The Idle Rocks St Mawes

Nestled on the stunning Roseland Peninsula in South Cornwall, designated as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for its quality of landscape and unrivalled coastal scenery. We are surrounded by secluded coves, delightful creeks, lush countryside, tranquil beaches and scenic cliffs.

Facing south across the Fal estuary, the village is spectacular with a strong sense of community, all centered around the Harbour and waterside.

With its cobbled narrow streets and abundance of shops, galleries, and restaurants, it’s and ideal destination to relax, enjoy the sea air, eat fabulous seafood and explore the surrounding areas.

Its location on the Roseland peninsula gives easy access to some of the most beautiful Cornish landmarks and destinations including Falmouth, St Anthony Lighthouse, Trelissick, Porthscatho and many more.

The Roseland is also a walker’s paradise. Being a peninsula, it has a great variety of both coastal and inland walks, offering fabulous walking all year round.

For the more adventurous St Mawes is a centre for all things water related; Sailing, Power Boating, Water Sports, Fishing and Wild swimming, the location means all these and many more activities area right on your doorstep.

Our History
The Idle Rocks has been a part of the community of St. Mawes since 1913 when it was built on the site of the old local bakery. Establishing itself as a luxury coastal hotel in the 1930’s many guests have happy memories from their time at the hotel and in St. Mawes.

Now over 100 years old, the new owners David and Karen Richards, have given the Idle Rocks a full and dramatic refurbishment, restoring it to its former glory of Cornish coastal luxury

1900s
The Idle Rocks Hotel was built on the site of the old St. Mawes Bakery and opened in 1913.

1930s
The hotel started attracting attention to itself as a luxury coastal hotel during the years before the Second World War including advertising in The Times.

1940s
Closing its doors temporarily at the end of the Second World War, The Idle Rocks was sold to join a small hotel chain. With St. Mawes being sold to the public as “a kind of British edition of St. Tropez on the Riviera” (The Times), the post-war austerity seemed to hold no place at the Idle Rocks!

1950s
Increasing the quality of the cuisine became a selling point with The Idle Rocks’ boasting a 2AA rosettes for culinary achievement, as the hotel offered “French cuisine and service provided by French Chefs and staff engaged on the Continent”, The Times, July 1954.

1960s
The Idle Rocks boat slipway was removed and the terrace extended along the entire front of the building. To boost the visitors, the hotel offered a no room charge if there was fog or snow to prove St Mawes was the warmest spot in England!

1970s
In 1976 The Idle Rocks was sold to the owners of the Lugger Hotel in Portloe. The Idle Rocks was refurbished and reopened in 1978.

1980s
In 1988 the Idle Rocks was sold once again, this time to Richardson Hotels. This included the development of a new extension wing, with six bedroom and a refurbishment of the restaurant.

Present Day
In 2010, The Idle Rocks Hotel was purchased by David and Karen Richards. The Idle Rocks was closed on 31st October 2012 for a complete refurbishment and reopened on 1st July 2013.

David & Karen Richards
In July 2013, David Richards and his wife Karen opened The Idle Rocks in Cornwall to coincide with its centenary, after a complete transformation.

The Idle Rocks enjoys one of the best and most prominent locations in St Mawes, but seeing it quietly fall into disrepair and knowing it enjoyed such an incredible reputation not so many years ago, encouraged them to undertake this new challenge.

To further develop the offering for the local St Mawes community as well as visitors, David and Karen acquired their second property in the Cornish seaside village, the St Mawes Hotel, just 200 yards from The Idle Rocks.

Their vision was to establish a modern and lively environment where visitors would feel equally at home as the locals. The St Mawes Hotel re-opened in summer 2015 following another major refurbishment.

Stay at The Idle Rocks, St Mawes
A luxury hotel on the Roseland Peninsula, in the heart of Cornwall. A stay at The Idle Rocks is the place to re-engage with the simpler pleasures in life. Perched perfectly on the rocks in the heart of St Mawes on the Roseland Peninsula, the 19 bedroom Relais & Chateaux hotel is your home from home.

All our bedrooms are individually designed, the ultimate in waterside comfort and luxury, each with their own, unique style and charm.

