit from the vista,’ she says
The property was initially constructed as a non-public home in 1924. Pictured is a Superior Twin Room with an estuary view – one of many lodge’s 21 visitor rooms
Vicki picks up on the lodge’s ‘pleasant, enjoyable vibes’. Above is a comfortable Household Suite with an estuary view
After a superb Elemis therapeutic massage and facial within the spa, then a superb stroll, I return to our charming coastal-style Estuary View Superior Double. One among 21 rooms and suites, it has a super-comfy, super-king-size mattress (our spoilt canine secures a fleecy cushion), and bench seat on which I flop to benefit from the vista. The contemporary white lavatory boasts Bramley toiletries. There’s a wise TV, Nespresso machine, kettle, tea and biscuits aplenty.
Not that we nibble pre-dinner, as we’ve booked the nine-course tasting menu at St Enodoc’s pièce de résistance: Karrek. Celebrating Cornish produce and far of it from the household’s Devon farm, Karrek is the smarter, extra intimate of two eating places overseen by government chef Man Owen.
Suffice to say this is without doubt one of the most beautiful meals I’ve ever had.
Vicki enjoys a nine-course tasting menu at Karrek (pictured), the lodge’s restaurant that is overseen by government chef Man Owen. ‘This is without doubt one of the most beautiful meals I’ve ever had,’ she admits
Pictured is the lodge’s Brasserie restaurant the place the doorways open on to the terrace and barbecue lunches are served within the summertime
The Brasserie restaurant (pictured) has a ‘cracking menu’, says Vicki
Simply once we assume we’ve tasted essentially the most scrumptious dish – shiitake broth with seaweed, or oyster and mussel risotto – one other ambrosial plate arrives.
Dessert is a gorgeously delicate rhubarb and white chocolate ‘Viennetta’.
It would sound ridiculous to say £100 per head for dinner is a discount, however at this commonplace it truly is. A Michelin star can’t be far off.
The ethereal, informal Brasserie additionally has a cracking menu, together with breakfasts that includes avocado, smoked salmon or a full Cornish. Its doorways open on to the terrace, the place barbecue lunches tempt on summer season Saturdays. Rock on!
Rock’s lengthy, sandy seashore (pictured) and great strolling trails make it a magnet for holidaymakers, in response to Vicki
