The Romantic Tourist

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Love at First Sight

The Beach Pads offer three stunningly located Beach Houses that are particularly appealing to those wishing to get away from the busy pace of daily life. The remarkable experience of staying at the location provides many of our Guests with precious memories, that feel deeply appreciated and last a lifetime!

So if you want to experience a spot where you can allow the live sound of the sea to soothe you whilst drifting off into a restful night's sleep, and then wake up in a super-king bed and gaze directly upon the Godrevy lighthouse and St. Ives Bay with only the distraction of a passing Gig or a Local Lobster Fisherman look no further and get in touch!

Many guests often repeat what this guest told us: " What can I say that hasn't already been said? This house is amazing. We want to stay forever! The views- stunning. We made full use of the pool and hot tub and much appreciated they were. Would have to come back with a week's worth of supplies so we don’t have to go out all week! Thank you so much for allowing us to share this very special place. We almost don't want to share it with anyone else to keep it a secret."

The location is iconic having been chosen in 2020 to host the G7 it needed to be somewhere world class. Each of the three beach houses deliver just that, being based on the magnificent Porthkidney Sands Beach, St Ives Bay. A location that also won the coveted title of Best UK Beach by The Times/Sunday Times in 2024. We therefore know that the experience of staying needs to live up to the beautiful setting.

Wake up and watch the ebb and flow of the tide whilst enjoying a morning coffee and cuddle. Many Guests report how mesmerising the view is and that it is hard to peel themselves away from the ever changing views especially whilst reclined under comfy crisp cotton sheets. Guests say it's a very enjoyable “guilty” pleasure! We say that’s the purpose please don’t feel guilty why not just release yourself to the moment and feel the ease of the beautiful feeling of deep relaxation. It's rare in our busy world to find such a place that provides oodles of opportunities to truly escape and enjoy the moment with each other.

Step out of the door and walk on the dunes or beach comb on St. Ives Bay. A pastime that is easy to let the mind and body relax. If you prefer, there is a spacious private lawned garden just above the beach where you can sit and watch the passing boats, kayaks and kite surfers play in the bay during the day. That said despite being a world class beach it is often empty and you will find many occasions when you can enjoy it all too yourself.

Naturally, all three Beach Pads have stunning vistas as well as excellent amenities that include two private hot tubs, an indoor heated pool, covered outdoor entertainment area with fire pit and Egg BBQ to cook the fresh local shellfish and enjoy crisp white wine. Truly an amazing spot for the entire party to congregate in one location providing the rare opportunity to spend some alone time away from the crowds, whilst over looking the ever changing sea vista.

As they say location, location, location and this is undeniably one that delivers in spades! For those booking for a larger number our Guests frequently report back that these special occasions have created the cherished family memories that will last a lifetime. Beach Pads provide the ideal retreat for all members of the family. Children revert back to enjoying the physical pursuits of having acres of sand and sea on their doorstep should they need a change of scenery from a swim in the indoor heated swimming pool. Parents can then unwind as we all know that when the kids are happy life is easy! Grandparents have often said it's so relaxing just sitting back and watching their loved ones at rest and play when not being mesmerised by the ever changing views. Grandparent's often booking to return and spend their Golden Wedding Anniversary celebrations with their families with us.

We truly understand how hard everyone works these days and that there is so much pressure and stress in every day life. The exceptionally special moments in our lifetimes are very precious. We therefore feel it is our duty when we are chosen for such a significant occasion is to show our appreciation and do what we can to make sure you have a truly special, uniquely memorable experience and “feel the love.”

Romance

We promise you the experience of staying at truly one of the most romantic of settings. We know we have the keys to a magical destination. We want to share that with our you so that you too can tap into the peace and calm that our Guests repeatedly enjoy having stayed at Beach Pads. It has been suggested that this is the "ultimate UK destination" to pop the question.

If you can take your eyes off the breathtaking views of the sea or resist going outside for a private moonlit beach walk, there are plenty of options for unwinding and cuddling up either to watch a movie or read a good book. You will only be disturbed by the sound of the waves.

Walk out over the sun-kissed sands, the rhythmic lull of waves, and the salty breeze—there’s something enchanting about the beach. It’s where time slows down, and hearts beat in sync with the tides. Imagine strolling hand in hand, toes sinking into warm sand, as the sun dips below the horizon. Welcome to your romantic beach getaway—a canvas painted with desire, inspiration, and the magic of the shore. The scene is set for hearts to melt and lifelong promises to be made.

As the stars emerge, you wrap yourselves in a blanket, the sand cool beneath you. The beach becomes a cocoon—a place where love blooms, where memories etch themselves into eternity. And as you drift off to sleep, the waves continue their serenade, promising that tomorrow holds more magic. A lifetime of memories to share………

The Beach Pads team are on hand to support the moment and help to deliver that element of surprise. Walk along the beach..whats that someone has written? Will…You…Marry…Me? drop down on one knee and the moment is yours. Dig in the sand, what’s this? You have both found some buried treasure. What is in the box? Something that sparkles and is a girl’s best friend. After you of course!

Celebrate with a bottle of cold award winning Cornish Fizz that has been secretly hidden amongst the rocks awaiting you to pop the cork and seal the moment with a kiss. Beach Pad’s has all the necessary props and local knowledge to help provide any essential props.

Memories that will last a lifetime. If you wish to capture the moment and have a private beach photoshoot Beach Pad’s can recommend some wonderful local photographers who know the beach well and will capture your special moment forever.

