Yesterday as I sat in this heat wave, my thoughts drifted to the colder snowy month we had in February.

Amit and I booked a romantic getaway just before Valentines Day, (thought we would beat the rush!).  Portscatho in Cornwall was our destination.

Like true ‘roadtripers’ we threw a few clothes into a bag, grabbed the camera, telescope and some woolies.  We forced it all to fit in the boot and cockpit of our little Lotus Elise and off we went on our next adventure.

It was snowing in Guildford when we left early that morning but weather reports for Portscatho indicated the sun would be shining most of the time.  All we really wanted was clear skies so that we could star gaze later that night with no light pollution.

We are quite fond of the Mr. & Mrs. Smith quirky boutique style hotels.  Amit picked one that was perfect for us as the restaurant in this hotel had a Michelin star, with head chef Chris Eden! Being big foodies we thought this was an appropriate choice.

On arrival at the Driftwood Hotel we were greeted before even getting out the car, the warm welcome felt like we were visiting friends at their house rather than a hotel.  With only 14 rooms in total this hotel really had that homely feel that we love.

Our room had its own private garden area and a lovely path to the private beach cove! Even though it was a little cold we didn’t mind, the main thing was that the sun was shining and we were walking hand-in-hand along this lovely beach without a care in the world.  The only thing that could have made it more than perfect would be if we could have had Schuey with us! Although I think she would have eaten us alive if we even attempted to put her into a cat harness and take her for a walk like a dog!

That night after a truly sublime dinner, we headed to our garden deck and wrapped up warm in woolies and huddled close together.  With brandy goblets in hand, we gazed up at the romantic star filled sky.  We both saw lots of shooting stars, which was truly magical.  Wishes were made upon these shooting stars and have already begun to come true!

Later, Amit set up the telescope so that we could have a closer look at Jupiter and its moons.  Meanwhile, I set up my camera on my tripod and took my first star photos (under the influence of wine and brandy!)

The following day was filled with visits to St Ives for some traditional cream tea and a stop at Lands’ End. We ended that night with yet another truly ‘melt in the mouth’ dinner thanks to Chris Eden and his team!

Thank you Driftwood for having us and treating us like family, we will be back!

I hope you enjoy the photos,

Arpna Xx

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