Watergate Bay Hotel

There aren’t many hotels I’d entertain a six-hour car journey for (with two kids under four, no less), but Watergate Bay is one of them. I’ve been lucky enough to visit in the past, and with its stunning coastal location and kid-conscious set-up, I couldn’t resist taking the whole brood back to experience its magic together.

This time, however, we were staying in one of the newly renovated Beach Lofts, which is the ultimate upgrade, combining ultra-chic design with dog- and family-friendly touches for an idyllic coastal stay.

Pulling into our designated parking space, our personal host greeted us, pointing out the complimentary wetsuit hire and shared pantry on the way to our room (unsurprisingly, the unlimited free cake was a hit with the Little Smiths).

Our room — a spacious suite overlooking the bay — was a sanctuary of calm (or at least, it would’ve been without two kids and a dog in tow). Wide windows gave us front-row seats to the English National Surfing Championships, which happened to be taking place below, and provided a welcome distraction from Hey Duggee. The Little Smiths were enraptured by the giant bath tub (which came in very handy at bedtime), the swinging sofa and the bunk beds, which proved to be both a blessing and a curse (IYKYK). 

Days began early (thank you, toddler body clock), but were made all the more glorious by the pre-breakfast pantry run we’d squeeze in before a proper cooked breakfast and DIY waffles over at the main hotel at a more sociable hour. 

Once sated, Mr Smith ventured into the surf school while I took the Little Smiths to the Kids’ Zone, a haven of entertainment and crafts so captivating they didn’t even glance back. Taking full advantage of this kid-free window, I headed straight to the Swim Club, where a full-body massage was calling my name. After a quick circuit of swim-sauna-hot tub, I begrudgingly went to collect the sprogs, who breathlessly told me they’d like to return tomorrow (that makes three of us). 

Lunch was a beachy, barefoot affair with pizza from the Beach Bar washed down with Cornish sparkling wine. Living in East London, we’re not that well equipped for the British seaside, but thankfully, the team at Watergate Bay have thought of everything to make an afternoon on the sand as dreamy as can be. Windbreakers, baby shades, buckets and spades, and fully equipped picnic rucksacks — it’s all there for the taking. 

Complimentary baby monitors mean evenings are for parents, too. Sundowners are a must, and we took full advantage with a reservation at Zacry’s, enjoying a three-course menu of crab ravioli, barbecued monkfish, espresso martinis and petit fours — absolute heaven, and all without having to coax two broccoli-averse children to sit still.

Up early the next morning, we grabbed the lead and set off on a dog walk with the beach all to ourselves. Watching our Frenchie bound along the shoreline, a true salty sea dog, added another layer of joy to our visit. We did consider exploring nearby Newquay, but we were having so much fun we opted for lunch at the Beach Hut instead. We devoured Cornish mussels and fish and chips, followed by the essential Cornish cream tea at the Living Space (jam before cream, of course — we are in Cornwall after all).

There’s something about Watergate Bay’s warm, effortless hospitality that welcomes families, couples and furry companions in equal measure. It caters to every mood, from adrenalin-filled activities to restorative bliss. Though a visit with kids and dogs shifts the rhythm, the balance between grown-up indulgence and family fun is mastered here.

As we left, bundled up and sandy-haired with a happily exhausted dog in tow, I was already calculating when we could return for another wave-filled getaway.