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Mermaid's Secret at The Sands, Carbis Bay

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Mermaid's Secret at The Sands is a contemporary two-bedroom lodge in Cornwall that sleeps four guests. This luxury coastal retreat features two en-suite bathrooms and a private outdoor deck with sea glimpses. The open-plan living space creates an ideal setting for quality time together.

The lodge sits in a peaceful coastal location near St Ives. You're moments from golden beaches and the South West Coast Path. The area offers stunning Atlantic views and easy access to fishing villages.

Mermaid's Secret provides well-appointed accommodation across two floors. The master bedroom includes an en-suite shower room whilst the second bedroom also benefits from its own en-suite facilities.

About Mermaid's Secret at The Sands

Mermaid's Secret at The Sands is a contemporary two-bedroom lodge in Cornwall that sleeps four guests. This luxury coastal retreat features two en-suite bathrooms and a private outdoor deck with sea glimpses. The open-plan living space creates an ideal setting for quality time together.

The lodge sits in a peaceful coastal location near St Ives. You're moments from golden beaches and the South West Coast Path. The area offers stunning Atlantic views and easy access to fishing villages.

Mermaid's Secret provides well-appointed accommodation across two floors. The master bedroom includes an en-suite shower room whilst the second bedroom also benefits from its own en-suite facilities. The open-plan kitchen and living area features modern appliances and comfortable seating. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light and frame coastal views.

Tate St Ives showcases modern art collections 2.1 miles away (8 minutes). The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden sits 2 miles away (7 minutes). Porthmeor Beach offers surfing and swimming 1.8 miles away (6 minutes). St Ives Harbour provides boat trips and seafood restaurants 2.2 miles away (9 minutes).

Mermaid's Secret suits couples and small families wanting a sophisticated coastal escape. The two en-suite bathrooms and quality furnishings make this perfect for those who value comfort and style.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: The Sands

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Carbis Bay, Cornwall

Weather & Local Conditions

16°C

Mainly clear

Updated: 23 Jul 2026, 3:26am

🌡️
15.50°C
Temperature
💨
8 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
96%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever July throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for long days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A luxury cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film beats a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Sands sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share of an evening.

Location & Elevation

61m

(200 feet above sea level)

The Sands sits in a peaceful Cornwall setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a luxury escape.

🏔️
61m
Elevation
📍
Carbis Bay
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Carbis Bay are typical Cornwall lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 50.1958233° N | Longitude: 5.4623334° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Carbis Bay (Friday, 31 July 2026):

4:36am

Sunrise

7:20pm

Golden Hour

8:20pm

Sunset

🌅
4:36am
Sunrise
🌇
8:20pm
Sunset
📸
7:20pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (7:20pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

July Daylight

This month in Carbis Bay, you have approximately 15.73 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Sands.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Cornwall. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 23 Jul 2026 | Location: 50.1958233, -5.4623334

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their stay at The Sands

Two En-Suite Bathrooms

Both bedrooms feature their own private en-suite facilities providing comfort and convenience for all guests throughout their stay.

Coastal Location Near St Ives

Perfectly positioned for exploring Cornwall's most loved seaside town with its galleries, beaches and restaurants all within easy reach.

Modern Open-Plan Living Space

Contemporary kitchen and lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows creating a bright and spacious environment for relaxing together.

Private Outdoor Deck

Enjoy your morning coffee or evening drinks on the private deck with partial sea views and fresh coastal air.

Close to Beaches

Multiple sandy beaches including Porthmeor and Carbis Bay are just minutes away offering swimming, surfing and coastal walks.

Quality Modern Furnishings

Thoughtfully designed interiors with contemporary fixtures and fittings throughout ensuring a comfortable and stylish stay for families.

Getting To The Sands

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Mermaid's Secret by car, follow the A30 towards Penzance then take the A3074 towards St Ives. The lodge is easily accessible with convenient off-road parking available upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is St Ives, just a short taxi ride away from the accommodation. From there, it's a brief journey to your coastal retreat.