With a multi award winning restaurant led by Executive Head Chef Dorian Janmaat, and unprecedented south facing views across the water, the environment is relaxed, and the hospitality is genuine and engaging.

Grand Seaview Rooms
Our Grand Seaview Rooms are our largest and most luxurious rooms, and very popular with our guests. Spacious, light and airy, with spectacular water views. Wake up to the sound of the ocean.

Relax amongst the calming hues of the seaside on our Hypnos beds, draped in crisp cotton bedding. Wake up to the sun sparkling on the water, and the sound of the tide washing on the shore.

Grand Seaview Rooms
Our Grand Seaview Rooms are our largest and most luxurious rooms, and very popular with our guests. Spacious, light and airy, with spectacular water views. Wake up to the sound of the ocean.

Harbour View Rooms
Harbour Views Rooms are all individually designed, with luxurious bathrooms. Wake up each morning to the spectacular water views and the gentle sounds of St Mawes harbour.

Village Hideaway
Our Village Hideaway Rooms are characterful and unique. With village views, escape the day to day and embrace romantic seclusion.

The Idle Rocks Restaurant
Take a front row seat on our blissful waters edge dining spot in the much-loved Cornish seaside village of St Mawes.

Led by Executive Head Chef Dorian Janmaat, whose cooking style is mostly British with a focus on locally sourced ingredients offers delectable dishes with influences from the Far East, using classic French cookery techniques.

Dorian and his team have designed a menu around stories brought to fruition through carefully developed relationships with local suppliers, fishermen and farmers.

Homely yet sophisticated, elegant yet immensely welcoming, the main mood is “home from home informality”. Open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner, with dining on the terrace during the Spring & Summer months.

Spring Lunch On The Terrace
The south-facing Idle Rocks Terrace enjoys sunshine all day, whilst overlooking the comings and goings of St Mawes Harbour: it’s the perfect place to kick-back and enjoy a relaxed al ‘fresco lunch.

From 29th April – 16th May, we’ll be serving a delicious 3 course menu, alongside our extensive wine and cocktail list, on the Idle Rocks Terrace, whilst you enjoy the stunning sea-views.

The delicious lunch costs £50pp and includes 3 courses based on the local, seasonal produce available, as well as tea & coffee. We have parasols, an awning, outdoor heaters and blankets, so you can be sure you’ll be comfortable whatever the weather!

Dorian Janmaat: Executive Head Chef
The hotel restaurant, led by ex Le Manoir chef Dorian Janmaat, focuses on locally sourced produce with flavour, texture and presentation being integral to all dishes.
Dorian and his team have designed a menu around stories brought to fruition through carefully developed relationships with local suppliers, fishermen and farmers.

It’s a true celebration of Cornwall and offers an unforgettable culinary journey, with strong emphasis on seasonal flavours, keeping true to our sustainability ethos.

The award winning chef Dorian Janmaat, returned to his home county of Cornwall in January 2020, following eight years honing his craft at Raymond Blanc’s 2 Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat‘Saisons. For the past three years Dorian has been Head Chef at this pinnacle of the British restaurant scene.

His menu’s at The Idle Rocks focus on locally sourced produce with flavour, texture and presentation being integral to all dishes. Dorian and his team have designed a menu around stories brought to fruition through carefully developed relationships with local suppliers, fishermen and farmers.

It’s a true celebration of Cornwall and offers an unforgettable culinary journey, with strong emphasis on seasonal flavours, keeping true to our sustainability ethos.

Menus
The hotel restaurant, led by Executive Head Chef Dorian Janmaat, focuses on locally sourced produce with flavour, texture and presentation being integral to all dishes.

Dorian and his team have designed a menu around stories brought to fruition through carefully developed relationships with local suppliers, fishermen and farmers. It’s a true celebration of Cornwall and offers an unforgettable culinary journey, with strong emphasis on seasonal flavours, keeping true to our sustainability ethos.

The Restaurant is open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner, with dining on the terrace during the Spring & Summer months. We offer a welcoming and lively atmosphere, with music playing, guests chattering, cocktails being created and a fantastic wine list to mull over and enjoy.

