Chilled thrills in Cornwall

Jun 14 2009 by Jon OMalley, Sunday Sun

LOOKING for sun, fun and great food by the ton? JON O’MALLEY found just the spot . . .

The following morning, we were booked in for a surfing lesson at the Xtreme Academy, part of the Watergate complex.

The guys at the Academy will also put you through your paces in thrill-heavy activities such as waveski and traction kiting, among others.

For those with an unlimited appetite for adrenaline, there is the extreme sports day, where, for £75 a head, a group can try everything on offer under the supervision of an instructor.

For those wanting to strike out on their own, kit is available for hire.

As it turned out that morning, my other half’s reticence – a mild form of cowardice – saw us watching on as be-wetsuited raw recruits were put through their paces on the beach. Tuition was patient and very much with safety in mind.

The yells of satisfaction as, one by one, the beginners caught a wave and kept their balance were testament to the instructor’s skill and the sport’s thrilling nature.

With time on our hands, we explored the bay . . . a playground of rock pools, caves and wildflife. For swimmers and surfers alike, there are dedicated lifeguards marking out safe zones and keeping a watchful eye over beginners and surf pros alike.

During our stroll, we could see Newquay town further up the coast, where the beaches are far busier and the sense of isolation Watergate exudes is lost among the deckchairs and noise of a busy tourist town.

On our final evening, we had a date with Jamie Oliver or, rather, his restaurant, Fifteen, perched above the Beach Hut and Xtreme Academy HQ.

With views over the bay and, of course, that sunset, it was an absolute treat to watch the restuarant chefs at work in the open kitchen while we struggled manfully to decide which cocktail to cradle while waiting for the first of our five courses.

Each day’s menu is set, with up to four choices per course and a recommended wine for each.

Every day is different as the kitchen won’t know what they’re serving until they find out which local ingredients are available. So, in theory, you could eat there every day of the year and never see the same menu twice.

Fifteen is, without doubt, a treat. It’s not the cheapest meal you’ll eat but for sheer tastiness and adventure it is hard to beat.

Char-grilled asparagus sits alongside poached duck egg for one course and, in another, roast lamb from a named, local farm is served with rosemary and anchovie dressing. Foodie heaven.

For adrenaline junkies, food junkies and relaxation junkies, Watergate Bay Hotel and Xtreme Academy is the place to get your fix.

Five things to do
1 - SATISFY your need for thrills and spills at Xtreme Academy.

2 - ROLL up to Fifteen for a five-course feast, and follow it up with drinks on the hotel’s terrace as you soak up the sunset.

3 - IF you over-indulge, walk off the waistline with one of the many coastal and cliff walks in the area, including one which will take you to Newquay.

4 - WHILE away the day exploring the beach and its many rockpools and caves.

5 - CHILL in the spa hot tub, or treat yourself to beauty treatments, a massage and a facial.

Fact file

AIR SOUTHWEST fly from Newcastle to Newquay and Plymouth, from £39 including taxes and charges. For their low-fare finder, flight times and to book online, see www.airsouthwest.com or call 0870-2418 202.

FOR details of Watergate Bay Hotel and Xtreme Academy, visit www.watergatebay.co.uk, or call the hotel reservations team on 01637-860543. For self-catering accommodation, visit www.beachretreats.co.uk

TO book at Fifteen or see a sample menu, seewww.fifteencornwall.co.uk or call 01637-861000.