Luxury holiday cottages in Carbis Bay
Set just along the coastline from St Ives, Carbis Bay offers a quieter, more refined take on Cornwall’s west coast.
Known for its sheltered bay, soft white sand and calm, turquoise waters, it’s a place where the pace naturally slows and life is shaped by the sea.
From early morning swims to long afternoons overlooking the water, Carbis Bay lends itself effortlessly to a relaxed and luxurious coastal escape.
While St Ives sits just moments away, Carbis Bay feels distinctly more peaceful - offering the best of both worlds in one of West Cornwall’s most sought-after coastal settings.
Our luxury holiday homes in Carbis Bay
Our collection of luxury holiday homes in Carbis Bay places you within easy reach of one of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches, with each property carefully selected for its setting, design and connection to the coast.
Choose from elegant sea-view apartments overlooking the bay, contemporary coastal homes with generous outdoor space, or spacious houses designed for memorable gatherings.
A number of our homes are dog friendly too, making it easy to enjoy coastal walks and beach days with four-legged companions.
Across the collection, you’ll find homes with far-reaching sea views, private terraces and hot tubs - perfect for slow mornings, sunset drinks and relaxed evenings outdoors.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat by the beach or a well-connected base near St Ives, our Carbis Bay collection offers something for every kind of coastal stay.
Browse our collection of luxury holiday cottages in Carbis Bay below.
Kres Kintyre
A stylish modern house in the heart of Carbis Bay
- Sleeps 6
- 3 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- 1 Dog
Somerseaze
A spectacular coastal home moments from Carbis Bay
- Sleeps 8
- 4 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- 2 Dogs
Why stay in Carbis Bay?
Carbis Bay offers a rare balance of tranquility and accessibility.
Just a mile from St Ives, it provides a quieter, more relaxed setting while remaining easily connected by the South West Coast Path and the scenic branch line train.
This allows you to experience the galleries, restaurants and harbour life of St Ives before returning to a more peaceful base overlooking the bay.
Beaches in Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay Beach is widely regarded as one of the finest in Cornwall. Its sheltered position within St Ives Bay creates calm, clear waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking, while the soft white sand shelves gently into the sea, making it particularly popular with families.
At low tide, the shoreline stretches further towards Porthkidney Sands, offering space for long coastal walks and a quieter, more expansive feel.
Things to do in Carbis Bay
Life in Carbis Bay revolves around the coastline, with a focus on relaxation, wellbeing and time spent by the water.
The calm waters of the bay are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking, while the South West Coast Path offers scenic walks towards St Ives and Hayle, with far-reaching views across the bay.
For a more indulgent experience, the spa at the Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate offers a range of treatments and wellness facilities designed for complete relaxation, adding a luxurious dimension to your stay.
The nearby branch line train provides a uniquely scenic route into St Ives, running along the edge of the coastline, while boat trips and water-based experiences are easily accessible from the surrounding area.
Places to eat and drink in Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay and nearby St Ives offer a wide choice of dining experiences, from relaxed beachfront cafés to refined restaurants overlooking the sea.
The Beach Club Restaurant at Carbis Bay provides a laid-back setting right on the sand, while Walter’s on The Beach offers a more refined dining experience with uninterrupted coastal views.
Just minutes away, St Ives expands the offering further, with a well-established food scene centred around fresh seafood, seasonal produce and memorable coastal settings.
Explore nearby
Carbis Bay is perfectly positioned to explore the wider West Cornwall coastline.
Head west into St Ives for galleries, restaurants and harbour life, or follow the coast towards Sennen for a more rugged landscape and dramatic cliff walks.
To the east, the sweeping sands of Hayle, Gwithian and Godrevy offer miles of open beach and a more expansive coastal setting.
On the south coast, Marazion and Penzance provide a different perspective, with views across to St Michael’s Mount, historic streets and a growing food and cultural scene. Further along, the fishing villages of Mousehole and Newlyn offer a slower pace of life, centred around working harbours and independent galleries.
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FAQs about Carbis Bay
Yes, the South West Coast Path connects Carbis Bay to St Ives, offering a scenic walk of around 25–30 minutes along the coastline.
Yes, Carbis Bay is easily accessible by rail. It has its own station on the scenic branch line from St Erth, which connects to London Paddington and other major UK cities. The train runs along the coastline, offering views across St Ives Bay.
Not necessarily. Carbis Bay is well connected by train and is within easy reach of St Ives via the South West Coast Path. For exploring further afield, a car can be useful, but many guests choose to travel by rail.
Many of our luxury holiday homes in Carbis Bay include private parking, which can be particularly valuable during busy periods. As availability varies by property, we recommend checking individual listings for details.
A number of our Carbis Bay holiday homes welcome dogs, making it easy to enjoy coastal walks and beach days with your four-legged companion. You can filter dog-friendly properties when browsing the collection.
Many of our luxury homes in Carbis Bay enjoy exceptional sea views across St Ives Bay, with a range of properties offering elevated coastal outlooks.
Yes, Carbis Bay is well suited to family holidays, with a sheltered beach, calm waters and easy access to nearby St Ives for additional activities and dining.
Carbis Bay is an ideal setting for a romantic escape, offering a quieter atmosphere, beautiful coastal views and a relaxed pace, all within easy reach of St Ives.
Carbis Bay is a year-round destination. Summer offers warm weather and a vibrant coastal atmosphere, while spring and early autumn provide quieter beaches and mild conditions ideal for walking. Winter offers a more peaceful and restorative coastal experience.
Carbis Bay has a relaxed calendar of events, with many centred around the beach and Carbis Bay Estate. Highlights often include wellness sessions, live music, seasonal dining experiences and special events at Walter’s on the Beach. Nearby St Ives adds a wider cultural calendar, including the St Ives Food & Drink Festival in May and the St Ives September Festival, alongside exhibitions, markets and year-round arts events.
