Cornwall’s dreamiest boltholes for couples

Boutique Retreats boasts an impressive portfolio of astounding bijou properties Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a "mini-moon", or just want to disappear à deux for nothing but a little peace this summer, Boutique Retreats has an impressive portfolio of astounding and unusual bijou properties for two across Cornwall. You have the luxuries of a high-end hotel but, importantly, exclusivity and seclusion.

Here are five of the best:

Beach hut hideaway with wraparound deck
The Cabin, accessible only on foot, overlooks (through floor to ceiling windows) the uplifting – and usually deserted - expanse of Porthkidney Beach near St Ives. You could stay in your pyjamas all day; croissants and coffee on your wraparound deck; hours of idling over the property’s impressive collection of books, board games and movies; cooking together in your immaculate kitchen; climbing up to your mezzanine sleeping area and drifting off to the lapping of the ocean.

Fisherman’s cottage in the "loveliest village in England"
This is what the poet Dylan Thomas (1930) called the tiny fishing village of Mousehole (pronounced "Mowzel") – and, with its picturesque harbour and stunning collection of yellow-lichened houses, it quite possibly is. Gylly Cottage, spread over three floors, has minimalist glitz: contemporary, bright white, with a serious nod to splendour.

New York loft style meets New England
The Old Stores, also situated in Mousehole, is a slick Manhattan loft-style apartment a stone’s throw from the sea. All is calm and monochromatic inside, with New England shutters and art deco red leather sofas. The bedroom features a fabulous roll-top bath and the flooring, surprisingly, is made from reclaimed fruit and wine crates. Prosecco and potted crab (plus a caramelised rice pudding with Armagnac soaked prunes, perhaps) at the award-winning 2 Fore Street next door is a superb way to spend a lunchtime.

50 shades of crashing wave seduction in St Ives
Black Moon is somewhere to take someone you’re very serious about. Its baroque interior is super-moody and splendidly slick: a good deal of stainless steel and black marble, contrasting wildly with the outside world of golden sand and infinity of ocean that’s literally on your doorstep. Bathing is an opulent affair: a low-lit shower and a bath big enough for two. Should you ever emerge into the outside world, St Ives is a treat.

Boat house with its own private beach
The Sea Room at Ropehawn is the ultimate romantic escape from the outside world. Impeccably renovated and perched on the edge of St Austell Bay near Fowey, the property overlooks the water and is accessible only by boat or by footpath. When the tide is right, you have access to your own private shingle beach. Enjoy an alfresco breakfast or evening barbeque in the courtyard.