St Ives in January...

You might be mistaken in thinking that Cornwall in winter is a desolate wasteland, where all the locals hibernate and not much happens. However, you couldn’t be further from the truth…

Weather

Winter weather is about extremes in Cornwall, and no two days are ever the same, St Ives can be a peaceful crisp haven, where waves are mere ripples, and a calm descends over the town, to gale force winds where white horses lash the coastline and roll in along Porthmeor beach.

Sightseeing

Very few of Cornwall’s major attractions close over the winter months, contrary to popular belief, leaving opportunity to see the Eden Project biomes in peace and quiet, an experience in itself worth indulging in, in comparison to the summer months where you can easily get caught up in the throng of the crowds, missing the best parts of the indoor subtropical rainforest.

Or why not discover Porthcurno’s very own Telegraph Museum with  its fascinating exhibition, which looks to raise the profile of the under-represented aspects of the First World War. The exhibition offers a chance to view recovered artifacts and to learn about some of the lesser-known, but compelling, stories of the Great War. Over 700 wartime wrecks are known to lie off the south coast of England. These include largely forgotten ships and craft of all shapes and sizes, all of which were carrying out a myriad of different tasks and activities when they were lost.

Alternatively, for any savvy art enthusiasts, the Royal Cornwall Museum located in the centre of Truro is exhibiting works by Terry Pope. ‘Space Visualised’ is his latest interactive exhibition using optical illusions to challenge and play with our perceptions.

Terry Pope is a Constructionist artist; his experiments with glass, lenses and lights are imaginative and enticing, and an experience not to be missed.

The Sail Lofts luxury accommodation in St Ives can be your perfect base for storm watching, sightseeing or for just indulging your cultural side, whilst surrounded by five-star luxury. Studio staff are on site 6 days a week and are on hand to provide tips on when best to visit local attractions, or on the best ways of getting out and about around Cornwall. To find out more, call the team on 01736 799175 about booking your St Ives holiday this January.

Katy x

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Luxury self catering in St Ives, Cornwall…

As specialists in the booking industry we can appreciate how hard it can sometimes be to find the perfect holiday. We all have set criteria along with time constraints, mixed with high expectations of having a fun, yet whilst enjoying a relaxing time away, making finding the time to book the perfect holiday difficult…

TripAdvisor can be a great place to start when looking for luxury self catering in St Ives, with a broad range of locations, destinations and accommodation listed, and its honest guest reviews detailing what to expect on arrival, and what services are truly like, it is a safe way to gauge which holiday accommodation to book.

“Wonderful family holiday at Slipway”

Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Our family just returned to the USA following a simply wonderful short break in St Ives, staying at the fantastic Sail Lofts. We stayed in Slipway that had its own entrance and invaluable convenient parking. The apartment was beautiful and wonderfully appointed with our family of 5 able to fully relax and enjoy our time in Cornwall. We completely loved the Slipway apartment and would highly recommend to any family. As a person that appreciates the details I can honestly say that there was nothing that disappointed. A perfect place to stay for the family! Loved it!

Stayed October 2015, travelled with family

The Sail Lofts luxury self catering apartments in St Ives are ranked No 1 for specialty lodgings in St Ives by TripAdvisor for providing continued five star standards, for its accommodation, services and location. Entered in to the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame this year for its continued success. Upon the TripAdvisor website you can find guests top tips from their own stays at Sail Lofts, and frequently asked questions, along with guests own photographs of the apartments, giving an insiders glance at what the apartments and accommodation is really like.

“Lovely relaxing break”

Reviewed 3 weeks ago

We spent a lovely relaxing weekend at The Sail Lofts staying in the Ocean apartment. The place was very close to Porthmeor beach. Both the lounge and main bedroom overlooked the beach. We could fault nothing about Ocean. The bed was comfortable, the whole apartment was tastefully decorated and had great facilities including wifi, internet/DAB radio, double oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, Nespresso machine, dishwasher, washing machine, drier, TV (with Apple TV), beach towels, 2 bathrooms, welcome pack the list goes on. If you want a great place to stay in St Ives, you won't find better than The Sail Lofts.

Room Tip: Ocean apartment has views of Porthmeor beach

Part of the Sail Lofts success comes down to its on-site concierge team, providing over the phone support to guests regarding their individual bookings, and local tips on what to expect from a luxury self catering stay in St Ives and how to make the most out of a holiday in the St Ives area. Sail Lofts website lists many of St Ives local restaurants and top shopping spots, to give first time guests insight in to how to maximise their time in one of Cornwall’s most popular destinations.

