The Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall, England

Simply put, we are a beautiful sustainably-built 37 bedroom hotel, boasting delicious locally sourced food and the best Ayurvedic inspired spa imaginable. Whether alone, together or with friends; discover an escape for grown-ups to eat, dream and play in peace.

Distinctly Cornish, hugged tightly by the cliff top and with views over the sands of Mawgan Porth beach, the stunning coastline and the rolling Atlantic ocean, The Scarlet reflects and embraces our unique location, blurring the boundaries between indoors and out. The hotel is a balance of light, airy spaces with cosy, private areas, allowing you to mix with our other guests or enjoy a bit of peace and solitude.

Influenced only by the natural rhythms of Mother Nature, The Scarlet is an individual retreat for all seasons where we don't stand on ceremony and our guests make themselves at home. Solar panels heat the indoor swimming pool, there's a natural ventilation system (no draining air conditioning units here) and electricity comes from a renewable energy source.

Reviewed by Richard Hammond.

"The Scarlet is perfect for that special indulgent break...they’ve set their stall out to be green and while lots of luxury hotels are jumping on the eco bandwagon, the Scarlet is the real deal. In my opinion it sets the standard for eco-friendly luxury in the UK."

Read Richard's full Review of the Scarlet Hotel.

How does the Scarlet Hotel minimise its impact on the environment and contribute to a sense of place?

The Scarlet Hotel boasts a long list of impressive eco credentials. To begin with, all of the electricity is provided by Ecotricity, who ensure that 100% of the electricity used is generated through renewable sources. All of the heat comes from a biomass boiler, which is run on waste chips from a local company. Solar panels are used to heat the indoor pool, with any excess used to top up the boiler, while the air-to-air heat exchanger uses heat from stale air being expelled to heat the fresh air being drawn in from outside. The rooms are all well-insulated, using a combination of hardboard and mineral wool, the lighting is low energy, and all lights in public areas are motion-sensored. The building management system monitors all energy output.

The extensive recycling list includes, as well as the usuals, batteries and cooking oil, which is taken away by Cornish company, Edible Oils. There's also a variety of water saving initiatives in place, ranging from a blending valve and aerators that regulate water usage usage to the use of rainwater to top up the natural pool, irrigate the sea thrift roofing, wash cars and rinse wetsuits and outdoor kit. Urinals are fitted with sensor flushes and all toilets have smaller cisterns. In terms of food, Head Chef Ben is passionate about dealing with as many local producers as possible, creating a menu that changes by the day. A discount is offered to all guests who arrive on foot, by bike, train or bus, plus there are extensive walker and cyclist facilities. The hotel is minutes from a selection of coastal walking paths, as well as the sands of Mawgan Porth beach overlooking the Atlantic ocean. Guests can also try horse riding on the beach at Perranporth, as well as taking part in 'Plan-it Earth' Sustainability and Eco Courses.