The restaurant ‘Vista’ certainly lives up to its name: the view from there is so impressive that I have been paralyzed.
In fact, the views from almost everywhere at ‘The Polurrian on the Lizard’ hotel in Cornwall are so fascinating that it’s a wonder, after checking in, that my husband and I managed to move from place to place on the property.
At Vista, we gaze out through floor-to-ceiling windows at the sparkling Celtic Sea, marveling at its Caribbean turquoise hue.
Our vantage point is so excellent that we can even see tides and currents hundreds of feet below.
The Polurrian lies on the western side of the Lizard Peninsula, across Mount’s Bay from Porthcurno and St Michael’s Mount, and on a clear day diners can see it lurking in the distance.
Meanwhile, to the north lies the golden sand of tranquil Polurrian Beach (owned by the hotel), while to the south guests can glimpse ‘Love Rock’, a striking geological formation that sits on the edge of the cliff.
We will discover that views of the seascape are also offered from the outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, sunbathing lawn, children’s playground and sister restaurant Polurrian. As well as our family room with sea views, decorated in a cozy mid-century style and featuring beds in two rooms with luxurious down bedding, a bathroom with power shower and good quality Elemis toiletries.
After leaving our bags there and enjoying the views of Vista, we discovered that the restaurant serves delights for both the stomach and the eyes.
Sophie Foster checks into The Polurrian on the Lizard hotel in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall. The property is shown above on the edge of the cliff.
Sophie reveals that Vista restaurant (above) lives up to its name – the view stops her in her tracks
Sophie’s ocean view family room (similar to the one above) is “decorated in a cozy mid-century style.”
The cream tea (£21.95 or £29.45 sparkling) is delicious – we enjoyed it with warm scones, soft sandwiches and buttery champagne.
But the seasonal food at Vista’s sister restaurant, Polurrian, is hit or miss. A high-quality full English breakfast and delicate kippers surprise at first light, while my duck starter for dinner melts in the mouth and the tender pork in mustard sauce has me licking my fingers.
But the vegetarian options are less impressive: My husband is served a confusing combination of oil-covered orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and tofu. At lunchtime our pizza (£16) takes an hour to arrive and is undercooked.
Service in both restaurants is slow. Fortunately, this is not a place to rush and waiting gives us more time to contemplate that fascinating panorama.
However, it is vital to free yourself from the spell, because there is much to explore in the surroundings.
The rear of the hotel leads to the picturesque village of Mullion and the wild green headlands of the Lizard.
We drove the hotel’s electric Jeep-style buggy to the Mullion Chocolate Factory (try the milk and honey chocolate) and craft centre, then bought traditional Cornish pasties at Prima Bakeries and sat in the picturesque churchyard for steaming bites.
One afternoon we head to The Old Inn in Mullion, where live music plays in the beer garden and local cider quenches my thirst. My husband drives so he stays warm with a cup of tea.
The hotel, which is located on the western side of the Lizard Peninsula, has an indoor pool with a jacuzzi.
Sophie and her husband admire the “seascape view” from their accommodation (similar to the one above)
Sophie comments that service at both restaurants is slow (above, the Polurrian restaurant), but adds: “Thankfully, this is not a place to rush and waiting gives us more time to take in that fascinating panorama.”
Sophie and her husband venture from the hotel up the “steep but beautiful” path to Polurrian Beach (above)
Island Suite guests can use the hotel’s ‘NoSmoke’ electric stroller.
Impressive: tennis fans can enjoy spectacular views on the hotel court
“The entire Polurrian hotel and beach are dog-friendly, so there were plenty of pets throughout our stay,” says Sophie. Above: the view from the hotel’s beach path.
Above: the children’s play area.
The agenda also includes a 10-minute walk from the hotel along the steep but beautiful path to Polurrian Beach.
The water is cold, of course, this is England, but with wetsuits on we brave the swell and enjoy the seaweed and seaweed tickling our feet.
The most daring enter the water in a swimsuit or bikini. They don’t last long…unlike their dogs. The entire Polurrian hotel and beach are dog-friendly, so pets were plentiful during our stay.
The days end with a drink at the Polurrian, where incredibly beautiful sunsets root us in the place once again.