To book luxury self catering in St Ives

Contact the Sail Lofts team to find out more about the St Ives area, luxury self catering in St Ives or to make a booking please visit the website or alternatively call our friendly team on 01736 799175 who will be happy to help.

Katy x

St Ives at Christmas...

For any of our guests at the Sail Lofts luxury self catering accommodation, in the run up to Christmas there are plenty of things to see and do, other than the more obvious shopping in the towns spectacular array of local boutique shops. Kicking off on Saturday 5^th December, and then every Saturday following running up to the big day, St Ives branch line Christmas Train…

The famous Party Train with magicians and elves will be running between St Erth and St Ives every Saturday, so why not climb on board and visit Santa’s Grotto with all its festive spirit. To gain entry to the Christmas Party Train, buy your regular train ticket at the kiosk (there are family priced offers) then head to the decorated coach, where you will find music, children’s entertainers and each child will receive a goody bag. For more on the train times please follow the link below.

 

Or once darkness has fallen on a December evening, why not join the magical, mystical lantern parade as it lights the way from Barnoon, down past the Tate and along in to Fore Street and then along the Wharf. The wonderful array of lanterns depicts all things St Ives, with seals, mermaids, and perhaps the occasional sea-witch. Should you wish to be part of the making process why not pop along to a lantern-making session at the Barnoon Workshop. To view more on the procession, and workshops please see the link below. 

No run up to Christmas would be complete without a Christmas Panto, so why not book your tickets now to enjoy the Kidz R Us’s take on the traditional, combining the adventures of Robin Hood with the tale of the Babes in the Wood. Join them for this legendary story of courage and friendship as Robin Hood and his loyal band of Merry Men try to outfox the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham and, meanwhile, help Nurse Nellie Nickerlastic protect the Babes from the Sheriff’s hopeless henchmen. It’s packed with pantomime fun and frolics, laughs for all the family, a soundtrack that you will be singing along to until next Christmas and plenty of chances to cheer and boo… 
 
To find out more about St Ives in December, please call our booking line on 01736 799175, or to learn more about our luxury self catering apartments our team are in the office Monday to Friday to aid in making your Christmas retreat one to remember.

Katy x 

Christmas availability
December availability
Christmas Party Train
St Ives Lantern Parade
Kids R Us Pantomime

Whens the best time to visit St Ives?...

The first day of Autumn has crept up on us here in St Ives, especially with the last few sunny days lulling us into an extended summer, reminding me of a question I have heard and been asked on many occasions whilst working at The Sail Lofts, ‘when is the best time to visit St Ives?’ to which my response can be hard to believe to many enquirers.

Autumn in St Ives is truly special. Walking around the deserted harbour front on a cool crisp autumn morning can be one of the most awe inspiring moments that you will never forget. The calm stillness, the tingling chill of fresh Cornish air filling your lungs, and the sight of boats in the clear turquoise water bobbing serenely, with spectacular views of the sweeping St Ives bay beyond the safe harbour walls.

As the day warms up taking to the coastal paths is a must, to view the dramatic and ever changing coastline and nooks to catch glimpses of seals in the open coves taking shelter. Some of which can easily be mistaken for boulders, however a keen eye will see the familiar outline of one of Cornwall’s local seal population.

The local pubs again perfect for a secluded treat, where you can sit and read by open fireplaces whilst sampling the local tipples, before setting off on the next stretch of coastline.

There is warmth to Cornwall in the autumn, and I am not referring to the milder southwest climate, instead I speak of the local communities. Which come to life after the summer season quietens down. Giving visitors to the area a true sense of what Cornish life is all about. 

The beauty of getting to know a place is all in the experiencing it without the distraction of others, stripping away the noise and constant throng of tourists in the warmer months that pull you along in their current, giving little opportunity to step back and enjoy the wonder and beauty of St Ives.

The Sail Lofts luxury apartments in St Ives are currently offering 25% off all of their Autumn breaks, between September 21^st and December 18^th 2015. So if you would like to enjoy the wonder of St Ives for yourself, make sure not to miss out on your own 5 star Cornish retreat.

To book please call the Sail Lofts office on 01736 799175, or alternatively express your interest via email with your specified dates to info@thesaillofts.co.uk  quoting ‘Autumn 25’ to receive the 25% discount on your eventual booking.

Katy x

Check Autumn availability at The Sail Lofts…

Autumn days out...