Entertain
Whether it’s a family celebration, a movie during your stay, a night out with friends or a business meeting, our facilities at The Idle Rocks and our sister property, The St Mawes Hotel, provide a wide range of corporate and personal entertainment options.

Corporate Entertaining
Our Courtyard Room, located at our sister property, the St Mawes Hotel, on the other side of the harbour, is an ideal venue for a business meeting or corporate event

We offer six different options for room layout including theatre, boardroom, reception and banqueting. We can cater for 20 to 60 guests depending on the format required.

The Courtyard Room adjoins the Hidden Cinema, which can also be hired for private events. We can offer a selection of canapés and light bites for drinks receptions or a more formal three course meal for a special occasion.

There are various different dining options including seafood inspired dishes, our famous burger and lobster dinner or a more informal Pizza Party with our authentic homemade stone baked pizzas.

We also offer a day delegate package for your meeting requirements. So whether its a product launch, a networking event, or just an requirement to hold your meeting in a spectacular & impressive seaside location, The Idle Rocks and St Mawes Hotel can make your event memorable and stress free

Celebrations
The Idle Rocks in St Mawes, is a spectacular destination for your personal celebration. We’ve hosted seaside weddings, birthday celebrations, christening parties and much more. Whether you are looking for small and intimate, or perhaps would like to host a larger celebration, we will do our best to accommodate you.

You can dine at the Chef’s table in the restaurant, or outside on the waterside terrace. We also have a more intimate private dining room in our sister property, the St Mawes Hotel, which can accommodate up to 40 guests.

Our chef would be happy to discuss your personal requirements which can range from a selection of canapés for a drinks reception to a more formal dinner for a special occasion.

Private Dining
If you are looking for a more intimate dining experience, then we are delighted to offer you the facilities of The Courtyard Room.

Located at our sister property, the St Mawes Hotel, just across the harbour, the Courtyard Room, is a bright, airy and stylish room, perfect for a private party, a wedding reception or a special place to dine with family or friends. It also has its own private outdoor courtyard which is delightful for a summer drinks reception.

We offer six different options for room layout including theatre, boardroom, reception and banqueting. We can cater for 20 to 60 guests depending on the format required.

We can offer a selection of canapés and light bites for drinks receptions or a more formal three course meal for a wedding reception or special occasion.

There are various different dining options including seafood inspired dishes, our famous burger and lobster dinner or a more informal Pizza Party with our authentic homemade stone baked pizzas. Our Chef would be happy to discuss your requirements with you

Lazy Lady
Partnering with Trevibban Mill Vineyard, we’ve crafted our own delicious wine “Lazy Lady”: a fresh and fruity dry white with delicate floral notes, perfect for sipping in the sunshine or as a delicious accompaniment to seafood & cheeses. Lazy Lady is available to purchase in the restaurant or as a souvenir to take home with you.

Nestled in the heart of the Cornish countryside, Trevibban Mill is an award-winning working vineyard known for its stunning collection of Cornish wines and cider all made within a stylish and contemporary winery in a beautifully rural setting. Close to the dramatic North Cornish coast, next to the picturesque fishing village of Padstow.

Blend
Lazy Lady is made with a blend of varieties where the dominants are: Shonburger, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Shonburger is a pink slightly aromatic variety who as been destemmed, crushed and pressed, the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have been whole bunch pressed.

The Shonburger gives smoothness and low acidity with a touch of pink aromatic style. The Chardonnay gives a balanced well known elegance, acidity and the Pinot Noir provide a delicate fruitiness.

All varieties has been fermented in different stainless steel tanks with 3 different strains of selected fresh yeast maintaining a temperature of 15-16ºC. The blending happened after fermentation trialling together with the Idle Rock’s team. The wine was sterile filtered and bottled with a residual sugar of 8 g/L.

