A 5 Star Escape to The Valley, Near Truro

For a luxury self-catered stay in Cornwall, The Valley has to be a top choice!

This countryside retreat is home to 46 two and three bedroom holiday cottages (some dog friendly and some with hot tubs!), an indoor pool, spa pool, outdoor pool (heated in Summer!), tennis court, squash court, games room, and even its own restaurant – Cafe Azur (read my separate review on our meal there a few weeks ago).

It’s based in the quiet village of Carnon Downs, just a 10 minute drive from the city center of Truro, and 20 minutes from the beautiful harbour town of Falmouth (with plenty of surrounding beaches and coast walks!).

From driving past down the country lanes, you’d never know this place was so large! Walking through the site amongst the 13 acres of woodland and gardens, it’s so peaceful and beautifully tucked away.

We stayed in one of the Haven cottages with its own private outdoor hot tub, arriving late in the evening after work to a lovely welcome gift on the kitchen table!

All the cottages are 5 star self catered, and have everything you could possibly need for your stay (whether it’s a weekend break or two week holiday). I was so impressed by how well equipped the kitchen was… possibly even better than my kitchen at home!

There are 5 different types of cottages available at The Valley, all with their own unique layouts but featuring the same furnishings and high standard of fittings. They’re not like what you’d normally consider a ‘holiday cottage’ at all – no lodge-style chalets in sight; each cottage is built like a real home.

In fact, some of the cottages have even been sold as full-time residences! It really is like a home away from home, but with all the amenities of staying in a hotel.

My favourite bit about our cottage was the master bedroom. With its high vaulted ceiling with exposed beams, cathedral windows, Juliet balcony and emperor size bed, waking up in this room in the morning felt like true luxury.

The pool area is lovely as well; head down in your Valley dressing gown and slippers, and enjoy a swim in the delightfully warm 30 degree pool or a dip in the spa/whirlpool to unwind and relax.

We took advantage of a day off to take the dogs on a long walk around the Carnon Downs woodland and valley walks, all starting from within The Valley itself – super easy!

We knew we had to try out Cafe Azur again for their roast – it’s had a lot of recommendations since opening! Alex went for the lamb while I had lemon sole.

It was delicious! The gravy on Alex’s dish in particular was amazing – I think I said in my review last time that the gravy in Cafe Azur’s pies was fantastic, and it didn’t disappoint this time.

My sole was a great option for a lighter roast (one that won’t make you pass out in a food coma for the afternoon!) but both portion sizes were very generous. Plus I couldn’t not help myself to Alex’s cauliflower cheese… my fave.

Amazingly, he seemed to have room to fit in a dessert too – Eton Mess. With perfectly chewy but crisp pieces of meringue, he was happily full for the day.

Back at the cottage, as the sun began to go down, we decided it was time for a dip in our private 6-person hot tub! With a glass of champagne in hand, we switched on the bubbles and got in to enjoy the rest of our evening as it got dark.

We had a wonderful, tranquil escape to The Valley as a couple, but it’s also super family friendly too, and often have offers and put on events throughout school holidays too.