“Recommended by Cesar as one of the best dog friendly Hotels in Cornwall”
The Mystical Mythical Wonderland One
So this takes us to our next break: the Talland Bay Hotel near Looe. When doing my initial research, the reviews I saw for Talland Bay were incredible and very good for the canine crew too so off we went to investigate! I can honestly say we have never visited anywhere so quirky, unique and magical as Talland Bay. Upon arrival we were mesmerised by the gravel landscape with potted plants, large trees and patios overlooking the sea. Quirky details are dotted around the grounds such as statues, sculptures, hanging faeries and works of art. We spotted teapots, swing seats, faeires and fireflies plus cheshire cats lying arbitrarily in the hotel and the grounds: it is a real Alice in Wonderland style place.
When we arrived we walked through a stone archway with a big wooden gate which leads to the courtyard: it is a page out of the Secret Garden with the prettiest grounds I have ever seen. The picturesque beauty of the gravel paths, flowerbeds, the ivy climbing up the walls and the sea view combined with the quirky items placed in the grounds and the items of art in the building make it feel like a cross between a country house hotel and an art gallery. It would be so easy for Talland Bay to rest on their laurels and do the same old Cornish hotel vibe: nautical, whitewashed details and minamalist chic - after all, their view is all they need. Buy they don't do this: they push the boundaries in a way another hotel never has: they aren't afraid to be quirky and unique, to be a bit edgy and forward-thinking. With decor that wouldn't be out of place in Vogue and food which is Rosette awarded, the hotel was unique in every way. We were offered complimentary tea which we took on the patio overlooking the sea listening to the sound of the birds - it was pure peace and tranquility.
Dogs are very welcome in the cottages in the grounds: our cottage was very chic with muted colours, crisp bed linen, White Company toiletries and antique French style furniture (very nice for a 'dog friendly' room!). We had our own patio and our own private entrance which was useful when going out for doggy toilet trips in the evening. We chose to dine in the Brasserie. The hotel has a fine dining restaurant but with no dogs allowed so we relaxed in the Brasserie with the pooches. The food was incredible and the atmosphere relaxed and intimate with nice lighting, warm surroundings, plush furnishings and rich colours; there was a real buzz in the place. Great food such as fish and chips, homemade burgers and spaghetti bolognaise combined with the funky artistic touches (I noted zebra print sofas, glass coffee tables, caricatures, a fox peeking through the wall, more cat details and a wonderful piece of art with a real Tim Burton-esque feel) all added to the ambience and the vibe was laid back yet luxurious. After a short walk around the grounds with the dogs I retreated to my French style boudoir where we flaked out in front of the flatscreen with the dogs who had discovered the yummy dog biscuits Talland Bay had left in the room for their arrival! Wrapped up in my pyjamas I sat on the sofa (yes our cottage had a sofa!) whilst typing up the days notes, feeling a little like Carrie Bradshaw in my new chic surroundings.
Need-to-know: take an evening stroll through the grounds which is lit at night and turns almost magical: look for the hanging wire faerie in the trees. Everything turns magical at night so make sure you get out and see it. Pay a visit to the local cove (dogs have to stay on leads) but it's a really pretty small beach where you can sit just metres from the shore. Make sure you have a look around and discover all of the arty pieces in the hotel, book more than one night: one night is not enough to experience it all!
