The Perfect Weekend Break in St Ives

With Easter behind us and the good weather prevailing following an absolutely phenomenal bank holiday, now is the time to make the most of the temporary lull. The Sail Lofts boasts twelve luxury cottages in the heart of St Ives; just a few minutes' stroll from the town centre and a mere stones throw from Porthmeor beach. If you haven't a whole week to spare, fear not as St Ives lends itself perfectly to a short weekend break. Whether it's a rejuvenating getaway that the doctor ordered or a blow-the-cobwebs-away walking weekend, you can be sure of a coastal retreat that's as relaxing as it is action packed with some of our favourite, leisurely weekend activities.

Breakfast at Porthminster Beach Cafe

With the sun in sky and palm trees dotted about, on the right day Porthminster can hold its own amongst even the most tropical of locations. Take a leisurely stroll through St Ives as the town is waking up and you'll soon arrive at the beach. Settle in for coffee on the terrace and peruse the breakfast menu, boasting everything from crumpets and the obligatory fry up to kippers and hot smoked salmon with halloumi. Porthminster Beach Cafe is conveniently located at the base of the Coastal Path to Carbis Bay - perfect for a post-breakfast stroll with your four legged friends if you're staying in one of our dog friendly luxury cottages (dogs are welcome on the terrace at Porthminster Cafe).

Walk to Zennor and have lunch at the Tinners Arms

This time of year presents a wonderful climate for long walks around the surrounding area. The coastal path from Porthmeor to Zennor isn't for the faint hearted, with the walk taking around 6 hours - however we highly recommend you make a day of it; stopping for lunch at the end of your journey will see you handsomely rewarded for your efforts. The traditional, cosy bar of The Tinners Arms is a welcome refuge from the elements and boasts a menu full of fresh, local ingredients and real ale. Any four legged friends are more than welcome in the bar and from The Tinners, your luxury cottage is just a short bus ride or taxi away. If you're exploring further afield, our designated parking makes it a breeze to come and go as you wish throughout your stay.

Cook with some local Cornish produce

If you're feeling inspired and want to try your hand at some Cornish cuisine, why not order from the same suppliers to provide many a chef in St Ives with their delicious fresh produce?

Matthew Stevens and his team supply the best in sustainable Cornish fish, shellfish and seafood that they source each day from fishing harbours in Mevagissey, Looe, Newlyn and here in St Ives. The choice very much depends on the days catch, but can include monkfish, bass, haddock, cod, lemon sole, John Dory, brill, lobster, scallops and crab. As Sail Lofts guests, we have negotiated trade prices on your behalf, so if you’re planning to cook up a storm in your luxury cottage, you'll be hard pushed to find fresher, better value fish.

Harvey Brothers, a traditional family run butchers based on Tregenna in St Ives, pride themselves on providing locally sourced meat, much of which is reared on their own farm in Pendeen. What can’t be sourced through their family farm will be delivered from other farms in the West Country, not forgetting their own delicatessen range that includes cheeses, olives, pates and free range eggs. Our onsite concierge team will collect your order so it is ready for when you get to your luxury cottage or on the day of your choice. If you’d like to place an order just pop into the office and let us know what you’d like and we’ll do the rest for you.

Breakfast in Bed

Treat yourself to an indulgent Saturday morning with our exclusive breakfast in bed service. Enjoy a selection of freshly baked bread and pastries brought to your door by 9.30am when you  pre-order (via email) by 3.30pm on Friday - make it extra special with a bottle of Prosecco and some fresh orange juice. Upon request we can also order breakfast hampers sourced from the Cornish Deli in St Ives. The breakfast hampers contain delicious Cornish produce curated by the deli, including bacon, eggs, sausages, hogs pudding, milk and bread. If you'd like to order a breakfast hamper, just let us know and we will have it ready and waiting for you in your luxury cottage.

Visit the Tate Gallery & the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden

When in St Ives, visiting the Tate Gallery is an absolute must and provides the perfect diversion for any weather. Committed to supporting the Tate, the Sail Lofts are Corporate Members therefore our guests enjoy complimentary entry along with a 10% discount on purchases from the Tate shop and cafe bar.  You’ll also receive complimentary entry to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, where you can explore the studio and gardens which were the artist's home. The Barbara Hepworth Museum remains the largest collection of her works, boasting original sculptures, drawings and paintings in a beautifully peaceful environment. Both the Gallery and Museum are just a couple of minutes' walk from the Sail Lofts luxury cottages. Drop into the office and ask the team for tickets.

Tapas and sundowners at Porthmeor Beach Cafe

For a magical and memorable evening, book a 'pod' at Porthmeor Cafe. Pods are sea facing, covered alcoves and come equipped with heaters and blankets. If you can't get a pod (they get booked up to a year in advance) then there is plenty of space on the extensive terraces, get yourself a blanket for when it gets chillier and settle in for an evening of it. Enjoying some tapas followed by a few drinks as the sun goes down is definitely one of life's little luxuries and the perfect way to round off a weekend in St Ives. Porthmeor beach is seconds from the Sail Lofts' luxury cottages - no need for a designated driver or long walk back to your home-away-from-home.

Upcoming availability for weekend breaks

May 10th - 13th for 3 nights

May 17th - 20th for 3 nights