St Moritz Guide to a Winter Stay
When the summer crowds drift away and the Cornish lanes become easier to navigate, a different side of Cornwall emerges. Winter brings a slower pace, wild coastal beauty and the simple pleasure of having beaches, cliff paths and cosy corners almost to yourself. Crisp sea air, dramatic skies and crackling fires make this one of the most rewarding times to visit.
Whether you’re planning long walks along the coast, leisurely lunches, restorative spa afternoons or simply a chance to switch off by the sea, here’s our guide to making the most of a winter stay at St Moritz.
Winter Walks Worth Wrapping Up For
There’s something about the Cornish coast in winter that makes every walk feel a little more invigorating. With crisp sea air, dramatic Atlantic swells and quieter paths, it’s the perfect season to pull on your boots and embrace the elements. Whether you’re after a gentle beach stroll or a longer coastal adventure, these walks are well worth wrapping up for.
Rock to Daymer Bay
Just a short walk from St Moritz Hotel, the route to Daymer Bay is one of North Cornwall’s most rewarding winter strolls. Following the shoreline, you’ll be treated to sweeping views across the Camel Estuary, with golden sand, rolling dunes and ever-changing skies. In winter, the beach feels wonderfully peaceful, making it the perfect place to pause, breathe in the fresh sea air and enjoy the tranquillity of the season.
For those looking to embrace the wild beauty of the Cornish coast, Pentire Headland offers dramatic cliff-top walking with breath taking views in every direction. Winter brings powerful Atlantic swells crashing against the rocks below, while the surrounding landscape takes on a rugged, untamed beauty. On clear days, you’ll be rewarded with vast views across Polzeath Beach and beyond, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot seals playing in the surf.
A little further along the coast, the walk from the quiet hamlet of Port Quin to Doyden Castle is a true winter favourite. Following the Southwest Coast Path, the route winds along rugged cliffs with uninterrupted sea views before reaching the striking 19th-century treasure perched above the Atlantic. The thrilling scenery feels even more captivating in winter, when the coastline is quieter and the changing weather creates spectacular skies. It’s the kind of walk that leaves rosy cheeks and a real appreciation for Cornwall’s untamed beauty.
Recharge at the Spa
Has anyone ever told you that you look tired, only for someone to say, “that’s the sea air for you”? It might sound like a cliché, but in Cornwall it’s surprisingly true. After a day spent exploring the windswept coastline, you’re left with a very particular kind of tiredness – not the draining kind, but a deeply satisfying one, earned through fresh air, salty skin and miles of open views.
Whether you’re easing tired legs after a coastal walk, escaping a blustery afternoon or simply treating yourself, our tranquil spa provides the ultimate sanctuary. Sink into the warmth of the hydro pool, unwind in the sauna and steam room, or indulge in a restorative treatment designed to leave you feeling refreshed from head to toe.
Our Top 3 Winter Soul Warmers
The Lava Shell Massage is a deeply comforting, warming treatment, available in 60 or 90-minute options. Smooth, gently heated shells are glided rhythmically across the body, their warmth melting into tired muscles and encouraging a deep sense of ease. The soothing heat works to release engrained tension, ease stiffness and restore a feeling of balance throughout the body. It’s the perfect cure to a day spent bracing against Cornwall’s wild winter coastline, where sea air, wind and long walks leave you ready to fully unwind.
The Renewal Facial blends restorative bodywork with advanced skincare for a complete head-to-toe reset. The experience begins with a 60-minute back massage, designed to ease muscular tightness and quiet the body, allowing you to fully switch off. This is followed by a Cowshed Revive Facial, where nourishing products and expert techniques work to cleanse, hydrate and awaken the skin. The result is skin that feels refreshed and radiant, paired with a body that feels noticeably lighter and more relaxed.
For more targeted rejuvenation, the Expert Medik8 Peel (75 minutes) is a results-driven treatment designed to refine, smooth and brighten the face. Using gentle yet effective resurfacing techniques, it helps to improve skin texture, boost warmth and encourage a healthier, more even skin tone. Particularly beneficial during the colder months, it works to counteract the dullness and dryness that winter can bring, leaving the skin visibly renewed and re-energised.
Discounts & Dedicated YOU time
For those looking to make the most of a midweek escape, our Wellness Wednesday and Mani-Mondays offer is the perfect excuse to visit. Enjoy 40% off spa treatments every Wednesday and 25% off manicures and pedicures every Monday; giving you even more reason to embrace a little winter wellness during your stay.
Please note these discounts are only available outside of holiday periods.
Cosy Pubs & Long Lunches
There’s something wonderfully comforting about ending a crisp winter walk with a long lunch in a cosy Cornish pub. Boots by the door, rosy cheeks from the sea air and a pint of local ale in hand – it’s one of the simple pleasures that makes a winter stay on the North Cornwall coast so special.
Perched on the edge of the Camel Estuary, The Mariners in Rock is the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy an afternoon alongside the vast stretch of views. Settle in with a drink as you watch the tide ebb and flow across the estuary, before tucking into elevated pub classics crafted with the very best Cornish produce. Whether you’re enjoying lunch by the window or a leisurely Sunday meal, the ever-changing waterside views are a perfect reason to linger for another drink or two.
For a quintessential Cornish pub experience, head to the St Kew Inn. Nestled in the heart of a charming village, this historic inn is full of character, with low-beamed ceilings and crackling open fires that invite you to stay awhile; it’s the kind of place where hearty seasonal dishes, local ales and good conversation make an afternoon disappear.
Tucked away in the peaceful village of Chapel Amble, The Maltsters Arms offers a warm welcome after a day spent exploring. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, it’s known for its relaxed atmosphere, generous portions and carefully prepared dishes showcasing fresh Cornish ingredients. It’s the perfect place to gather around the table, share stories from the day’s adventures and watch the autumn leave dance outside.
No winter break would be complete without a traditional Sunday roast, and The Golden Lion in Padstow delivers one worth planning your weekend around. Expect perfectly roasted meats, crisp roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and rich, comforting gravy, all served in a welcoming pub setting. It’s the ultimate way to round off a weekend on the Cornish coast.
The Simple Joys
Some of the best moments of a winter break aren’t planned – they’re the little rituals that become the memories you take home.
Rise early and watch the sunrise over Daymer Bay; grab some wellies form reception and wrap up warm with a takeaway coffee in hand from our café. As the first light catches the sea and the beach slowly comes to life, you’ll discover a side of Cornwall that’s wonderfully peaceful and often missed by summer visitors.
For those looking to embrace the elements, there’s nothing quite like a session at Saunas by the Sea followed by an invigorating sea dip. The contrast between the warmth of the wood-fired sauna and the crisp Atlantic waters leaves you feeling refreshed, revitalised and ready for the day ahead.
When the weather takes a dramatic turn, don’t be tempted to stay indoors all day. Winter is storm-watching season in Cornwall, and there’s something mesmerising about watching powerful Atlantic waves crash against the coastline from the comfort of a warm café, cosy pub or the hotel itself. It’s a reminder of nature at its most spectacular – and one of the many reasons winters is such a special time to visit.
For a slower-paced morning, browse the shelves at St Kew farm shop or wander through Trevathan Farm Shop and Restaurant. Pick up freshly baked bread, artisan cheeses, homemade preserves and seasonal Cornish produce before settling down with a coffee and a slice of homemade cake. It’s a simple way to experience the flavours of North Cornwall and support the wonderful local producers that make the region so special.
Because sometimes, the greatest luxury isn’t filling every moment – it’s having the time to enjoy the simple ones.