SeaSpace in Cornwall is a new aparthotel redefining family-friendly holidays in the county.
At the newly opened SeaSpace in Cornwall, just outside Newquay, you’ll have some of the UK’s best beaches right on your doorstep, but it’s the other things this hotel offers that are making it a big hit. From well-designed accommodation that’s perfect for families, to excellent cafés, cool co-working spaces and tons of facilities that kids will love, this is one to add to the list if you’re planning a Cornish escape this summer. Citizen Enfants checked in to discover more.
Everything about the newly opened, self-catered SeaSpace aparthotel points towards a shift in attitudes to Cornish holidays. Far from being the preserve of the ‘down-from-London’ set, this innovative place close to Newquay is actively seeking to integrate visitors and locals by creating an extensive space for the two groups to come together. The café, gym, beautiful gardens and excellent facilities – like padel and a stunning swimming pool – can be accessed not only by those booking in for the night, but also by locals who can pop in for a catch up with friends, book into a yoga class or make use of the large and airy co-working spaces. It’s a new concept for Cornwall and it’s already proving popular.
The Vibe
SeaSpace feels more like a cool family club than a hotel. With sleek seventies-style design – seen in the vibrant colour palette and quirky furniture – there’s an effortlessly cool, relaxed, playful and friendly feel throughout. Locals use the communal spaces and restaurants to co-work and hangout – and both are fast becoming neighbourhood favourites for parents while kids check out the playroom. Baby-friendly, child-friendly and dog-friendly – which all equals incredibly parent-friendly – the facilities and relaxed atmosphere make it perfect for a stylish base for families.
The Rooms
Just a few minutes’ walk from Porth Beach and around a 20-minute walk (or mere four-minute drive) from beautiful Watergate Bay, you’ll find 56 self-catering studios and two- or three-bed apartments complete with king-sized beds and open-plan kitchens. A repurposed hotel, the building has been given a serious makeover with every detail carefully thought through.
A true home-from-home with a Wes Anderson vibe, furniture and décor are stylish without being too precious or breakable – a real bonus if you’re travelling with kids. Brilliantly laid out, accommodation feels spacious and light-filled, with beautiful views over the coast or countryside. Prioritising living areas, the largest of the spaces (the three-bed apartment) can sleep up to seven, but, across all rooms, the compact space is enhanced with bunkbeds and by placing the wardrobe in the hallway.
Slick bathrooms are stocked with locally made land&water products and small, neat kitchens are kitted out with everything you need – including a dishwasher (a DIY holiday must-have). Some even have a washing machine which will come in particularly handy if you have small kids. It’s worth noting that the apartments aren’t serviced unless you’re staying for more than eight days, however you can request extra housekeeping at an additional cost.
Food + Drink
A self-catered property, it’s advisable to stock up at the supermarket before you arrive – but one of the great things about SeaSpace is the handy onsite dining spaces too. The café is open all day serving hot drinks, excellent smoothies and locally sourced food; brunch is a must with pancake stacks that kids will love (and superb freshly brewed coffee for mum and dad); and Tallo is an Italo-American eatery serving small plates as well as burgers, pastas and steak. Exactly the kind of food you want after a day at the beach (it’s also a great spot for al fresco cocktails). There’s a small self-service on-site shop too.
This is an eco-conscious hotel; all food waste will be processed at a local anaerobic digestion facility and converted into renewable energy, and general waste is sent off to the Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre to generate electricity for Cornish homes.
The Child’s Play
With one of the most aesthetically pleasing games rooms you could imagine, SeaSpace is packed with beautiful toys for all ages: think cute Maileg toy mice; beautiful books; games and puzzles; a LEGO table; a child-friendly dart board; table football; a basketball hoop – and more. It’s clear that considerable time and effort has gone into planning this area – a space ideal for rainy days. None of this is supervised so you will have to keep an eye on little ones. Another highlight is the indoor, yellow-and-white-tiled, 19-metre Art Deco-style pool. Plus, there’s a splash pool for little ones and a hot tub for grown ups.
The fun continues outside with a wonderful selection of play areas including a mud kitchen, a large toy boat to climb on, an adventure playground, a full maze, and tons of space to run around in. There’s an outdoor padel court that will appeal to older kids and teens (as well as mums and dads) – visit at 10am on a Saturday for the family session, where children over 10 will be coached on how to play.
The Spa
SeaSpace has a health club, not a spa: if wellness and exercise is your thing, you’ll love it. Then there’s the state-of-the-art gym and a full activity timetable packed with everything from Pilates and yoga to strength training and cardio sessions. It’s open from 6am until 10pm daily, while the swimming pool offers adult-only sessions from 7am-9am and 7pm-9pm. All of this is free to guests and locals can join as members.
The To-Do List
This is a magical corner of the world and it’s overflowing with activities and adventures. Have a browse around independent lifestyle store R.Place in Porth, grabbing a good coffee from the hut right next door. You’re also just minutes from some of the UK’s most spectacular family-friendly beaches where kids will be happy playing in the sand all day; book a family surf lesson at Wavehunters on Watergate Bay – they have wetsuits for hire so it’s perfect for beginners who don’t have any of the kit. Electric bikes are available at SeaSpace; hire some and head into Newquay (a 13-minute ride away) or explore the many country tracks. Long coastal walks come with beautiful views – and don’t miss nearby fabulous Fistral Beach with fun food options for all ages.
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