Forget the adrenaline junkies’ playground of Fistral – there’s another side to Newquay’s famous beach and town not tailored to high octane action but instead designed to help holidaymakers to unwind and take in the scenery without agenda or pulse-quickening activity.

The popular stretch of sand alone invites kick-backers to indulge in an array of relaxing pursuits, while the rest of the town presents a plethora of options for those wanting to slow down and self indulge awhile.

From cool cafés and hip restaurants to laid-back family attractions and, of course, miles of stunning coastline to sit, sprawl and amble along – you can spoil yourself to sweet abandon in a number of enticing ways.

For one, Newquay is definitely something of a spa sensation. With the northern end of Fistral presenting The Headland Hotel and the south end offering up Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa, visitors to the beach alone can take their pick or sample both venues to max out the chill out factor.

We’ve gathered some ideas to help you decide on where to go for some dreamy and very ‘you’ downtime…

A spa session and afternoon tea at The Headland Hotel

Presiding over the Great Atlantic, The Headland offers first-rate service, stylish interiors and sweeping views of Fistral’s stirring seascapes.

Luxe-out courtesy of their purpose-built and beautifully renovated spa, which boasts a state-of-the-art leisure area complete with heated pool, Cornish salt steam room, Swedish sauna, aromatherapy showers and hot tub.

What’s more, with a fully equipped gym, hydrotherapy bath, St. Tropez suite, rhassoul and relaxation lounge presented alongside an extensive treatment menu, guests can book anything from Elemis body therapies to signature massages and ‘marine experiences’.

Complete your day with a spot of surf gazing and belly filling with afternoon tea as you tuck into fancy finger sandwiches and cakes – and an obligatory Cornish cream tea – all washed down with Colombian coffee or refreshing loose leaf tea.

An al fresco dining experience

One of the simplest and most affordable ways to unwind in Newquay is by taking advantage of the natural scenery – especially its beaches.

Create a heightened sensory feast by combining place and taste by eating at one of the town’s scenic locations. Because whether you dine on the terrace of a café, pack your own picnic or grab a takeaway to enjoy on the sand, eating outdoors is not only de rigueur, but a must-do pastime while holidaying in Newquay.

On Fistral, there’s Bodhi’s Café on the southern side, or a selection of foodie esque eateries on the northern tip including The Stable, Paul Harwood’s Fish House and Rick Stein Fistral.

Expect locally sourced fayre cooked to perfection and oodles of lip-smacking choice – from artisan pizzas at The Stable to spectacular seafood at the Fish House and both classic and world-inspired fish dishes from Rick Stein.

A massage and lunch at Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa

Sink into the ambient surrounds of this beautiful beach view hotel, which offers inviting interiors alongside unparalleled gazing access to Fistral and beyond.

You can choose to flex or rest your muscles at the Fistral Fit complex – which features a special fitness suite, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and heated vitality pool – before relocating to one of the spa’s nine treatment rooms for some top-to-toe relaxation of the most memorable kind.

Go all-out with a unique, Ayurvedic Inspired Rituals treatment or opt for heavenly heated herbal compresses with the Priadara Thai-Style massage.

And with everything from body wraps and reflexology to ESPA Concept Treatments using hot and cold stones alongside an ‘especially for men’ menu (think Lifesaving Back treatment, Quiksilver Surfers massage and Aromatherapy body massage) – every visitor can tailor a treatment to satisfy their exact requirements.

Linger at the hotel a little longer with lunch at the Dune Bar, where an array of delicious options is available including brunch, snacks, sandwiches, mains and sumptuous selection of tea treats.]

For another great way to unwind on holiday in Newquay, check out our blog about yoga holidays in Cornwall >

Plan your holiday in Newquay >

Tags: Newquay