SUN,
SATURDAY
8
AUGUST
2010
Bed
and
Board
NEVER in my life had I felt so covered up, yet exposed.
Having squirmed my way into an unforgiving wetsuit (I thought black was supposed to be slimming), I was ready for it - my first surf lesson.
Oh the irony! Here I was - an Australian - learning to surf on Newquay's Fistral Beach. And I loved it... all three seconds of glory coasting the wave before tumbling into the wash.
My base for the weekend was the refurbed The Esplanade Hotel, where they run Stay, Surf and Spa packages with The Quiksilver Roxy Surf School and the Fistral Spa at sister hotel The Bay.
Don't be put off by the hotel's exterior.
I stayed in the sea-view room with balcony which by three-star standards was very swish and immaculately decorated. Families will love this hotel which has a indoor pool and children's play area, but if you're a couple on a weekend away or a group on a girls getaway, best to stay at The Bay which doesn't allow under-16s in the pool area. Both hotels are in prime position for taking to the South West coast path.
A great way to start your day is with a three-mile stroll along the coast, hugging the headland until you reach Newquay Harbour.
From here, take a boat tour out to sea from £5 an hour - or do as I did and head into town for some shopping.
A great spot for a bite to eat back near the hotel is the Windswept Caf�, a cute little surf shack serving great snacks, burgers and platters - and some amazing puddings with Cornish clotted cream.
It was here I refuelled after my surf lesson, while catching some sunshine on the balcony. But if Cornish clouds are on the menu, you can always rug up with the blankets on hand.
If a traditional, classy pub is more your style, follow the Pentire Peninsula until you reach the Lewinnick Lodge, a great spot overlooking the Atlantic for all those hard-earned pre-dinner drinks.
After that walking and surfing - especially if you're a first-timer on the board - you'll be feeling battered and sore and in need of some pampering.
And that's where the Fistral Spa comes into its own. It rivals some of London's finest establishments but for a fraction of the price. I had the aromatherapy back, neck and shoulder massage to ease the tension in my surfers' shoulders, but there are lots of other 30-minute treatments on offer as part of the package.
Back in the relaxation room post-treatment and rugged up in my plush robe and slippers, I considered my Newquay sanctuary found.
