Self-Catering Reopens with Year-Round Optimism for Cornwall

Self-catering specialist, Beach Retreats, is gearing up for the busiest year in its 12-year history when it reopens to guests this week – and is hailing a breakthrough in Cornwall’s appeal as a year-round destination.

About to welcome the 200th property into its portfolio of beach-side holiday homes in Cornwall, Beach Retreats is 87% booked from 12th April through until end of October with occupancy for November and December already double that of previous years. A positive sign that Cornwall is achieving long-sought year-round appeal and extending the valuable ‘tourism season’.

Steve Boucher joined the company earlier this year in a newly created Head of Portfolio role following 14 years at cottages.com and is optimistic about what this means for Cornwall’s tourism industry: “To the envy of destinations across the country, summer almost sells itself for Cornwall. Investment in marketing and product development has focused on the shoulder months and as a silver-lining to the challenges of the last year people are now receptive to our year-round offering. Pent up demand and lack of availability in the summer is driving people to consider the autumn and winter and discover the appeal of windswept walks, cold water swimming and cosy restaurants.

“At Beach Retreats we see this being a trend for years to come. Providing a world-class visitor experience this autumn and winter will kick start a ripple effect for the future. This is our opportunity to avoid over-tourism in the summer and make jobs in the industry sustainable year-round – something that is at the heart of Beach Retreats.”

In fact, such is the appetite for holidays in Cornwall, Beach Retreats is continually extending its portfolio to keep up with demand. Specialising in quality holiday homes within walking distance of the beach and good local amenities, it has branched out from its north Cornwall origins and now has contemporary apartments, cottages and bespoke spacious homes in all corners of the county, from Widemouth Bay and Cawsand to Falmouth and St Ives.

“As well as expanding in our home county, we are also looking forward to welcoming holiday homes in Devon, Dorset and South Wales into our portfolio over the next four years,” explains Steve. “But this isn’t about quantity; quality is key – to Beach Retreats and the South West as a whole. Our guests are increasingly looking for something extra special: hot tubs, luxury interiors and most importantly, an incredible location. Self-catering goes hand-in-hand with the space, freedom and seclusion that is so sought-after by our guests.”