The most prestigious national awards of their kind, the AA awards are designed to recognise the highest standards of service offered within UK hotels. This year the panel of inspectors gave The Bay and The Esplanade an 80 percent rating which puts them higher in the 3 star category than any other Newquay-based establishment.

“The hard work of our staff has really shone through,” says James Nettleton, Director. “Obviously we have gone through a major refurbishment process at both of the hotels but these awards also recognise that those high standards have been carried through into the way we take care of our guests. As a family business this is very important to us and we are delighted to be officially recognised as the cream of the crop in Newquay and its surrounds.”

In the Green Tourism Business Scheme Awards, The Bay was highlighted for its excellent use of technology to ensure that the building achieved energy efficiency and for its ‘Go Green Booklet’ that informs guests how they can help to reduce their environmental impact. The Esplanade, meanwhile, was similarly praised for its work to minimise waste and for the emphasis placed on encouraging guests to access the surrounding environment through walking and cycling. Both hotels were generally seen as well-maintained, clean, tidy and proactive at recycling where possible.

“We pride ourselves on going that one step further,” says Diane Nettleton, Director of the Bay Hotel and Fistral Spa. “Especially since the credit crunch people demand quality when they pay for something so we can’t be complacent in any way. But more that that, it’s also great to come to work in a place that is welcoming, clean and eco-friendly. With the recent refurbishment work we wanted to infuse the hotel with a sense that no expense has been spared. We haven’t cut any corners and these awards are proof that that approach has worked. It’s time to open the champagne – and then recycle the bottle of course.”