Activities
Situated on the River Fal, leading via the Fal Estuary to the South Coast of Cornwall, our unique position is a visitors dream, with many options for days out and activities, including touring pretty rural fishing villages, a multitude of water based activities, visiting beautiful gardens, shopping, walking, cycling and of course enjoying the delicious Cornish produce in one of the many restaurants within the local area

Ferries
You can purchase single & return ferry tickets as well as Fal Mussel Visitor Cards directly from our reception team during your visit to The Idle Rocks.

The Fal Mussel Visitor Card gives you unlimited hop-on hop-off travel that can be used on ferries, buses and the Maritime Line train around the Fal River. 1, 2, 3 or 6 day cards available to purchase from reception.

Fishing for Supper
Set sail with friendly, local skipper James Brown, on board his traditional fishing boat, the Madeline Rose, for a 2 or 3 hour mackerel fishing trip or a half or full day fishing charter. The waters in this area are excellent for mackerel, bass, pollock and cod. If you catch well, our Chef will gladly cook it for your supper.

St Mawes Castle
Our local castle just a 10 minute walk away, is among the best-preserved of Henry VIII’s coastal artillery fortresses, and the most elaborately decorated of them all.

One of a chain of forts built between 1539 and 1545 to counter an invasion threat from Catholic France and Spain. The castle is a ten minute walk from The Idle Rocks and is open throughout the year.

St. Just in Roseland Church
Described as ‘the most beautiful churchyard in England’ the gardens of St Just in Roseland are a delight. Being one of the most visited churches in the UK, the 13th century church is set amongst beautiful gardens beside a peaceful tidal creek.

Beach Days
The idyllic Summer’s Beach and Tavern Beach are within a short walk of The Idle Rocks. A range of other beautiful sandy beaches, including Porthcurnick (with its Hidden Hut beach cafe) and Carne Beach, are just a short drive or cycle ride away.

Falmouth Maritime Museum
If you love maritime history, Cornish history and all things nautical, then the Falmouth Maritime Museum is not to be missed.

With various exhibitions throughout the year celebrating our impressive maritime history, as well as a fascinating collection of boats of all shapes and sizes, it’s a fun, but educational day out. Getting there is also part of the enjoyment, you can travel to Falmouth on on the foot ferry from St Mawes harbour.

Local Walks
The Roseland is a walker’s paradise. Being a peninsula, it has a great variety of both coastal and inland walks, offering fabulous walking all year round. An array of circular walks can occupy a whole day, or if time is short, you can be back for lunch on the terrace.

How about a visit to “The Roseland” a privately owned wood in a typical Cornish seashore wooded area with steep runs to a rocky coastline and only a mile or so outside St Mawes?

St Just Church is possibly one of the prettiest in Cornwall and it can be reached via the coastal path that starts at St Mawes Castle. It is a 45 minute level walk but if you don’t fancy the walk back then we can arrange for a water taxi to collect and ferry you back to the quayside.

Towan Beach is a safe and sheltered beach that can be reached via the Place Ferry here in St Mawes. Once the ferry has dropped you off, you can follow a short path, turn right onto the road and follow the signs for Towan.

It is no more than a 10 minute walk. We do recommend a picnic lunch as there are no shops or restaurants along this stretch of coast – just sea, sand and beautiful, natural surroundings.

The Southwest Coastal Path winds its way through St Mawes on the way around Cornwall and there is an endless number of off the beaten tracks to explore. Just ask a member of our team for information on local walks as well as maps to cater for all level of fitness.

The Tate St Ives
Cornwall has always been renowned for art (it’s the light!) with the famous Tate in St Ives being just one attraction. It is situated in St Ives, about an hour drive from St Mawes. However, there area galleries & creative studios in just about every Cornish coastal town (St Mawes is no exception) that will keep you browsing for hours.

Trebah Garden
Trebah is a sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop. Discover the magic of this beautiful 26 acre Cornish valley garden, with over four miles of footpaths.

Explore under canopies bursting with exotic blooms and follow vibrant tunnels of colour that cascade down to our very own secluded beach on the Helford River.

Trebah offers visitors a year round experience. In spring, Trebah comes alive with a colourful array of 100-year-old rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias. In summer, the giant gunnera is a must see for young and old.

