Why Carbis Bay is perfect for couples

Thursday, 1 March 2012 4:08 PM

Couples looking for luxury holiday cottages for a getaway together might want to consider Carbis Bay. The sister of St Ives, this beautiful spot is far quieter than it's more famous neighbour, lending it a more intimate atmosphere that's perfect for romance.

From your self-catering accommodation in Carbis Bay, you can reach St Ives via a stunning cliff top path. Strolling hand in hand with your loved one while you admire the breathtaking views out to sea is an activity not to be missed and it won't take you long before you're in the bustling harbour town.

St Ives is one of the most popular destinations for short breaks in the UK, with the Cornish destination offering everything from celebrated restaurants to perfect surfing conditions. Spending the day in this charming holiday resort and exploring together is certain to be a high point of your trip.

However, the point of a romantic getaway for two is that you have plenty of peaceful time to enjoy each other's company away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds. Luckily, Carbis Bay offers this in spades.

The golden beach is privately owned but is open to the public. It is popular with families and couples on peaceful holidays and you should be able to avoid the hoards of tourists that flock to St Ives on this stretch of sand. Its sheltered position makes it an ideal spot to spend a few hours with a book as you soak up the sun.

Wherever you choose to go and relax on the beach together, you can count on there being more clear and sunny days here than other spots along the coast. This is because it enjoys breezes sweeping in from the Gulf Stream on the nearby Atlantic Ocean.

Offshore, you'll be able to see over to Godrevy Point and the famous lighthouse that stands there. Within walking distance are two other beautiful beaches for you to visit should you feel like a change. Hawkes Point and Porthkidney Sands are both popular with holidaymakers looking to escape the crowds of some of Cornwall's more famous resorts.

Don't spend your entire trip on the beach though, as there's plenty more to do here. If you have decided to go for a country walk, make your way to the Hayle Estuary, which is an RSPB site and therefore the perfect place to go bird-spotting. You'll see many more examples of Cornish flora and fauna while you're here too, so keep your camera at the ready.

In the evening, head back to St Ives to treat yourself to a romantic meal at one of its acclaimed restaurants. Double AA rosette winner The Alba is situated in a refurbished life boat house on the harbour front, affording you amazing views as you tuck into modern British cuisine.

The Wave is another AA rosette recipient and is located off the town's main streets, meaning you can enjoy the peace and quiet. Another option is Seagrass near Harbour Beach, where you can sample dishes featuring local and seasonal produce and cooked up by Lee Groves, semi-finalist in 2010's Masterchef The Professionals.

Alternatively, you could prepare a sumptuous meal to enjoy at your holiday cottage before making you way down to the beach to watch the sun set behind the lighthouse - the perfect end to a perfect getaway.