Off-road parking available
St Ives station (2.3 miles)
Easily accessible from the A3074

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Tate St Ives
Distance: 2.1 miles
TR26 1TG
Barbara Hepworth Museum
Distance: 2.0 miles
TR26 1AD
St Ives Harbour
Distance: 2.2 miles
TR26 1LF
South West Coast Path
Distance: 0.5 miles
TR26 2FG
Porthmeor Beach Walk
Distance: 1.8 miles
TR26 1JZ
Carbis Bay Coastal Walk
Distance: 1.2 miles
TR26 2NP
Tesco Superstore St Ives
Distance: 2.4 miles
TR26 2DS
St Ives Town Centre Shops
Distance: 2.1 miles
TR26 1RS
Co-op Food Carbis Bay
Distance: 1.5 miles
TR26 2RT
St Ives Bus Station
Distance: 2.3 miles
TR26 2AD
Carbis Bay Railway Station
Distance: 1.3 miles
TR26 2NW
Hayle Town Centre
Distance: 3.8 miles
TR27 4HY
Tate St Ives
Distance: 2.1 miles
TR26 1TG
Barbara Hepworth Museum
Distance: 2.0 miles
TR26 1AD
St Ives Harbour
Distance: 2.2 miles
TR26 1LF
South West Coast Path
Distance: 0.5 miles
TR26 2FG
Porthmeor Beach Walk
Distance: 1.8 miles
TR26 1JZ
Carbis Bay Coastal Walk
Distance: 1.2 miles
TR26 2NP
Tesco Superstore St Ives
Distance: 2.4 miles
TR26 2DS
St Ives Town Centre Shops
Distance: 2.1 miles
TR26 1RS
Co-op Food Carbis Bay
Distance: 1.5 miles
TR26 2RT
St Ives Bus Station
Distance: 2.3 miles
TR26 2AD
Carbis Bay Railway Station
Distance: 1.3 miles
TR26 2NW
Hayle Town Centre
Distance: 3.8 miles
TR27 4HY

Is The Sands Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Mermaid's Secret offers excellent facilities for families with children. The nearby beaches including Porthmeor and Carbis Bay provide safe swimming and sandcastle building. St Ives offers the St Ives Museum and numerous ice cream parlours. The South West Coast Path provides easy walking routes. Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary in Hayle sits 4 miles away with exotic birds and play areas.
Groups Will Love...
The open-plan living space at Mermaid's Secret creates an excellent setting for special occasions and quality family time. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame coastal views whilst the modern kitchen allows for preparing celebration meals together. The private outdoor deck provides additional space for al fresco dining and toasting special moments with sea glimpses as your backdrop.
Pet Friendly
Mermaid's Secret does not accept pets. The property maintains a strict no-pets policy to ensure all guests can enjoy their stay comfortably. If you're travelling with a dog, you'll need to consider alternative accommodation in the area. Many nearby lodges and cottages do welcome four-legged companions, so it's worth exploring other properties at The Sands or in the surrounding St Ives area.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Sands

The Rum & Crab Shack

Located 2.0 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TR26 1LP

Porthminster Beach Cafe

Located 2.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TR26 2EB

The Mermaid St Ives

Located 2.1 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TR26 1PR

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Sands

How many guests does Mermaid's Secret accommodate?
Mermaid's Secret sleeps four guests across two bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. The open-plan living area provides comfortable space for everyone to gather together.
Is Mermaid's Secret pet-friendly?
No, pets are not permitted at Mermaid's Secret. The property maintains a no-pets policy to ensure all guests can enjoy their stay.
What sleeping arrangements are available?
The lodge features two bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities providing privacy and comfort. The accommodation is arranged across two floors with modern furnishings throughout.
How far is Mermaid's Secret from St Ives?
St Ives town centre is approximately 2 miles away, around 8 minutes by car. The harbour, galleries and beaches are all easily accessible from the lodge.
Is there parking at the property?
Yes, off-road parking is provided for guests at Mermaid's Secret. The parking area is conveniently located near the accommodation.
What facilities does the kitchen include?
The open-plan kitchen features modern appliances including an oven, hob, fridge and microwave. All essential cookware and utensils are provided for preparing meals.
Are there shops and restaurants nearby?
St Ives offers numerous shops, cafes and restaurants within a short drive. Local supermarkets and convenience stores are easily accessible for provisions.
What outdoor space is available?
Mermaid's Secret includes a private outdoor deck area with seating. Guests can enjoy partial sea views and the fresh coastal air from this space.

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