The train journey from London Paddington to Bodmin in Cornwall has to be one of the UK’s most enjoyable. Between Dawlish and Teignmouth, the train hugs the sea wall as the vast expanse of glittering sea seems to lap at the side of the carriage and passengers are actually distracted from their devices for a few moments as the train rattles over Brunel's mighty Royal Albert Bridge, leaving behind the pigeon-grey hues of the terraced rooftops at Plymouth.

It's a half-hour taxi ride from Bodmin Parkway to the four-star, adults-only Scarlet Hotel, which overlooks the sweeping Mawgan Porth bay, roughly halfway between Padstow and Newquay on Cornwall's rugged north coast. Taking the train here feels appropriate – the Scarlet is a champion of sustainable luxury .

Why stay here?

Mawgan P

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