The Headland
The Headland Hotel & Spa is a luxury five-star retreat in Newquay, Cornwall, with private self-catering cottages set on an iconic clifftop overlooking Fistral Beach.
We stayed here on 01/12/25
We booked a one-night stay at The Headland Hotel to celebrate our wedding anniversary, taking advantage of their special ‘125-Year Anniversary’ offer.
The deal, which included our room, spa access, and breakfast for just £125.00 was already incredible value, but we were delighted to be surprised with an upgrade to a sea-view room upon arrival.
Staying in such an iconic, historic building was a real treat, and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout. We made full use of the spa facilities and thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast the next morning. It was an absolute bargain for the quality, and we will definitely be returning soon.
Watch the video of our stay here.
Back in February 2025 we had an amazing afternoon tea at Adam Handlings – Ugly Butterfly which is located within the Headland Hotel. Read more here.
The Headland
Commanding a majestic position on the cliffs overlooking Fistral Beach, The Headland Hotel is one of Cornwall’s most iconic landmarks. Opened in 1900 after a dramatic period of local riots and arson, this Grade II listed Victorian masterpiece has transformed into a pinnacle of 5-star luxury. Famous for its role as the ‘Hotel Excelsior’ in the 1990 film The Witches, and having hosted royalty including King Edward VII, it remains a family-owned sanctuary that blends historic opulence with a relaxed, modern coastal vibe.
Accommodation
The Headland offers a range of luxurious options, from elegant hotel rooms to five-star self-catering cottages. Each space is designed to provide a restful retreat after a day in the Atlantic surf. Guests can enjoy:
- Individually designed bedrooms and spacious suites with ocean or coastal views
- Luxury self-catering cottages with full access to hotel facilities
- Complimentary Wi-Fi, fluffy robes, and premium toiletries
- Dog-friendly rooms available (the hotel is exceptionally welcoming to canine guests)
Dining & Wellbeing
With multiple award-winning venues, dining at The Headland is a celebration of Cornish produce. The hotel is also home to some of the finest wellness facilities in the UK.
- Restaurant RenMor: The flagship restaurant serving unfussy but luxurious Cornish coastal produce with 12-foot windows overlooking Fistral Bay.
- Ugly Butterfly: A hyper-seasonal dining experience by award-winning chef Adam Handling.
- The Aqua Club: A state-of-the-art £10 million complex featuring six indoor and outdoor pools, including an ocean-facing infinity pool.
- The Spa: A Five Bubble rated sanctuary offering Elemis treatments, a Cornish salt steam room, and a Swedish sauna.
Our Top Picks
For the ultimate experience, we recommend booking a table at RenMor for sunset—the raised seating offers some of the best Atlantic views in Newquay. If you are visiting for the day, a traditional Cornish cream tea on The Terrace is an absolute must. For families and swimmers, the Aqua Club is a game-changer, offering year-round heated outdoor swimming even in the depths of winter.
Key Details
- Location: Fistral Beach, Headland Road, Newquay, TR7 1EW
- Parking: Secure on-site parking is available for guests and visitors, including electric vehicle charging stations and designated disabled bays.
- Check-in: From 3:00 PM; Check-out: By 11:00 AM
- View on Google Maps
Accessibility
The Headland is committed to accessibility, offering a level entrance to the ground floor public rooms and lift access to all floors. There is a specifically designed accessible bedroom featuring a walk-in shower and grab rails. The Aqua Club features a stairlift to assist with pool access, and the spa reception team is available to help guests navigate the wellness areas. It is recommended to contact the hotel directly to ensure your specific requirements are met.