Luxury hotel to open in St Mawes waterfront

The Elysium Collection will open its first hotel, a restored 56-room waterfront property in St Mawes, Cornwall, on 4 January 2027. The project revives the former Ship and Castle Hotel, a 1904 harbourfront building, as part of a new hospitality group focused on “informal luxury” and restorative stays.

What the hotel offers

The property combines a thermal spa, Mediterranean-inspired dining, and family-friendly rooms with direct access to sailing and coastal experiences. The spa includes an indoor thermal pool, sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and two treatment rooms. The restaurant, led by executive chef Stéphane Delourme, will emphasize Cornish produce and seasonal sourcing, while a café-brasserie will serve lighter meals by day and tapas-style dishes by evening.

Six family rooms are included, along with a relaxed coastal vibe designed to appeal to short breaks and local exploration. The hotel positions itself as an alternative to more formal luxury resorts, with an emphasis on ease of access to the Roseland Peninsula and nearby attractions.

James Houlston, chief executive of The Elysium Collection, said the concept targets travelers prioritizing meaningful leisure time. The design retains the historic building’s character while incorporating natural materials and locally inspired finishes, overseen by 3DReid, the studio behind Gleneagles.

Wellness is a core focus. The spa will offer TEMPLESPA treatments and thermal facilities, while seasonal outdoor activities—such as sailing, paddleboarding, and guided walks—will be available through local partnerships. The village’s ferry connection to Falmouth and proximity to Truro railway station (40 minutes by car) and Cornwall Airport Newquay (50 minutes) support accessibility.

Pricing and availability

Opening rates start at £150 per night, including breakfast, with a limited introductory offer of £100 per room for the first 100 bookings. The hotel’s website advertises select introductory stays at the same rate, though availability is subject to demand.

Beyond St Mawes, The Elysium Collection plans to expand with properties in Surrey and the Lake District, testing a model of heritage restoration, destination-driven dining, and wellness-focused hospitality. The St Mawes launch serves as both the group’s debut and a prototype for its broader strategy.

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The hotel’s website describes it as a coastal, family-friendly retreat with spa, dining, and dog-friendly facilities. The redesign balances historic charm with modern comforts, aiming to create a space where guests can unwind without the rigidity of traditional luxury hotels.

A flat £150-per-night rate for two people reflects the brand’s approach to pricing, though the £100 introductory offer suggests flexibility for early adopters. The focus on seasonal dining and local experiences aligns with a growing trend in hospitality toward authenticity over standardized offerings.

The collection’s broader strategy hinges on repositioning heritage properties around what it calls “informal luxury”, a concept that blends relaxation with accessibility. In St Mawes, this means prioritizing ease of movement, both on-site and in the surrounding area, where guests can explore without relying on formal resort activities.

The hotel’s location at the mouth of the Percuil River and its access to Carrick Roads provide natural advantages for water-based recreation. The lack of a rigid resort structure suggests a more organic guest experience, where dining, wellness, and exploration flow seamlessly.

Delourme’s background, including roles at Rick Stein’s The Seafood Restaurant and as group chef, ensures a high-standard food program, though the emphasis on local sourcing may limit consistency across future properties. The spa’s compact thermal circuit, designed for both guests and dedicated visitors, reinforces wellness as a primary draw rather than an afterthought.

Bookings are now open through The Elysium Collection’s website, marking the first step in a portfolio that aims to redefine heritage hospitality in the UK.