The Boskerris Effect: A Piece of Cornish Coastal Calm 

Looking out to where the sea and sky meet on the horizon, I find myself taking in the biggest breath, and as I exhale, all my worries go with it. I’m calling it “The Boskerris Effect”. Like walking through a magical portal from the comic book universe, only this one banishes any tensions or anxieties, and all aches, pains and worries are long forgotten. 

And on a day like today, where the sun glistens off the shimmying sea and casts me in a much-needed veil of warmth, I can be forgiven for thinking the portal has transported me to the Mediterranean, where the locals siesta when the sun’s at its highest and graze on tapas and olives. Because not only is this Cornish weather pulling out all the stops to convince me so, but the Boskerris Hotel’s relaxed, fresh and airy vibes evoke that of an inviting coastal retreat in southern Europe.

Boutique Meets Beachy

Homely, sprinkled with the right amount of boutique luxury. A calming color combo of yellow, blue and white, cut with abstract patterns and contrasting fabric textures. The ocean, and Mother Nature are definitely the main muses for the interiors. 

This little slice of paradise, tucked away above Carbis Bay in Cornwall, is exactly where you want to be to for an evening or two of coastal solace after exploring Cornish landscapes. 

And to top off a terrific day of hiking, and the delight in discovering my accommodation for the evening, I receive the warmest welcome from Anne, the hotel manager, and Catherine, the hotel owner, who greet me with such sincerity, I know I'll be well looked after.  

Part of Your Macs Adventure Journey

If you’re hiking the Highlights of Cornwall in Comfort trip with Macs Adventure, you’ll be lucky enough to call Boskerris Hotel home for a night or two. Perched just above Carbis Bay and only a short stroll or scenic train ride from the charming town of St Ives, it’s the perfect base for exploring its cobbled streets, tasty food scene, and golden beaches.

Rooms That Breathe Calm

The airy ocean theme continues into the 15 bedrooms, each one with its own color palette. Mine is a refreshing fiesta of white, coral and silver, sporting a bold wallpaper with a stamped coral design.  

I test out the bed and sink into pillowy softness, the fresh sea breeze brushes my face. I suck in another lungful of air, and I know I'm going to sleep like a baby. 

After I unpack, I head upstairs to explore the hotel. I grab a glass of local white wine from the bar and head to the living room where I’m faced with the most beautiful picture of the sea with white, ornate cast iron outdoor furniture and a parasol on a decked terrace in the foreground. But instantly, I realize this isn’t a picture at all, and in fact a window. Wow, what a view! 

I slip into relaxation mode as I sink into the sofa in the communal living room, thoroughly enjoying the juxtaposition of the plush, snuggly fabrics and the crisp glass of vino in hand. Sipping as I stare at the sea view. Bliss.  

Flashes of white yachts glide along while dinky fishing boats bob to the flow of the current and to the lazy tempo of laidback jazz music that plays in the background. I could close my eyes and doze off any moment. 

A Seaside Dream Turned Reality

Five years ago, Catherine returned to the UK after living the beach life in Australia and jumped at the chance of owning this little pocket of paradise. She was after a similar laidback coastal environment to call home and instantly fell in love with the area and this 1931 build.  

Boskerris Hotel and Macs Adventure have been in partnership for over a decade, a relationship that Catherine inherited from the previous owners and continued, thankfully! Macs guests are given a complimentary packed lunch to take with them either on the next leg of their journey or to enjoy when exploring the area – nice touch, Boskerris! 

Speaking of food, mealtimes are just as dreamy. Entering the dining room, I’m hit with a tastebud tantalising aroma of garlic, grilled meats and red wine. Are we absolutely sure I’m not in the Med? It’s dimly lit - moody, but I can still see my plate. It accentuates the glowing sea, spotlit by the sunset to the west. 

They have a 20-mile menu, using the freshest, most local ingredients. From the short rib in their zinging tacos, to the hake, pan-fried and served with potatoes, kale and a vibrant salsa verde.  

“We say we use a 20-mile radius for our food menu, but it’s probably less than that. Quite often the boats are in the bay below collecting the fish. We’re so spoiled for choice down here with produce, it would be silly not to!” - Catherine, hotel owner 

Even the alcoholic drinks and tea are local. They get their wine from a local supplier who often delivers by push bike (how quaint!), and all their beer, gins, and tea are Cornish.  

Breakfast with a View

When it comes to breakfast, how about enjoying it al fresco style on the terrace (if the British weather behaves!)? I certainly jumped at the chance. Sipping my coffee while watching the sunrise from the terrace after waking from my peaceful slumber. From rainbow fruit salads and flaky pastries to pancake stacks and poached eggs, your choice. But I think we can all agree that they’re all best served with a side of sea view and sunshine. Catherine made the bold claim that it’s hard to eat badly around here. And I have to agree! 

Boskerris Hotel is a refreshing, relaxing and calming coastal oasis. Somewhere for you to utterly surrender to the hypnotic motion of the ocean and the peace and quiet. A place to eat well, sleep well and be looked after. I call it “The Boskerris Effect”. 

Want to See the Magic for Yourself?

Words can only do so much - watch the video to get a real feel for the charm, calm, and coastal beauty of the Boskerris Hotel.

Click below to watch the video and start dreaming of your next escape to Cornwall.