Luxury surfing holidays
There's a whiff of wild and free about luxury surfing holidays in the UK and Ireland; with sea temps that range from 6 to 20°C, you could be rocking boardshorts or stuffed in a 5mm. If in doubt, paddle out.
Pack your suit and head for a watery wilderness, where shivery-salty smiles and sand in your hair are the surest signposts of a British surf trip done right. These private homes come with steaming outdoor showers where you can wash the ocean off, secure storage for the surfboards, and bubbling hot tubs where you can thaw the digits. Add a deck for morning wave checks, and you have all the makings of the best luxury surfing holidays in Europe. At the end of a day spent carving and turtle rolling, it'll be sundowners and a barbecued supper on the terrace.
Whether it's just you, your dog, and your bodyboard, or a big group of wave riders gathering for an annual trip, these luxury holiday homes scattered up and down the coast are just a stone's throw from the swell. Iconic surf spots like Porthleven and Gwithian, where ankle slappers and six-foot barrels live in unison, beckon beginners and pros alike, and secret surf spots in the underbelly of Ireland bring Blue Flag beaches and wild Atlantic swells by the keg. Why lug your longboard to the tropics when the forecast for luxury surf retreats on home soil looks this good?
The Crafters´ Hut
Whether in the Swedish wood-fired tub or beneath the pergola watching the rain over the sea, an intoxicating vista is guaranteed at this architect-designed cabin overlooking Mousehole harbour.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests (+1)
From: £1,650 per week, £1,195 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: A Swedish wood-fired tub, summerhouse, fire pit
Ukiyo
A striking build on Cornwall's south coast, Ukiyo is a nod to the modern Scandinavian summerhouse; a luxury poured concrete home that melts into the ocean in hazy-blue Coverack.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
From: £2,495 per week, £1,895 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Hot tub
The Signal Station
Up on the cliffs of Cornwall’s wild Lizard Peninsula, The Signal Station is a luxury maritime home with a rooftop terrace, built in 1872 as a beacon of safety for passing vessels.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 4 & Up to 2 guests
From: £2,250 per week, £1,695 per short break
Pets: Two small well-behaved dogs are welcome
Villa Boden
Made for those who value simplicity, Villa Boden is a luxury beach house in Porthleven, Cornwall, that has been reimagined by two sisters; every inch a new take on Nordic hygge.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
From: £2,450 per week, £1,850 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Pomona
On a cliff near Coverack in Cornwall, Pomona is a luxury mid-century modern home with a pool; a celebration of art, nature, and retro style in the Terence Coventry Sculpture Park.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,995 per week, £1,495 per short break
Pets: Dogs will be considered on prior agreement
Features: Heated outdoor swimming pool (available May- September inclusive), cinema den, table tennis
Alba Beach House
A luxury pink cob cottage with a balcony overhanging the sands of St Ives' Porthmeor Beach, Alba Beach House is the ultimate self-catering family seaside retreat.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 4 & Up to 2 guests
From: £2,995 per week, £2,295 per short break
Pets: Two pets are welcome
Lightkeepers
A thoughtful renovation near Gwithian in North Cornwall, Lightkeepers is an earthy luxury farmhouse with a plunge pool, hot tub, and art gallery feel near sought-after St Ives.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
From: £3,850 per week, £2,995 per short break
Pets: Two well behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Outdoor heated pool (8x2m, available May-September), hot tub and shower, games room with pool table
Senara
Just a mile from Gwithian’s rolling dunes and pounding surf, Senara is a cool, architectural beach house complete with outdoor pool, hot tub and sauna.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 8 & Up to 6 guests
From: £4,650 per week, £3,495 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request
Features: Outdoor heated swimming pool (May - September), hot tub, sauna, gym, outdoor kitchen, yoga deck
Weddings at Senara
This bohemian, luxury elopement venue on North Cornwall’s untamed coast, which takes inspiration from the county's famed Lost Gardens of Heligan, features a pool, a hot tub, and all-encompassing ocean views.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests
From: £9,350 per week, £7,750 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request
Features: Outdoor heated swimming pool (May - September), hot tub, sauna, gym, outdoor kitchen, yoga deck