Reviewed and Recommended ~ The Llawnroc Hotel, Cornwall ~ Stealing Some Time to Re-connect After Six Months of Marriage

 

'Do you fancy a weekend at this hotel in Cornwall? Makes more sense for you to go as it's your end of the country. Let me know what you think…'

 

I'm not sure Annabel realised quite what she was giving me when she sent this brief email earlier this year. But then, I don't think I did either. Carl and I were fairly recently married, and we still had our honeymoon to look forward to.

I didn't know just how badly we would need a weekend away together by the time August rolled around. Nor did I appreciate just how perfect a place The Llawnroc Hotel would be.

All photos taken by Franky and her husband Carl – Copyright (c) 2012, Love My Dress

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

My husband and I work hard. We're both freelance and juggle working from home with two small children. Although we spend a lot of time in the same building, we're rarely 'together'. Right now, as I type this post, I'm sat at the dining table downstairs {wrapped in huge thick cardi as the house is so chilly} while he works at the desk in our bedroom.

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

We eat together as a family every evening around 6pm, but as soon as the children are in bed we both disappear back to our respective corners and continue working until 9 or 10pm. In Carl's case it's usually later. Weekdays and weekends merge into one as the demands of freelance work rarely fall neatly within the confines of a regular working week. 

Very occasionally we'll sit and watch a film together, all the while trying to convince ourselves we don't feel guilty about not working. A severe lack of babysitters means 'date night' tends to be a bi-annual affair.

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

In short, genuine quality time together is seriously lacking.

Stealing an unexpected weekend away together was like giving our relationship a thorough cleanse. It blew away the dust and forced us to acknowledge that things had begun to stagnate a little. We'd stopped talking to each other because there was never any time for a proper conversation, and a relationship cannot survive on mere pleasantries alone

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

Jessica Bryant, manager at The Llawnroc, describes the hotel as an ideal destination for a special occasion or celebration. While I agree the hotel's luxurious interior, opulent bedrooms and rugged coastal setting would be perfect for a birthday getaway, anniversary treat, or even a mini-moon, sometimes the only, and best, reason for spending time with the person you love is 'just because'. 

As we don't drive, my husband and I travelled by train to St Austell before taking a short taxi ride to the hotel in the beautiful, unspoilt coastal village of Gorran Haven.

The Llawnroc manages to embody contemporary luxe design while remaining true to its seaside setting. The nautical flourishes that run throughout the hotel never feel naff, and each corner of the building presents a colour, texture or object worth gazing at. Staff were attentive, but never overbearing, and the place was filled with a friendly warmth that put us instantly at ease.

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

Our south-facing sea view suite with balcony felt decadent but cosy. The bed was immensely comfortable and the en-suite offered the perfect balance of style and function.

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall


After settling in and relaxing with a cup of tea in front of the Olympics on the big TV in our room, Carl and I changed for dinner and headed down to the hotel's restaurant, Gwineas Bar and Bistro.

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

It's hard to convey how amazing the food was without sounding trite, but it truly was the kind of meal you remember forever. I have no doubt my husband will wistfully reminisce about those fishcakes in years to come, and every scallop I ever eat will be held up against the ones I sampled at The Llawnroc that night. The wine was also delicious, and my husband relished an opportunity to drink copious amounts of Tribute {a Cornish pale ale}.

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

As I gazed out the window at the windswept coastline below, I couldn't help but think what an amazing location The Llawnroc would make for a wedding. A small, intimate gathering with the emphasis on delicious food and good wine. Perfect for a couple with a penchant for contemporary design, a love of the Cornish coast, and an appreciation of old school glamour. 

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

On Saturday we headed into Gorran Haven to explore. The village is tiny but idyllic, and it has almost everything you could hope for from the Cornish coast. We took in the sea views, strolled down narrow streets, nosily peered in the windows of fisherman's cottages, wandered along the beach a little and demolished a bag of chips between rain showers.

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

After lunch we took a taxi to the nearby fishing village, Mevagissey. We filled our afternoon by browsing the shops, walking along the harbour's edge and indulging in a cream tea. There's plenty more to do locally and lots of exciting attractions nearby {the Eden Project and Heligan for example}, but sometimes all you really need is an opportunity to slow down and just 'be'. That's what we did all day, and it was wonderful.

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

We ushered in the evening with a cheeky pint at a small, traditional pub. We were sat near a fireplace bereft of any flames as it was the middle of summer, but I could just imagine how cosy the place would be during winter with the pair of us snug in the glow of a roaring fire.

{says it all…..}

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

We rounded off our day with a meal at the local curry house. After eating our fill of onion bhajis and pilau rice we returned to The Llawnroc and collapsed into the huge bed, drowsy from both wine and an overwhelming feeling of contentment.

Llawnroc Hotel Cornwall

'We should do this more often' said Carl over breakfast the next morning.

I'm inclined to agree.

How do you re-connect with your husband or wife? Are you tempted to steal a weekend away together?

Much love,

Franky

Heart

 

I was a guest of The Llawnroc Hotel, but my opinions are honest and my own. You can find out more about the hotel through their website, facebook, and twitter

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