WHEN it comes to booking a family getaway, holiday parks always tick the right boxes for us.
But taking a kid-free, romantic mini-break at one? That probably wouldn’t have made the checklist.
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Take in the stunning views and beaches around St Ives Bay Park Credit: Getty
The Jattvibe’s Gemma and partner Liam walk along Towans beach Credit: Supplied
After a blissful weekend in one of the new Butterfly Lodges at St Ives Bay Park, however, I’m more than happy to add it to the list.
The Cornish park has the air of a fancy hotel — only without the steep price tag.
Snuggled in the golden sand dunes facing the wild Atlantic Ocean on the three-mile, award-winning Towans beach, the front row lodges — all wooden boards and fishing net decking — look more akin to a project from Grand Designs or George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces than a static caravan.
And the luxury look is mirrored inside, too. The master bedroom is kitted out with orange and teal velvets, wooden surfaces and an ultra comfortable super-king bed.
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Plus there is a stylish sideboard in the spacious entrance hallway, mood lighting and sofas and throws worthy of a smart New York apartment.
Even the bathrooms were a cut above — stylish matt gold taps and smart black framed shower screens.
And if we had decided to bring the kids, there was also a second bedroom with twin beds that could be converted into another super king, as well as two bunks above, each with their own TV and curtain for privacy.
Looking out towards our private decking area, however, we were a little relieved we’d left our children at home.
Inside one of the luxury Butterfly Lodges Credit: Supplied
The nearby town of St Ives in this stunning part of Cornwall Credit: Getty
This meant we could enjoy the splendid St Ives sunset views from the hot tub, glass of bubbly in hand, without the fear of being dunked at any minute. Bliss.
Aside from the lavish accommodation, one of the best highlights of a grown-up getaway to St Ives Bay Park is the location.
It goes without saying that this part of Cornwall is utterly stunning and there are walking routes aplenty from your doorstep.
Although if you’re after something truly spectacular, the seven mile hike from Porthcurno (around a 40-minute drive away) to Land’s End along the South West Coast Path is a must.
We started in the white sandy cove of Porthcurno beach which, framed by craggy cliffs and with the clearest blue sea, could have easily been mistaken for a cove in Thailand.
The water, of course, is a tad colder, but some brave souls, including a wetsuit-clad teenager, were having a great time being hurled around in the huge foamy waves.
A steep climb up some stairs carved into the cliffs followed, and then beautiful beach, after beautiful beach, after beautiful beach along the coastal path, from tiny little fishing cove Porthgwarra to the lofty rocks and golden sands of Nanjizal Bay.
It’s a taxing hike, but the views make it totally worthwhile.
Grand Designs lodge on Towans beach Credit: Supplied
Just make sure to plan ahead as the buses back from Land’s End to Porthcurno, where we had parked, are a little unpredictable, so we were stung for a costly taxi ride.
It’s not just glorious beaches and cracking rambling trails that our park was surrounded by either.
The town centre of St Ives is a 15-minute car ride from the lodge and is home to some brilliant little restaurants.
On our first night we had visited Porthminster Beach Cafe, a gorgeously relaxed place that received a mention in the Michelin Guide for its delicious seafood dishes — we tucked into a delicious monkfish curry and a yummy piece of halibut loin with artichoke and chicken butter sauce.
For something a little more casual, though, Talay’s Thai Kitchen really hit the spot.
The pleasingly spicy roasted duck red curry and juicy weeping tiger steak really added some warmth to our windburnt cheeks post hike.
Stuffed and tired after the day’s exertions, it was back to the lodge for a recuperating sunset soak in the hot tub.
We ended the night hunkering down in the gorgeous living area as the wind buffeted the lodge from the Atlantic beyond.
And there hadn’t been a mini disco or mascot in sight. How’s that for an affordable romantic getaway?
GO: ST IVES
STAYING THERE: Four nights’ self-catering at the Butterfly Lodge at St Ives Bay Park costs from £495 in total, arriving in November.
See awayresorts.co.uk.