Your Stay

Those who wish for a barefoot beach wedding look no further. It’s hard to imagine anywhere more glorious to celebrate your big day with your loved ones. For celebratory, informal wedding celebrations an exceptional location for a scaled back elopement style wedding. The Beach Pads on the bay in St. Ives offer an extraordinarily beautiful setting to tie the knot.

The Barefoot Beach Wedding Team can help to curate the day to leave you with the cherished memories you desire. The happy couple can opt to exchange vows informally at any time of day with a local celebrant (or not), after registering at the registry office or attending a service at the stunning Norman Church nearby. Dusk weddings are especially popular at the moment.

As the beach is dog friendly all the year round it means your four legged best friend can join in too! Our guests frequently discover that they have the beach to themselves, even during the hottest part of the summer.

Whilst the location works well for large group events and get togethers, the location and positioning equally offers the opportunity for more private and intimate escapes that are often enjoyed by Guests.

We have nearly 20 years of hosting and local experience to assist in delivering the special day. To give a flavour of our ethos this is what a recent lovely guest emailed us:

"I want to start by saying I will absolutely be submitting a glowing review for Ferry House but I wanted to also take the opportunity to send a personal email of thanks to you.

I’m not sure I will ever find the words to do Ferry House justice and I will be mulling over my words to the review for a while I’m sure trying to pick the right ones, but you as a host are just as special at the property.

The many small beautiful personalised touches to the stay is something I will treasure and appreciate forever.

Thank you to you and the team for allowing and helping us all that book with you, make core lifelong memories at Ferry House.

It was truly a magical experience.

Emily "

What to Do

Throughout the day, there is much for everyone to enjoy. Literally, sandy beaches are right outside your door, alternatively, few meters away is a fantastic links golf course. If not, those who prefer the water can go paddle boarding, kayaking or kitesurfing. Hayle is a fantastic place to attempt kayaking, paddle boarding, and surfing if you're interested in water activities.

If taking it easy is more your style it is possible to go fishing right outside your front door. Or, if birdwatching is a hobby the location is renowned for its twitching potential as it is the most southerly RSPB Reserve. Come spot a Golden Plover, Wigeon, Godwit, Redshank, Teal, Heron, Cormorant, Gull or Crow to name a few. Nature abounds at the location with guests repeatedly spotting Seals from the comfort of their beds to Glow Worms on an evening stroll.

The village of Lelant is well served with two great local pubs, a wonderful bistro and fabulous bird watching cafe. Enjoy a morning stroll with breathtaking views by using the South West Coastal Footpath.

Porth Kidney Beach welcomes dogs year-round and as many families are not complete without their four legged friend Beach Pad's is a wonderful place to start the day with your pet. The Hounds report back that the beach is "paw-fect". The Beach Pads are based directly on the St Michael’s Way Pilgrimage Route and are part of the Camino so you can get your first Camino stamp just by walking to Beach Pads!

If you feel like a walk further afield it is possible to walk via the beach into Carbis Bay and enjoy the location where world leaders congregated for the G7 in 2020 and enjoyed a Cornish Beach BBQ.The location was chosen to impress President's and Prime Minister's as it is indisputably a "World Class”, something many famous artists became aware of hundreds of years ago when the likes of Whistler was first attracted to the special St. Ives "light".

Beach Pad's has its own artistic history as it was the home and studio of John Miller who forever captured the beauty of the location in his iconic beach and seascapes. Indeed one of the paintings of the location being used for Chris Rea's "King of the Beach" Album Cover. The location has also inspired writers and the famous local author Rosamunde Pilcher who described the walk to the house as her favourite walk: "My favourite walk is at Lelant, down the road past the Church onto the golf course. You see the Bay and the colours, and it's never the same - it's just perfect." A little further on you can enjoy fantastic cafes, pubs, and restaurants as you stroll down the South West Coastal Route into St. Ives and visit the Tate or the many charming traditional Cornish towns nearby. Easy day outings include the Eden Project, Lands End, Minack Theatre, St. Michael's Mount, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

The Food of Love

The famous quote has it that music is the food of love. We agree but we also feel that the other senses also feed and nourish the feeling of love. Cornwall is so naturally beautiful it pleasures the eye very easily. This leads us on to taste. Boy how well Cornwall can deliver when it comes to food and wine!

With it's first class reputation for being a magnet for some of the best UK Chef's. Cornwall is a place where many famous and Michelin Rated Chefs either started their careers or have as a base from Rick Stein, Gordon Ramsey, Nathan Outlaw, Michael Caines, Paul Ainsworth, Jude Karema the list goes on. Having the sea on your doorstep means the freshest of fish and seafood, the local agricultural products are also exceptional with producers often winning food awards.

Several Cornish Wineries have won "Gold" status for their wines in international competitions with the likes of Camel Valley, Knighteor, Bosue and nearby Polgoon, beating the well known Champagne Houses at their own game, it is time to raise a toast and pop open the bubbles with something grown locally.

Cornwall isn't just about top chefs and formal food experiences it is also perfect for holding a beach feast similar to the one the Chef and Food Critic Andy Oliver recently held at the location to thank the NHS whilst making the BBC's "Fabulous Feast's" TV Programme. Sitting just above the beach and owning a section of private beach at the location it is possible to have your feet in the sand but be remote and private to enjoy the setting at any time of day or night.

The Barefoot Beach Wedding team has the ability to source and deliver from an amazing variety of options for guests to indulge in epicurean pleasures.

So if music is not just your food of love, rather the magic of the moment and enjoying the ability to look out across the beautiful expanse of sea and sand whilst enjoying the taste of the delicious local food and wine, please do get in contact with Nicola so that we can start to plan your special occasion with you.