For the ultimate luxury self-catering escape, head to the peaceful seaside village of Portscatho to unwind and explore. The epitome of Cornish culture, expect restaurants serving freshly-caught fish, moored boats resting in the beach harbour and skippers’ laughter trickling from the open doorways of local pubs – an earthy, authentic combination that won’t fail to win you over as you wander the streets of this historic fishing village.

To keep you gripped, art, water sports and annual festivities all provide the ingredients for the most idyllic holiday in Portscatho. Take your pick of the many things to see and do in the locale before branching off to peel back the layers of South Cornwall. Home to the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, more beaches and secret coves than you could visit in several trips and a host of excellent restaurants; it won’t be long before you are planning your next getaway in this gorgeous corner of the world.

If the Boathouse restaurant were any closer to the harbour, you would need a mooring license! Such close proximity to the water means that you’re unlikely to find fresher fish anywhere in the county; lemon sole, plaice, sea bass and John Dory are all local catches. Savour with a glass of something cool as the setting sun casts warm light over Portscatho’s luxury cottages and apartments.

The Royal Standard has got anyone with a sweet tooth covered; their range of local dairy ice creams and devilishly good sticky toffee pudding served with Cornish clotted cream are the perfect way to round off a hearty main. Of course, if you want to flex your culinary skills in your very own self-catering cottage in Portscatho, pop over to the wonderful Curgurrel farm shop for ingredients.

For finer evenings, talk a walk around the village or perch on the harbour wall with a portion of fish and chips from the Atlantic Fryer – with MSC certified cod loin and local fish landed in Newlyn harbour, you’re receiving a bespoke meal from one of Cornwall’s gourmet takeaways.

Make yourself cosy in the 18th Century Plume of Feathers; a stone’s throw from the water’s edge, you can pour over the dog-friendly pub’s excellent selection of beers, ales and craft spirits and soak up the atmosphere. Just inland from Portscatho is the Royal Standard; say hello to resident canine companion Millie before taking your pick from Caske Marque accredited beers and ales from Cornish brew houses. Sharps, Wooden Hand, Cornish Crown, St Ives, Penpont, Blue Anchor, Cotleigh and Otter breweries are all supported by the Royal Standard.

For a morning brew, head along to the seafront Tatams Coffee Shop where you will receive a warm welcome and even hotter drinks, including freshly-ground single estate coffee from Origin Coffee and an irresistible speciality hot chocolate menu. If you fancy a leg stretch, head along the coast path for half a mile to the Hidden Hut overlooking Porthcurnick Beach. A hot drink in such a magical location is what makes the walk worthwhile, and although unlicensed, you are welcome to bring your own alcohol!

You’ve tasted the fish, relished the sea air, and with the water so close it would be a shame not to explore further. Take a guided tour with Roseland Paddle & Sail for an excursion around the coast to glimpse doe-eyed seals and other beautiful wildlife in the natural surroundings of cool Cornish waters.

Speaking of waters, with summer comes the Portscatho Regatta - a celebration of sailing and community. Get swept up in the craft-races across Gerrans Bay and let your hair down with the locals enjoying live music and barbecues to celebrate this wonderful Cornish village.

For a parting gift head to Spindrift Gallery to browse the artwork, ceramics and handmade jewellery that the county is famous for, including exclusive ‘Cynscapes’ from artist and gallery owner Cynthia Greenslade.  Frame a unique card or print for a window into Cornwall and a memory of a 5-star retreat in Porthscatho, wherever you hang it.