Perfect Stays has released new data demonstrating that winter holidays will be more popular in 2024 than in previous years. To help Brits escape this winter and spring, the luxury holiday rental company has provided an insight into its newest and cosiest properties in South West England.
As the onset of the new year heralds January Blues, it comes as no surprise that winter holiday bookings are on the rise, with Brits longing for something to look forward to.
But rather than jumping on the next flight, Google searches for ‘winter staycations’ have soared 250% in the last 30 days, whilst guest bookings data from Perfect Stays found 35% of holidays booked in December 2023 were for a last-minute winter break (between December 23 and March 24) compared to just 22% the year prior.
Interestingly, more than two in five (44%) bookings made so far this January are for winter and spring getaways (for breaks between January and May 24), compared to just 38% of stays booked during the same period last year.
The findings come as ‘Coolcationing’ is reported to be a top travel trend in 2024 – where Brits will swap hot holidays for winter staycations and colder conditions.
Helping the nation achieve an ultimate UK getaway, the luxury holiday rental company reveals its newest and cosiest properties open for bookings this year. With exclusive five-star homes across the South West, from contemporary coastal retreats to countryside cottages, enjoy a brisk dip at the beach before warming your cockles by the fire.
Best for Interiors
The Baobab | Padstow, North Cornwall | Sleeps 12-14
Price per week from £3,950 and short breaks from £3,550
This brand-new bohemian retreat is an architectural dream. A place to escape all year round, cosy up by the wood burner and open fire, or during the warmer months, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool.
Thanks to its elevated position, it enjoys panoramic views of the Camel Estuary and even has a TV room and private annexe for two.
Concierge recommendation: Feel centred with estuary-view yoga sessions on the deck, indulge in an in-house wine tasting or walk the Saint’s Way thanks to direct access from the garden.
Best for Group Cottage Escapes
Upcott Farm | Dulverton, Somerset | Sleeps 12
Price per week from £2,700, short breaks from £2,300
Exuding countryside cottage cosiness with added grandeur, Upcott Farm is made up of two separate properties – Willow’s Rest and Nightjar – ideal for a stylish rural winter escape with family and friends. Both properties have hot tubs and wood burners and are dog-friendly.
Located in Exmoor‘s Dark Sky Reserve and surrounded by acres of private land, guests can escape the winter hustle and bustle for some peace in the countryside.
Location tips: Chef-prepared meals delivered fresh to your door or a tipple or two at the award-winning Woods Wine Bar.
Best for Storm-watching
Compass Point | Coverack, Cornwall | Sleeps 8
Price per week from £2,850 short breaks from £2,650
Anchored at the edge of the ocean with stunning views, Compass Point is perfectly positioned to watch the storms descend over the coast from the comfort of a stylish beach house. Take a dip in the sunken hot tub before retreating under the covered terrace with a hot toddy, and spend the remainder of the evening toasting your toes by the wood burner.
Location tips: Visiting the pups at the Cornwall Seal Sanctuary Spa day at The Walled Garden Spa on the Trelowarren Estate.
Best for Dog Owners
Panorama | Mawgan Porth, North Cornwall | Sleeps 12
Price per week from £4,450 and short breaks from £4,050
A new property launched in time for spring, Panorama lives up to its name with sweeping views of expansive green landscapes and the rugged north Cornish coastline from the upstairs living space.
The views continue as you descend to the garden, where you can embrace the heated outdoor infinity pool or take a dip in the sunken spa pool. With Mawgan Porth Beach on your doorstep, Panorama is a dog owner’s haven this winter as it welcomes pups all year round.
Concierge recommendation: Try wine tasting at the Scarlet with its in-house sommeliers, book group lessons with Kingsurf, or enjoy a themed clifftop picnic curated by Dine with Iris.
Best for Switching off
Serenity | Carlyon Bay, South Cornwall | Sleeps 5
Price per week from £1,850 and short breaks from £1,650
A brand new addition in an exciting new location, this tranquil retreat for five guests showcases uninterrupted views over Charlestown and St Austell Bay. Set on the South West Coast Path, it’s within walking distance from the beach, local golf club, and spa, making it ideal for lovers of the outdoors. Yet, with a suntrap terrace and elegant interiors, staying home in the warmth might feel too tempting.
Tailor-made for both adventure seekers and laid-back living, it’s the ideal spot for couples and groups of friends.
Concierge recommendation: Walking into Charlestown for dinner at The Longstore, teeing off at Carlyon Bay Golf Club or taking a stroll through the botanical gardens.
Best for Hot tub holidays
Waders | Polzeath, North Cornwall | Sleeps 9-12
Price per week from £3,100, short breaks from £2,800
Welcomed back to the Perfect Stays portfolio at the end of last year, Waders is located in the buzzing north coast town of Polzeath. With stunning views and a sunken hot tub, it’s minutes from the popular hot spot of Polzeath Beach.
With a spacious open-plan living area spread across the first floor, plus the addition of a high-tech snug bunk room for children to retreat to, it’s a perfect escape for the whole family.
Concierge recommendation: Testing your nerves with a Cornish Rock Tors coasteering session, walking to The Waterfront for dinner above the beach, or taking private surf lessons with George’s Surf School.
Best for Seaside living
Salt Spray | Porthleven, West Cornwall | Sleeps 6-8
Price per week from £1,995, short breaks from £1,845
With endless ocean views across Porthleven’s wild coastline, Salt Spray sits just above the South West Coast Path, meaning the beach is a stone’s throw away.
Launched in November 2023, it was designed by local architect Richard Andrews. The property wears a contemporary, sleek design and is complete with state-of-the-art appliances and a games room for entertaining.
Location tips: Hiring bikes and cycling to Lizard Point, try a foraging walk or order seafood dishes from the famous Mussel Shoal.
Best for a Cosy Couples Retreat
The Nook | St Minver, Cornwall | Sleeps 2
Price per week from £1,250 short breaks from £1,100
A boutique hideaway nestled in the Cornish countryside, The Nook merges Scandi design with bold industrial accents.
An inviting kitchen and living space opens onto the garden, while a sunken hot tub and wood burner make it the perfect couples’ retreat this winter and even their furry friends, as the property is dog-friendly. Meanwhile, Cornwall’s north coast beaches lie a short drive away.
Location tips: Indulging in a spot of holiday pampering at the Cowshed Spa or dining at No. 6 in nearby Padstow.
Best for a Family Games Night
Morning Tide | Constantine Bay, Cornwall | Sleeps 10
Price per week from £2,250, short breaks from £1,950
One for design enthusiasts, Morning Tide provides a stylish base for a Cornish getaway. Brave a brisk sea swim before warming up in the hot tub. Loved by Tom and Giovanna Fletcher, the property is also complete with a separate games room and a wood burner for a cosy evening. And it’s also dog-friendly!
Location tips: A visit to Trevose Golf and Country Club or wildlife spotting with Padstow Sealife Safaris.
Best for Ocean views
Gwelefan (lead image) | Porthtowan, North Cornwall | Sleeps 8-9 guests
Price per week from £1,965 and short breaks from £1,565
Introduced in November 2023, soak up coastal views from this elevated home with spa-like facilities. It’s equipped with an indoor sauna and outdoor hot tub to warm up after bracing walks along the South West Coast Path, which runs just in front of the house.
A paradise for beach lovers, Porthtowan’s Blue Flag Beach is perfect for sunbathing in the summer months but dramatic and breathtakingly beautiful in the off-season, too.
Concierge recommendation: Sample the seafood at The Blue Bar, book a beach yoga class with Eskinzo or explore the orchards at Healey’s Cyder Farm.
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