The Scarlet Hotel

Built in 2009 with a key aim to showcase local artists in bright and open spaces, the über-contemporary Scarlet Hotel is an architectural stunner. With huge windows and airy, light-filled rooms, the hotel displays playful, sometimes edgy, art around every corner. Another ambition of the three sisters who own the hotel, was to build and run the property with super-eco-friendly credentials while not sacrificing the feel of elegance and luxury, which can be seen, and felt, throughout -- the outdoor pool, for example, is reed-filtered. Also, thanks partly to the no-kids policy, the ambience is of almost zen-like calm, where the unconventional is often embraced -- there is no reception desk, for example, but guests are always personally met upon arrival. Even the grounds and surrounds have an organic and natural feel to them, where gravel pathways wind past fields of wild flowering sea-thrift and shrubs to a rugged, wind-swept beach.

The hotel is located just off a quiet residential road by a cliff overlooking Mawgan Porth beach on the north coast of Cornwall. There's almost nothing in the way of restaurants or shops nearby, or even public transport, so a car is recommended. It's a short stroll down to the sandy beach, and there are plenty of coastal walks in the area. Further afield, the surf mecca of Newquay is a 15-minute drive away, while the pretty fishing village of Padstow is 20 minutes by car. Parking at the hotel is free. 

Each of the 37 rooms has its own individual outside space -- from private courtyard gardens to terraces and balconies -- with quirky furnishings and lovely views. Decor is cozy and contemporary with a Scandinavian flavor -- blond wood flooring, retro-design furniture, and playful patterned wallpaper. There are five categories of rooms, some of which include their own rooftop lounge or pod with beanbags and sea views. Others have open-plan bathrooms, or tubs in the actual rooms, so modesty might not be optional. All rooms include free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, but no minibar or tea and coffee facilities (hot drinks and water can be ordered free of charge).

The hotel's eco-friendly credentials are most evident in the outdoor reed-filtered pool, requiring no chemicals to clean the water, and looking out over the cliff. The hotel also has two outdoor, log-fired hot tubs with similar fantastic views, encouraging the sense of being in a wild, natural setting. A locally sourced breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served at the Scarlet Restaurant, looking out over the bay; among the creative dishes are a chocolate mousse with honeycomb, and fallow deer with pork belly. The spa offers Ayurvedic-inspired treatments and steam room, while there's also an indoor swimming pool (in a lovely room with floor-to-ceiling windows) for laps. Even more relaxation space can be found in the library, with a pool table, and plenty of common areas with soft seating overlooking the wonderful scenery. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.