THE thought of a self-catering holiday in the UK has never really hit the spot. The idea of a cramped caravan on a windy piece of coastline or a family tent on an overcrowded campsite just doesn't appeal.

But self-catering in Cornwall is now a serious five-star proposition – even with the family in tow.

Started in 2006, the resort owned by property developer Nick Tucker Brown was the brainchild of his daughter Amy Tucker Brown and her boyfriend, ex-professional rugby player Jason Keyter.

Retallack Resort and Spa, just outside St Columb Major, now offers year-round luxury whatever the weather.

The new two- and four-bedroom lodges are superb – solid, roomy and light with floors of solid oak and work surfaces of granite marble. There is flat-screen satellite TV, broadband Internet access, a fridge-freezer, washing machine, dishwasher (essential if you're staying for any length of time with young children) and a full-size oven. A nice touch was the welcome hamper stacked with local produce.

In the detached, four-bedroom lodges the dining table seats eight in a top notch open-plan kitchen big enough to incorporate a spacious lounge area.

There is another upstairs and both have vast picture windows that let natural light in. Sliding glass doors lead on to equally spacious balconies top and bottom, with barbecue provided.

The timber-framed Padstow lodge we stayed in was, at 1,800sq ft, so big you could happily live there – and I really think the kids would have, given the choice.

There are four large bedrooms – each with huge, plump and luxurious beds and two luxury bathrooms which meant no-one got on top of each other or was kept waiting long for a strong, hot shower.

And should the Cornish weather become too wild, the centrally heated and well-insulated lodges are snug and warm despite their Tardis-sized rooms.

But there's more. There is a decent-sized, properly heated indoor swimming pool housed with sauna, a eucalyptus-scented steam room – complete with twinkling ceiling lights and mosaic tiles – and treatment rooms to the side, a small gym and a coffee and drinks bar above.

And if the weather is good, outside is a five-a-side football pitch, a small adventure playground, tennis courts, a fishing lake and a pitch-and-putt golf course. There is no extra charges for the sports fields.

The other great reason for staying at Retallack is its location – it might not be on the coast but it is perfectly placed for day trips to Cornwall's most famous beaches and fishing villages.

If you have the children with you it's only just over a handful of miles to attractions such as the Blue Reef Aquarium at Newquay, the Camel Trail at Padstow, Watergate Bay and its Extreme Academy, Constantine Bay and, of course, the Eden Project. All of which means you don't have to go far for fun or relaxation. For the adults, the same goes for the foodie hotspots of Padstow and Watergate Bay.

If you are thinking of treating yourself to a Cornish break but can't bear the thought of an overcrowded holiday camp, try Retallack and be surprised – and delighted.