This bright and modern resort, set on the North coast of Cornwall, now run by the third generation of the same family, is just a short amble to the beach. There is a big emphasis here on creating a place where the whole family can relax and have fun – without parents feeling more frazzled when they leave than when they arrived. There’s a kids club to take advantage of as well as a couple of pools alongside mini golf and tennis – both of which are complimentary to guests. Nearby attractions include Newquay Zoo, DairyLand Farmworld and Blue Reef Aquarium. A little further afield is the famous Eden Project, which is about a 35 minute drive away. So there is a whole host of activities for entertaining the entire family.
The on site restaurant serves a buffet breakfast in the morning that will appeal to all with its standard mix of continental items and full English fare. Children’s menus are also available in the restaurant for lunch and dinner. Service is friendly, quick and efficient so there is no fear of the little ones getting bored. For dinner, expect meals based around locally sourced ingredients and freshly caught fish. A complimentary baby listening service is provided should an adults only dinner be required.
All rooms have an en suite bathroom in addition to a flat screen TV and tea & coffee making facilities. They’re bright and airy with some rooms offering unrivalled Atlantic views with some stunning sunsets and sunrises – should the Cornish weather permit. There are suites available for families which vary from two to three bedrooms, making sure there is plenty of room for everyone and their respective luggage.
Sands Resort and Spa also offers many pieces of paraphernalia for babies and young children to help with the holiday packing. The hotel believes in the ability to travel light so it provides prams, bottle warmers, cots and sterilisers amongst other necessities like a bucket and spade. Kids are definitely well catered for here with a creche available to all. The creche, or kids’ club, is Ofsted approved with each child eligible for a free session each day of their stay.
This free childcare gives mums and dads to indulge in some relaxation. Adults have a spa to use where they can indulge in a much needed massage or there is a gym with an extensive range of equipment on offer for the more active clientele. For those that need to use their holidays to catch up on all personal admin, there’s also a quirky addition of a resident hairdresser who is happy to cut the locks of every family member. Be they children, men or women.
Hairdresser or not, the hotel and spa must be doing something right – some of its guests have been returning for over 20 years now.
Sands Resort and Spa, Watergate Road, Porth, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 3LX
Telephone: 01637 872864
Website: www.sandsresort.co.uk
What TripAdvisor says
Our family room with sea views was practical and stylish with great views of the coast. Our children made great friends with some curious seagulls that frequented our window! What stood out for me was the high ceilings which gave the room an airy and spacious feeling. The kids stayed in the second twin bedded room where a wooden cot was provided for our youngest.
After a lovely kids tea we made use of the baby listening facilities after we put the children to bed. This enabled us to have a romantic 'adult' meal in the restaurant, away from children, safe in the knowledge that a dedicated member of the reception was listening in on the room in case any one should cry out. This feature alone was worth the accommodation cost and gave us that important space that makes family orientated places like this worth their weight in gold. The food was very good, I would describe it as borderline gastropub. Of particular note was the Salted Salmon and Peppered Mackerel Parcel with Pickled Chilli Cucumber starter I had followed by a well stacked gourmet burger with chunky chips, very nice indeed!
The creche staff were wonderful and again, gave us a peaceful couple of hours to relax and spend some time enjoying the hotel and its facilities. The spa and swimming pool were nice and spacious although it got quite busy at times.
We noted that Sands is not short of spaces for children to explore and play in. Aside from the aforementioned swimming pool our kids made use of the soft play room, a large play room with various play houses (including a castle!) as well as the great outdoor spaces with well equipped playground equipment.
Sands is well placed for Newquay and all the surrounding area has to offer and is worthy low cost alternative to the more expensive and upmarket Bedruthan Steps up the road.
