Romantic break in St Ives, Cornwall

As a case study I offer Wheal Trenwith, a comfortable double studio apartment in St Ives, Cornwall that may just fit the bill!

The Savoy Hotel it is not, but neither is it a tent in the Brecon Beacons during the Welsh monsoon season! Wheal Trenwith is cosy but not cramped, well equipped but not ostentatious and strikes the perfect balance between your own space and nearby facilities.

First of all, the highlights! What she will immediately notice about the property is that the main source of light, adjacent to the bed is from double patio doors. These open onto a small private balcony that offers stunning views across St Ives to the harbour and the sea.

The owners of Wheal Trenwith are well used to ensuring that your break gets off to the best possible start. An advance phone call can take care of some nice touches like flowers, champagne and chocolates ahead of your arrival.

If the weather lets you down, dining is still a pleasant affair with a pine table adjacent to the kitchen area but if you are lucky you will be dining on the balcony overlooking the sea amidst blooming hanging baskets.

Even out of season, the weather in Cornwall is often mild enough to enjoy the outside area - we frequently see good weather throughout September whilst May has been known to produce some scorching days! For out of season breaks, Wheal Trenwith has full central heating.

Facilities wise, the apartment offers all mod cons many of which you may not use (washing machine/drier and ironing board spring to mind) but are there if the need arises. That ultimate necessity, a dishwasher, has been thoughtfully included so washing up is one chore neither of you need worry about!

The bathroom is modern and contains a bath with shower over, toilet and hand basin. An electric towel rail provides nice warm towels after your bath or shower. All bed linen and towels are provided at Wheal Trenwith.

As mentioned previously, great though it is to have time just to enjoy each others' company indoors, on a break it is also nice to go out and explore together. St Ives offers pubs with live music, a thriving theatre, some great beaches for sunbathing, surfing or evening strolls.

There is the coast path, which will offer some fantastic views and quite possibly marine wildlife sightings whichever direction you take. Truro, Penzance, Newquay and Falmouth are all within reasonable driving distance and each offers a slightly different atmosphere and nightlife.

Boat trips are easily arranged for much of the year, whether for general sight seeing, wildlife or to try your hand at fishing. Head over to Bissoe, near Falmouth and you can hire a bike each for the day and travel the route of an old mineral railway in a pleasant ride that can take you right to the north coast and back in a day if you are reasonably well used to riding.

Taking a pony trek or horse ride is popular with visitors to Cornwall and there are a good number of excellent stables about.

Autumn 2009

Eden Project moves into "Halloween" mode in October alongside the Global Garden Harvest. Many useful events and demonstrations on how best to preserve crops and what to do with your own bumper harvest. There is also an Autumn Bash evening event comprising of live music and a hog roast.

Half Term Week sees a range of Halloween themed events and activities running at Eden throughout the day including a Spooky Ice Rink! 30th and 31st sees the return of the popular family evening event the Little Monsters Ball - reserve tickets soon to avoid disappointment.

Evolution of a Cornish Clay Pit is an exhibition of work by artist Anthony Eyton. His artwork charts the "evolution" of the Eden Project from an empty clay pit to the stunning attraction it is today. The exhibition is included in the price of a standard ticket and runs until next year.

At the Tate St Ives there is an exhibition of early modernism, surrealism and neo-romanticism entitled The Dark Monarch: Magic and Modernity in British Arts.

The St Ives Ghost Walks continue to run in the town on Tues 13th, 20th and 27th

Unless it is absolutely essential, consider leaving the mobile at home, or at least turned off, during your romantic break. Undivided attention is what you both deserve!

Pampering is the order of the day! If she's normally the one running around organising things make sure she has a day where she doesn't make a single cup of tea or coffee, where food magically appears for her (albeit with a slight haze of smoke and some Ramsay-esque utterings from the galley!). Small things like breakfast in bed, a bath that is run for her. These will make a difference.

Talk, Laugh, Communicate! Make joint decisions about what you want to do and where you want to go.

Finally, whilst from your efforts it should be self-evident it does not do any harm to say the words. Tell her you lover her! Often!