Tags: Cornwall, Spring, gardens, luxury hotel
Set in nine acres of subtropical gardens with a rich horticultural heritage, Hotel Meudon near Falmouth in Cornwall is one of a kind when it comes to waking up amongst glorious spring blooms. This season, guests can check into one of three re-configured Suites, the perfect space to unwind and get back to nature in complete comfort.
The interest in botany and horticulture originated with the Fox family in the 1800s, the original owners of the manor house who were also responsible for laying out nearby Trebah and Glendurgan Gardens. The family had a shipping agency, and many exotic plants were brought to Cornwall on packet ships from all over the world. Springtime highlights include an impressive collection of rhododendrons and camellias as well as Jurassic-looking tree ferns, originally cut down and used as ballast for the returning ships from Australasia. Two of the most treasured springtime specimens include the 10-metre-tall magnolia Campbellii Var Mollicomata and the extremely rare rhododendron Protristum Var Giganteum. Another highlight is the Paulownia Tomentosa, otherwise known as the Foxglove Tree. Seen at the top of the main path, this charming tree sports purple flowers that have the aroma of Parma Violets.
Guests can opt to stay in one of the newly configured suites: Bream, Helford, and Fox. Each offer plenty of space to relax, and a private outdoor space with a slightly different aspect of the gardens.
The Bream Suite is a beautifully designed, ground-floor bedroom offering garden views and both a private balcony and an outdoor terrace with direct access to the gardens. The Helford Suite is a stunning ground-floor space that gives sweeping views of the gardens and ocean. The Fox Suite is the jewel in the crown, a truly exceptional room offering the most panoramic, elevated views of the subtropical, valley gardens and the ocean. All three feature bespoke furniture, crisp white bathrooms, a gin station, and an in-room espresso machine, as well as binoculars for spotting the local wildlife.
Hardy horticulturalists can opt to take a refreshing dip at Bream Cove, before retreating for afternoon tea in front of the fire in the drawing-room, followed by the freshest local fare in Restaurant Meudon.
The suites cost from £219 per night on a B&B basis (each suite sleeps up to two adults and two children).