Coastal retreat
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Words by Hannah Tapping Taking inspiration from afar, Palm Court Retreats brings an American vibe to Cornish shores.
The first thing you notice about Palm Court Retreats is the veranda, with a flight of white steps rising majestically to meet its front poorch. You might just be minutes from Polperro, but little about this says Cornwall; its painted timber, deep eaves and proportions place it in warmer climes. That, as it turns out, is rather the point. The main house, Palm Court, was built in the 1930s, designed by an American architect and it sat there being fabulous until Luca and her husband found it in 2021. It’s little sister, Palm Lodge came later and both houses have been furnished slowly, over years of travel.
The aesthetic is very deliberately built rather than bought off a shelf. Palm Court draws on the laid-back Mediterranean beach style of Ibiza and Luca and her husband’s love of America; from California to the West Coast and East Coast and out to The Hamptons. Inspiration comes from the desert in the form of neutral colours and natural materials such as rattan and jute. Pops of colourful artwork are inspired by Luca’s husband’s career in the music industry and there are touches of music culture running throughout the whole house, including original signed posters. This is set to a backdrop of a pastel palette inspired by US designer Kelly Wearstler’s California Collection of sun-soaked colours in collaboration with Farrow & Ball. The whole space feels light, airy and spacious, and there’s even a curated seasonal playlist for guests to enjoy, setting the mood and enhancing the feeling of being on holiday even further.
Palm Court is built for larger groups; think families, multi-generational get-togethers, anniversaries or big birthdays. It has a games room with a pool table, large screen television, sink-into sofas and that impressive music memorabilia is always a talking point with guests. A large, elegant dining room seats 12 around a vast bespoke table; the place for setting the world to rights over multiple courses. Six individually styled bedrooms offer tranquillity and a sound night’s sleep for all. Step outside and you’ll find a hot tub and two terraces – one with a fire pit and the other with lounge seating and space to eat – making outdoor living effortless. Palm Lodge, brand new for 2026, is perhaps the more surprising and unexpected of the two, being smaller and more intimate, suited to couples, romantic getaways, or walkers in the quieter shoulder months. This two-bedroom, wooden-clad American ranch style home is blended with the clean, breezy coastal aesthetic of the Hamptons and Nantucket, inspired by the homes of Ralph Lauren. Every detail has been carefully curated, down to the Americana prints on the walls. It’s calm, cosy and coastal, but with a distinct character of its own in deliberate contrast to Palm Court’s beachy warmth. This juxtaposition makes for an interesting design conversation: two very different reference points but with the same instinct for laid-back, considered living. Both properties can be booked separately or taken together for bigger
The design of each property at Palm Court has a purpose beyond the aesthetic, as they lend themselves naturally to hosting creative, wellbeing retreats. Quiet, secluded and tranquil, there is ample space for facilitators with room to practice yoga or other mindful practices. The wood-clad interiors and peacful corners throughout the houses and gardens give everything a reflective, unrushed feel. Facilitators can also dry-hire the space, with local chefs, teachers and activities arranged for them.
Luca co-hosts retreats herself and is looking forward to two very special escapes this year. The Golden Autumn: Ocean Flow Yoga Retreat from 5th to 9th October will be an intimate five-day retreat created for women needing to slow down, reconnect with themselves and embrace the next chapter. Golden Autumn offers the time and support to pause, reflect and return home feeling lighter calmer and more connected. This retreat will include Kundalini yoga, breathwork, meditation, nervous system practices, sound healing, sauna and coastal walks.
From the 12th to 16th October, Palm Court will play host to The Conscious Home: Design with Intention Retreat. Over this five-day immersive experience guests will discover how their home can become a sanctuary that supports wellbeing. “A topic close to my heart, we’ll cover colour psychology, biophilic design, sensory design, make mindful mood boards and meeting Cornish makers, with coastal walks and a sound therapy session,” explains Luca.
The location is stunning in itself and a major part of what makes Palm Court Retreats so special. “We are just a short stroll from the historic fishing harbour of Polperro, with the South West Coast Path running in both directions,” says Luca. “It’s a real escape from the city to something much more considered, which I believe is something we all need right now.” Staying at Palm Court Retreats is slow luxury, done properly.
