Blue Hayes

Nothing is too much trouble at this grand, white aristocratic residence, high on a clifftop just outside funky St Ives. With panoramic sea views and a beautiful position, there's a Mediterranean feel when the sun is shining, especially when you drift out onto the balustraded terrace to view the bay with its pines and palms and well-tended gardens below.

There are just five double suites and a smaller single suite  – all very spacious and sumptuous, decorated in cool off-whites  and creams, with comfy beds with high quality mattresses and goose-down pillows, tea- and coffee-making facilities and smart TVs. Well-proportioned bathrooms feature body-jet showers and Molton Brown toiletries. Three of the six rooms have wonderful sea views, and two have large private outdoor spaces – a spectacular private balcony in the Master Suite and a huge roof terrace for sunbathing with the Trelyon Suite. Of the two that don't overlook the sea, one has French doors leading out on its own private patio garden. There's wifi throughout, and a very convivial bar and dining room, and room-service is available in case you fancy breakfast in bed – which you almost certainly will. From the garden gate, you're on the downhill path to the local beach and only a short walk from the centre of town, but if you'd rather stay in and make the most of the evening views the hotel also serves light suppers on request (Cornish crab salad, seared tuna, local lobster and the like) .

It's a very calm, sleek, private experience all round, with a fabulous location and personal approach to service, and couldn't be better placed for a luxury stay in St Ives.