Tresco on the Isles of Scilly
The perfect UK destination for true relaxation, spectacular seas, stunning beaches, subtropical gardens and a healthy glow from the Islands Spa.
We are so delighted to have discovered this beautiful group of islands and immediately knew it would be a perfect addition to our Life Holidays portfolio. With exciting places to visit, such as Ruin Beach Cafe, Appletree Bay, Pentle Bay (Princess Diana’s favourite beach), Cromwells Castle, Old Grimsby, and Hell Bay. They conjure up dreams and images of times gone by. The island has its own Art Gallery, Garden Visitor Cafe, Valhalla Figurehead Museum, Tresco Stores and Deli, just in case you forget something, and a sweet boutique Lucytania just in case you haven’t forgotten something but need a little treat!!
TRESCO THE ISLAND OF ULTIMATE LUXURY, SOPHISTICATION AND THE FAMOUS ABBEY GARDEN.
Tresco is the second largest of the islands and a subtropical gem. It is the only one of the islands to be privately-owned; it is currently cared for by Lucy and Robert Dorrien-Smith. This island has a little bit of everything – from dramatic rocky outcrops, bronze age burial sites and romantic castle ruins, to secluded sandy beaches and, of course, the world famous Tresco Abbey Garden which was established in the 1830s by Augustus Smith. This horticultural paradise hosts a spectacular collection of more than 20,000 exotic plants from all corners of the world – many of which cannot be grown anywhere else in Britain. The Valhalla collection within the Garden is equally impressive with its colourful display of figureheads salvaged from the islands’ shipwrecks. The rugged north of the island is a great place to walk and explore, while in the centre of the island, there are bird hides to seek out around Tresco’s freshwater pools. You can hire bikes to travel around, or if you are feeling active, borrow a boat, windsurf or kayak from Tresco Sailing Club. The island is also excellent for beachcombing or simply relaxing on a beach - there’s no finer spot to chill than the sugar-fine white sand of Pentle and Appletree Bays. Whatever you choose to do on Tresco, you’ll notice that it oozes sophistication at every level - from its top-notch accommodation, art gallery and fabulous deli to the amazing eateries serving fine local produce and the award-winning leisure spa, the Flying Boat Club.
Your adventure will begin with a 15 minute helicopter flight from Penzance directly to the private helipad on the island of Tresco. A short transfer by golf buggy will then take you to your home for the next five days. A full agenda will include Pilates lessons each day, a private tour of the famous Abbey gardens, lunch on another island, kayaking, bike riding and a possible boat trip to see the Puffins (weather permitting) Rooms will be single, double or twin rooms. Bed breakfast and dinner included.
What's included in this fabulous holiday:
4 nights 5 days all inclusive short break in the 4 star Hotel on Tresco
Helicopter return from Penzance direct to Tresco 15 min flight.
Transfers from the helicopter pad to the Hotel
Double occupancy or single occupancy all ensuite rooms
Full Scillian Breakfast each day
Dinner for 3 evenings
Lunch at the 5* Hell Bay Hotel on Bryher Island
Return boat trip to Bryher Island
5 Pilates classes with Candice in our own studio with sea views
Spa membership
30 min Spa treatments are also available at additional cost
Abbey Garden entry including a private tour with Tresco’s Horticulturist & Garden Curator.
Our 4 star hotel on Tresco
Set on Tresco’s west coast, our traditional island inn offers 4 star award-winning accommodation and dining just a stone’s throw from the main harbour. All ensuite rooms include little treats like fresh coffee, home made biscuits and REN toiletries. Dining is in The Driftwood Bar, traditional local fare with a Tresco twist.
Restaurant Menu Sample
Starters
Dressed Bryher Crab charred watermelon, sea herbs
Wild Mushrooms on grilled sourdough, tarragon, rocket and truffle oil
Monkfish scampi, spiced mango, coriander, pickled chilli
Mains
Cornish Catch of the day, served with confit potatoes, roasted fennel
Cauliflower Risotto, spiced olive oil, roasted hazelnuts, fresh apple
Cornish Ale battered cod, crushed peas, tangy tartare sauce, proper chips
Classic Caesar Salad, roast breast of chicken, or grilled halloumi, or St Ives smoked salmon with Parmesan packed dressing.
Dessert
Valrhona chocolate and dark stout torte with Cornish clotted cream, or local ice cream
Salted caramel sticky toffee pudding and local ice cream
Mellow sloe gin berry trifle, layered with berry compote
Tresco Abbey Gardens
The sub-tropical Abbey Garden is a glorious experience, a perennial Kew without the glass, home to 20,000 plants from more than 80 countries, flourishing just 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall.
Tresco Abbey Garden was established by Augustus Smith in the 19th century around the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey. Today, the garden is home to plants from across the world’s Mediterranean climate zones, from Brazil to New Zealand and Burma to South Africa.
Fringing the lush grid of paths which criss-cross the gardens are a host of succulents, towering palms and giant, lipstick-red flame trees. Here you can find flowers of the King Protea and the handsome Lobster Claw, great blue spires of Echium, brilliant Furcraea, Strelitzia and shocking-pink drifts of Pelargonium.
The face of the garden changes throughout the year. In spring flowers bloom weeks ahead of those on the mainland – the perfect tonic after a long, cold winter. In the autumn the reds, golds and ambers of the seasonal foliage contrast with the magnificent proteas, aloes and camellias. Even at the winter solstice there are usually more than 300 species of plant in flower.
The treasures to be found within the Abbey Garden are not limited to the floral kind, either. The Valhalla Museum within the Garden is home to shipwrecked figureheads collected across the Isles of Scilly and now part of the National Maritime collection.
The beautifully appointed Spa features a heated indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and gym.
Treatments - ILA Spa products, free from synthetic chemicals as all ingredients come from plants or minerals.
Marine Flora Body Renewal - nutrient rich sea lettuce, sea lavender, bio-plasma combined with Himalayan salt crystals.
Back and Shoulder Recovery - Tibetan style back therapy the ila Ku Nye body massage.
Instantly Blissful Body Renewal - relaxing full body scrub and massage.
Pearl and Jasmine Body Renewal - restorative full body scrub and massage
Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage
Other treatments on offer.
Helicopter
A magical journey to another world.
The Isles of Scilly is a place like no other. Refreshingly pure, achingly beautiful and irresistibly peaceful, the archipelago of over 140 islands lying just off the coast of Cornwall is a little piece of heaven. It’s where escapism mingles with adventure, where spirits are lifted and where the unforgettable happens.
We make getting there every bit as special as being there.
In an incredible 15-minute helicopter ride from Penzance, soar over England’s dramatic Southwest coastline and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the breath-taking scenery before being wowed by the white sands and turquoise waters of the Isles of Scilly. Heart full and pulse racing, land on the island of Tresco, beginning your Island experience in spectacular style.