Perched on the cliffs of Mawgan Porth, the Scarlet Hotel offers an adults-only escape that blends luxury wellness with eco-sustainability. With a guest rating of 8.9 on Booking.com, this small Cornish retreat has earned a reputation for warm service, clifftop hot tubs, and a genuinely relaxed atmosphere. This review draws on verified reviews, editorial coverage, and booking data to help you decide if it’s right for your next getaway.

Last checked: 2026-07-06

Location: Mawgan Porth, Cornwall · Hotel type: Adults-only eco-hotel · Number of rooms: 37 · Signature feature: Clifftop hot tubs with Atlantic views

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-07-06.

Sources reviewed: Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Women’s Health UK, The Week, RestlessFeet, Elizabeth Dhokia.

No on‑site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification was conducted.

At a glance

1 Guest rating
  • 8.9/10 (Booking.com)
2 Local ranking
  • #1 of 2 hotels in Mawgan Porth (Tripadvisor)
Key facts
LocationMawgan Porth, Cornwall
Hotel typeAdults‑only eco‑hotel
Signature featureClifftop hot tubs overlooking the Atlantic

Scarlet Hotel reviews

Travellers on Tripadvisor rank the Scarlet Hotel #1 in Mawgan Porth and frequently mention warm, attentive service, spacious rooms, and the dramatic cliff‑top setting. A few reviewers note occasional inconsistencies in dining, but the overall sentiment is strongly positive. Booking.com guests give it 8.9, with praise concentrated on the spa and the sense of space. Editorial coverage reinforces this. Women’s Health UK described the property as “sumptuous and romantic” with a “homely, un‑hotelish vibe.” The Week called it “gloriously unfaffy” and highlighted the terrace sunset views that greet you shortly after check‑in.

The bottom line: Consistent editorial and guest feedback points to an experience that feels luxurious without feeling fussy.

Scarlet hotel rooms

The Scarlet has 37 rooms, each designed to make the most of the coastal setting. Every room faces the sea, and the interiors favour natural materials — slate, wood, linen — that echo the landscape outside. RestlessFeet notes that the adults‑only policy ensures a quiet, adult atmosphere throughout. Rooms vary by size and price point, but even the entry‑level categories include a king bed and a private balcony or terrace. The focus is on daylight and view, not on superfluous technology, which fits the eco‑sustainability ethos.

What to watch: Room count is boutique‑scale — 37 rooms — so booking ahead is essential, especially for summer and autumn weekends.

Scarlet hotel Cornwall spa

The spa is the emotional centre of the hotel. It takes a Ayurvedic‑inspired approach, with treatments that use organic, locally sourced products. The headline feature is a pair of clifftop hot tubs that look directly over the Atlantic. Women’s Health UK called the setting “unobtrusive luxury” and noted the spa’s natural stone pool and steam room. Yoga sessions, guided meditation, and coastal walks are all part of the wellness programme. The spa is adults‑only by design and requires advance booking for treatments.

Why this matters: The spa is a genuine draw for wellness travellers, and the cliff‑top hot tubs are a rarity in Cornwall.

Scarlet hotel booking

You can book directly through the Scarlet’s official website or via major platforms such as Booking.com and Tripadvisor. Check‑in is from 4:00 PM and check‑out until 11:00 AM, according to Booking.com. Because the hotel is adults‑only, all guests must be 16 or over. Availability can be tight during school holidays and summer, so early booking is advised. Some booking platforms offer free cancellation, but terms vary — always confirm before confirming your reservation.

The pattern: Book at least two months ahead for the best room selection, and compare direct rates with Booking.com for the most flexible cancellation policy.

Location and getting there

The Scarlet sits on a clifftop in Mawgan Porth, about a 15‑minute drive from Newquay. The nearest airport is Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY), approximately 10 km away, with direct flights from London and several UK cities. By train, the closest station is Newquay, with connections from London Paddington. On‑site parking is available and free. The location is remote by design — there are no neighbouring hotels or shops — which reinforces the sense of seclusion.

Best for

  • Couples – The adults‑only policy and romantic setting make it a popular choice for anniversaries and honeymoons.
  • Wellness travellers – The Ayurvedic‑inspired spa, yoga, and cliff‑top hot tubs are the main draw.
  • Eco‑conscious travellers – The hotel emphasises sustainability: natural materials, local products, and a low‑impact ethos.

Our pick

For travellers seeking a quiet, adults‑only coastal retreat that puts wellness and sustainability ahead of standard hotel amenities, the Scarlet Hotel is a strong choice. Its small size (37 rooms) and focus on service create an atmosphere that larger resorts cannot replicate. We recommend it for couples and wellness enthusiasts who value genuine seclusion over convenience of location.

Sample stay: a day at the Scarlet

Arrive by mid‑afternoon, check in from 4:00 PM, and head straight to the clifftop hot tubs for a sunset soak. The next morning, book a yoga session followed by a spa treatment (Ayurvedic massage is a popular choice). Lunch is served in the conservatory restaurant, with a menu that changes seasonally and emphasises local produce. Afternoon walks along the coastal path are a favourite among guests. The hotel does not have a formal dinner dress code, but most guests dress smart‑casual. The wine list leans toward Cornish and French bottles.

Is the Scarlet Hotel adults‑only?

Yes. The hotel enforces a strict adults‑only policy; all guests must be at least 16 years old. This is confirmed by the official marketing and by RestlessFeet.

Does the Scarlet Hotel have a spa?

Yes, the hotel features an Ayurvedic‑inspired spa with a natural stone pool, steam room, and clifftop hot tubs. Treatments use organic products. Women’s Health UK highlighted the spa’s “homely, un‑hotelish vibe.”

Is the Scarlet Hotel eco‑friendly?

Yes. The hotel’s design uses natural materials (slate, wood, linen), sources local ingredients for its restaurant, and operates with a low‑impact philosophy. Multiple sources, including RestlessFeet, describe it as an eco‑focused property.

Can I bring children to the Scarlet Hotel?

No. The adults‑only policy means children under 16 are not permitted anywhere on the property.

Are there hot tubs at the Scarlet Hotel?

Yes. Two clifftop hot tubs overlook the Atlantic Ocean and are open to hotel guests. They are a recurring highlight in Tripadvisor reviews.

Sources