The Idle Rocks Unveils Spa and Seafood Menu in Time for Summer

St Mawes favourite, The Idle Rocks, unveils new spa and head chef ahead of summer

The Idle Rocks in St Mawes has announced a wave of fresh updates just in time for spring, including the opening of a brand-new spa and the arrival of a new executive head chef.

A luxury coastal escape

Set in the heart of the Roseland Peninsula, The Idle Rocks has been a part of the St Mawes community since 1913. Originally built on the site of the village’s old bakery, the hotel became a luxury retreat in the 1930s and has long attracted guests with its coastal charm and stunning views.

The current owners, David and Karen Richards, gave the hotel a full refurbishment before reopening it on the 1st July 2013. Since then, it has gone on to become one of Cornwall’s most celebrated boutique hotels, recently earning a prestigious Michelin Key.

This award, launched by The MICHELIN Guide on 1st October 2024, recognises hotels that go beyond a place to sleep, taking into account architecture, interior design, service, character and value.

Now open: SEVAN Spa

The biggest update this spring is the launch of SEVAN Spa, which opened in April within the hotel. Designed to offer a deeply relaxing wellness experience, the spa combines holistic therapies with natural, sustainable products and views across the Roseland Peninsula.

Treatments include:

• Signature Massages tailored to individual needs

• Rejuvenating Facials using premium skincare

• Holistic Therapies based on ancient traditions

• Wellness Journeys, multi-treatment experiences designed to rebalance and restore

New head chef, new seafood menu

There’s also a change in the kitchen. Carla Jones has taken over as Executive Head Chef, leading the hotel’s must-visit restaurant which is known for its focus on local produce and seafood.

The menu features dishes such as trout tartare with sushi rice and wasabi crème, and salted cured cod with lentils and salsa verde. For a classic Cornish treat, the lounge serves cream tea with sparkling wine.

Sister hotel and village connections

Just 200 yards from The Idle Rocks is the St Mawes Hotel, also owned by David and Karen. Reopened in the summer of 2015 after its own major refurbishment, the second property was part of their vision to create a vibrant and welcoming space for both visitors and the local community.

St Mawes itself was voted the number one coastal village in the UK and is perfectly located for exploring the surrounding area. It’s only a 20-minute ferry ride across the River Fal to Falmouth.

Rooms at The Idle Rocks include 18 light and airy spaces, with the largest Grand Seaview Rooms offering stunning views over the water. Other rooms look out over the boats in the harbour or the peaceful cobbled streets of the village.

Guests can also enjoy the hidden cinema for dinner and movie nights, or book a treatment in the existing Reef Knot Retreat on the top floor.

To find out more about The Idle Rocks and the new SEVAN Spa, visit The Idle Rocks website or plan your next coastal escape to St Mawes.