*Ad – Hosted stay
I cannot think of a more perfect base for our family holidays in the Scilly Isles than Karma Hotel St Martins. After arriving into St Mary’s Harbour we jumped on a small ferry for a short boat ride over to the smaller island of St Martins. This was our first impression of Karma St Martins, isn’t it a stunning resort and an absolutely beautiful location?
*Article published June 2018, updated March 2019 as rooms have been renovated and Island helicopters no longer operate to the Scilly Islands.
As you can tell by my reaction in this video we were completely overwhelmed by the whole experience… (Please ignore my croaky voice, I had a sore throat. Also note the ocean view bedrooms we stayed in have since been refurbished).
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Karma St Martins, Isles of Scilly – Our first impressions
I’ll never forget my family and I being met at the private quay and escorted to the hotel by friendly hotel staff.
Whilst our bags were being carried I had the chance to take a look at the resort. Built like a small village of cottages made of traditional stone and overlooking a stunning white sandy beach. The luxury resort blends into the natural, rather rugged, landscape perfectly.
My husband and I kept smiling at each other. It was obvious from his reaction that he loved the look of Karma St Martins as much as I did. Our boys had already pointed out the kayaks on the beach and made a beeline for the expansive lawn and flower gardens. They were clearly delighted at their new base for the next few days.
Whilst sipping a refreshing cocktail in the luxurious lounge, (alcoholic for Rich and I and a mocktail for my boys which made them feel very grown up!) we were welcomed and introduced to the resort and its many facilities.
We were most impressed by the level of detail – the daily newspapers with weather forecasts and local restaurant opening times. The well stocked library with games to loan and even a record player with vinyl collection and a wine vending machine in the main lounge. (Which proved during our stay to be a brilliant way to test the extensive wine list before ordering our favourite bottle to enjoy with dinner).
After our chat and drink with the duty manager we were shown to our guest rooms. We were staying in two ground floor interconnecting ocean view double rooms (see video above for a tour). At the time they were the only rooms at the resort that hadn’t been renovated and he was rather unnecessarily apologetic.
Our rooms were very spacious and comfortable with doors opening up to the private manicured gardens with incredible views over the beach and water. (From looking at the Karma group website recently I can see they have since been refurbished and look absolutely stunning with contemporary decor similar to the honeymoon suite and in keeping with the rest of the hotel. I have therefore deleted my photos from this review).
As a family we loved waking up in the morning and sitting outside on our decking area with a pot of tea and biscuits. Watching the colours of the sky change was magical in the morning and even more so at night. We were treated to the most amazing sunsets during our time on St Martins, followed by complete darkness and the most star studded skies we have ever experienced.
Decor and feel of Karma St Martins
Unlike the traditional style of the exterior of the resort, the interior was surprisingly modern and contemporary with a real luxurious and comfortable feel. It truly is a perfect spot to unwind and I can completely understand why fellow guests we spoke to have returned year after year.
With only 30 rooms the atmosphere at Karma St Martins is peaceful, relaxing and very laid back. Even at dinner guests tended to dress very casually and everyone, guests and staff, were very chatty and friendly with my boys. By the first night everyone knew their names and they were made to feel very welcome. (It’s also worth me pointing out here that dogs are also welcomed at Karma St Martins so if you are looking for dog friendly Isles of Scilly hotels do keep it in mind!)
The main lounge and bar was very spacious and there were lots of public rooms to enjoy and space in the garden to chill out. This made it very easy to keep out of other guests way when our boys were being particularly energetic and giddy!
My favourite feature of Karma St Martins were the huge windows in every room, making the most of the panoramic views of the Tean Sound. A nautical theme was present throughout the whole resort with very tasteful framed art work and hand carved ships. There was even a telescope for guests to use to star gaze in the evenings, and watch playful seals, passing boats during the day.
My boys favourite feature was the outdoor games chest which they found within an hour of arriving at the resort. They quickly made themselves at home on the lawn whilst my hubby and I enjoyed a glass of wine while laying on a sun lounger. It was an utterly blissful experience! They also pestered to go down to the beach from the minute they woke up…
Customer service and food at Karma St Martins – Cloudesley Shovell Restaurant
When on holiday we tend to keep ourselves to ourselves but there is something about the Scilly Islands that make you chat to complete strangers. Everyone is so friendly and this was particularly so at the hotel.
We found that the staff genuinely wanted to know about our day. They went out of their way to make sure we visited their favourite beaches and experienced dining at their favourite bars/restaurants/coffee shops whilst in the Isles of Scilly. We came out of breakfast every day with scribbled notes from our waiter, with directions of how to get to his hidden gem.
The bar staff recommended that we saved the best dining experience until last by spending our last night eating at the hotels Cloudesley Shovell restaurant. It proved to be a great recommendation. The food, all sourced locally, was exceptionally good and the service was outstanding too.
The Karma St Martins menu changes daily however always strongly features Scilly’s renown seafood.
It was a night to remember, especially as dessert was enjoyed whilst watching another spectacular sunset. As the sky started to change colour we joined other hotel guests on the hotel lawn to soak in the views…
St Martins, Isles of Scilly – What is there to do?
We were supposed to stay three nights at Karma St Martins and extended by an extra night as we just didn’t want to leave. There is so much to do in the Isles of Scilly, particularly if like us, you enjoy stunning views, being outdoors and around water.
St Martin’s is one of the five inhabited islands, (there are 140 uninhabited islands that make up the Scillies too). At just two miles long it is very walkable, even with young children.
We did lots of island hopping during our stay and also spent a full day exploring St Martins. We admired the incredible views, rare birds and flowers along the coastal path. Checked out the village stores and art gallery before popping in for a chat with the local jewellery maker.
St Martin’s is known for having some of the best beaches in the British Isles and having explored them we have to agree!
Even though the island only has 120 full time residents you are spoilt for choice with places to eat on St Martins Isles of Scilly. We enjoyed the catch of the day at the local pub Seven Stones Inn (where we actually met the fisherman who had caught our fish!) and delicious fish and chips (with freshly caught island fish and home-grown potatoes) from Adams fish and chips…
For more ideas of what to do in the Scilly Islands check out our Scilly Isles holidays guide which features how to get to the Isles of Scilly, our review of the Scilly Isles ferry, other family friendly Isles of Scilly hotels plus the best days out.
Address – Karma St Martin’s, Lower Town, Isles of Scilly TR25 0QW
Karma group website . Check availability and rates or make a booking here.
Disclosure – We were kindly invited to stay at Karma St Martin’s for three nights in return for this honest review. We extended our stay by one night which we paid for. All words and opinions are, as always, our own. All images copyright Travel Loving Family.
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This looks wonderful, I have never visited the isles of Scilly before but my Mum visited and loved it and now I can see why as it looks beautiful. The Karma hotel sounds perfect for families and the meals look delicious, I will have to add here to our mini-moon list as it looks the perfect place to relax for a few days x
Looks, and sounds, idyllic. Lovely shots! I’ve always wanted to visit the Scilly Isles, ever since I heard that visiting was like stepping into the pages of a Famous Five novel! Is this true?!
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Yes this describes it perfectly. In fact on my guide to the Isles of Scilly this is how I’ve described it:) It’s a truly beautiful, untouched place. I thoroughly recommend a visit.