In autumn, Hydrangea Valley casts clouds of china blue and soft white across Mallard Pond. In winter, our spectacular champion trees dominate the landscape, whilst plants from the southern hemisphere start to flower.

The Lost Gardens Of Heligan
Twenty five years ago, The Lost Gardens of Heligan were rediscovered from the brambles of time. Today, Heligan remains one of the most loved and romantic gardens in the UK, appreciated as much for its beauty and mystery as for the ground breaking restoration project.

Over 200 acres are now a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic. The Jungle takes you on a sub-tropical journey through bamboo tunnels and under majestic tree ferns, giant rhubarb and bananas whilst the estate reveals a lost world of traditional and rare breeds, wildlife and ancient woodlands.

Located just a 30 minute drive from The Idle Rocks, Heligan is a garden for all seasons, so whether you plan to visit in the hazy buzz of mid-summer, or the tranquillity of winter, you are guaranteed a unique experience.

The Eden Project
Undoubtedly, one of Cornwall’s most famous attractions is the the Eden Project near St Austell that offers a great day out for the whole family: Explore the largest indoor rainforest in the world and enjoy a range of special events that area held regularly. If you are interested in nature, gardens, plants, and our environment, then its an attraction not to be missed.

Kayaking the Coastline
Kayaking is a perfect way to explore the picturesque creeks and hidden beaches of the Roseland peninsula, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We are able to arrange Kayak Hire from our local partner St Mawes Kayaks, from a couple of hours to a whole day.

2 hours will give you a good feel for St Mawes and the Percuil River. The more experienced and adventurous can hire for a whole day and paddle up to St Anthony’s Head, up to St Just or explore further up the Fal River. If you are a novice, then we can also arrange a Kayak lesson.

Sailing Lessons
“Between the Land and the Sea” is a fair description of the Roseland, one of the most beautiful parts of Cornwall. The best way to experience the beauty of this peninsula is by water and it provides some of the best sailing areas in the country.

We’ve partnered with local company Roseland Paddle & Sail to offer Sailing tuition at all levels, as well as SUP and Windsurfing Lessons & Hire.

Based in Portscatho, which is just up the estuary from St Mawes, Idle Rocks guests are able to book a Taster session from £70, which gives a half day introduction to the sport, or a 2 day RYA course. For the more experienced, they also offer equipment hire.

A Round of Golf
There are a number of Golf courses nearby including Mullion Golf Club, the most southern course on mainland Britain. So if you fancy a day on the fairways and greens, just let us know and we will arrange it for you

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) is one of the worlds oldest watersports, originating in Hawaii. Polynesian watermen would use a long canoe style paddle with a large surfboard in order to propel themselves onto a wave.

In recent years it has seen a massive resurgence and spread rapidly. Initially rediscovered as a ‘tool’ for big wave surfers, SUP boarding has proven itself equally as useful for small surf, recreational touring, racing, fishing, family adventure, or simply a great core fitness aid for those of us who wish to get out there and get on boards!

St Mawes is an ideal location to try it for the first time, as the sheltered calm waters make mastering the techniques just that little bit easier. Our reception team can arrange lessons and coaching, SUPfit sessions, a SUP tour of the local area, taster sessions or simply SUP rental during your stay with us.

Hire a Morgan
If you have a thing for a bygone age, or just like to do things with a certain amount of style, consider hiring a classic Morgan convertible to explore the highways and byways of the Cornish coast. We can arrange for the car to be delivered to the hotel or even to meet you off the train.

Tennis
St Mawes has its own tennis courts, just around the corner, so if you fancy practising your serve and volley, just let us know and we can arrange court hire for an hour or two!

A Spot Of Crabbing
A trip to the seaside wouldn’t be the same without a spot of Crabbing! Find a suitable spot on the harbour wall or even from the rocks beneath our terrace. No need for a hook, just a bit of patience – tie some bacon on your line, drop it into the water and wait.

The Shore Crab, the most common in Cornwall, needs a little coaxing – about five minutes should do it! The Idle Rocks has complimentary crabbing kits for children and we can always find a spare net or two and some bait.

Website: www.idlerocks.com

Rooms: 19

Price: from 360 EUR per night