St Michaels Resort

Leafy subtropical gardens, two restaurants and a lush spa make this smart resort in Falmouth a must-visit for those looking to feed both body and soul.

Experience the culinary delights from talented head chef Dave Waters (pictured opposite) in the roomy Brasserie on the Bay, with its coastal views of Falmouth Bay and the resort’s stunning gardens.

Dave was born and bred in Cornwall. As a child, he fished off Mousehole with his grandad, and as a young chef spent six years with Nathan Outlaw, sharpening his seafood skills to a razor-clam edge. It’s fair to say the county’s ocean bounty runs through his veins.

He approaches his craft with both technical precision and respect for the produce sourced from Cornwall’s verdant fields and generous waters. In this setting, Dave showcases both in menus that centre on sparklingly fresh seafood.

Experience a taste of the coast by starting dinner with three hand-dived, half-shell Cornish scallops served with pumpkin seeds, coriander, chilli, parmesan and spring onion. Follow with whichever fat and juicy fish has been landed nearby that morning.

For alternative all-day dining, head next door to Nourish. Here, wholesome and deliciously down-to-earth food, from pizza to healthy small plates, is complemented by good coffee and smoothies.

Trencherman’s tip

Further entertainment can be found by wandering through the gardens, lazing in the largest hydrothermal pool in the South West, getting a rejuvenating treatment in the spa and working up a sweat at the high-calibre Health Club. Outdoor thrills include sea swimming and paddleboarding in the bay.