With the red hues of autumn just around the corner and the prospect of long sunny beach days dwindling, we’ve rounded up our top pick of days out for when the weather isn’t so kind. Of course if you just plan to relax in one of our luxury apartments in St Ives, that’s fine, but if you fancy exploring further afield, here are some suggestions.

Tate St Ives

Porthmeor Beach, St Ives
Distance: 5 minute walk

With our guests getting free entry and it being on our doorstop this is ‘a must’. The building itself is an attraction with its obvious art deco design and thanks to its beachfront location the views are pretty spectacular too. Inside you’ll find modern art at its best alongside some thought provoking interactive displays.

Tehidy Woods

Just outside Camborne
Distance: 20 minute drive

With great woodland walks, dog friendly trails, ducks, geese and squirrels, this Country Park is perfect for an autumn stomp. The woods provide wonderful shelter so even if it’s a little wet you’re protected from the elements. Pack a bag of duck food and some nuts for the squirrels and you’ll (literally) have the wildlife eating from the palm of your hand. There’s also a lovely café buried within the woods serving a nice selection of food and drink.

 

National Maritime Museum

Discovery Quay, Falmouth
Distance: 50 minute drive

This museum aims to engage and inspire people with stories of the sea, boats and Cornwall and it certainly does that. If Cornwall’s heritage is something you’re keen to learn more about then it is certainly worth a visit. As well as the museum displays you can climb the Look Out Tower and enjoy panoramic views over the harbour, docks and estuary or head below sea level and check out the Tidal Zone. Here you can look into the harbour through two large windows and see the rise and fall of the tide. You may even get a glimpse of the wildlife that calls this harbour home. If you do make it to Falmouth I’d definitely recommend exploring the town too. There are some fabulous spots for lunch and a great selection of art galleries and boutique shops to nosey around.

Eden Project

Bodelva, Cornwall
Distance: 60 minute drive

Having quickly climbed the ranks, the Eden Project is without doubt Cornwall’s most famous attraction and once you are there it’s easy to see why. Descend into what once was a working china clay pit and you are immediately transfixed by the revolutionary design of the biomes that house plants from all over the world. With a focus on sustainability Eden gives a real insight into how we can do our bit for the environment and offers you a chance to get up close and personal with some weird and wonderful plants. Throughout the year there are some fantastic workshops to get involved with and Eden’s famous Ice Rink, set to a twinkly backdrop, should not be missed.

Whatever the weather our 5* accommodation in St Ives is perfect for a relaxing break and ideally placed for fun filled days out when you fancy getting out and about. For further information about our luxury apartments in St Ives please call 01736 799175 or visit our website, www.thesaillofts.co.uk

Kelly x 

Check Autumn availability

St Ives in Winter…

St Ives is one of Cornwall’s few coastal fishing towns that is open all year round, with a wide variety of festivals spanning all seasons, acting as a hub to a thriving coastal community. This can sometimes become disguised during the core of the summer months, as the town becomes full of brightly coloured buckets and spades…

Once the summer subsides the St Ives community springs back in to life, whilst in contrast the beaches empty out, and come October beaches are yours for the taking, with the vast open spaces ready for you to discover, without hazard of treading on someone else’s carefully honed sand castle.

Cornwall has always been renowned for its mild winters, with crisp blue skies and long stretching horizons. Perfect for meandering coastal walks, pub lunches, and afternoon cream teas. With our luxury apartments in St Ives creating the ideal space for relaxing and recuperating after days out in the fresh Cornish air.

Out of season you will also find that the roads are much quieter than in the summer months, giving you plenty of chances to venture to Cornwall’s beauty spots, unhindered by the usual summer tail backs. 

Should you be looking for dog friendly holiday in St Ives, look no further as the Sail Lofts has three dog friendly apartments, all just a stones throw from ideal walking, running and ball chasing hotspots; including from October 1^st Porthmeor Beach, an expansive stretch of golden sand, that sits across the road from the apartments.

If you are looking for retail therapy, again you shall find all the shops in St Ives open and ready for business albeit in October much quieter, perfect for pursuing. The high street is bursting full of the likes of Seasalt, Crewe and Fat Face along with St Ives beautifully unique boutique shops and galleries.

The majority of restaurants you shall also find still open, and with much higher likelihood of getting the best seats in some of St Ives top eateries, which is reason enough to come out of season and enjoy St Ives.

Should you be interested in booking a stay in a luxury apartment in St Ives, or in finding out more about what St Ives has to offer in the winter months, please get in touch with us on 01736 799175. We are on hand to help, and to make recommendations on what to see and do whilst here in St Ives.

Katy x

Check availability in October...

Check availability in November...