Karma Royal Group continues to gain a foothold in Europe, after acquiring the Karma Bavaria ski resort in Germany and two iconic Karma Estates, namely, Pelikanos in Mykonos, Greece and Le Preverger in the Cote D’Azur, France, with the introduction of Karma St. Martin’s, a fully refurbished 30-room luxury resort located in splendid seclusion on the tiny, picturesque island of St. Martin’s, part of the Isles of Scilly archipelago in Cornwall, off the most westerly point of England.
With nearly thirty luxury resorts spanning Southeast Asia, India, Australia and Europe, the opening of Karma St. Martin’s marks Karma Royal Group’s first foray into the United Kingdom.
Nestled on approximately 2.8 hectares of sloping terrain, surrounded by high ground and two granite hill cairns, on the southwestern shore of St. Martin’s, Karma St. Martin’s, the island’s only hotel, is poised to capitalise on breathtaking panoramic coastal vistas overlooking the deep azure waters of Tean Sound and Tresco.
Designed to appear as a charming hamlet of cottages, with guestrooms and public areas facing the sea, the resort is characterised by a variety of roof pitches, ridge heights, chimneys, dormers, bays and end parapets of buff-coloured granite, rubble stone, smooth rendered quoins, exposed aggregate lintels and white-trimmed windows, all design elements reminiscent of typical Cornish cottage architecture.
Karma St. Martin’s beautifully landscaped gardens wrap around the property, punctuated by cacti and other subtropical plants normally found in Africa or southern Europe, a quirk attributed to the Scilly’s unique micro-climate, and lead directly to the resort’s private, white sandy beach with its private boat jetty. Accommodation include thirty individually appointed guestrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms and luxurious amenities: 17 standard double/twin rooms, 10 luxury double/twin rooms and three sumptuous suites.
Guests at Karma St. Martin’s can relax in the comfortably furnished residents’ lounge, which opens directly onto the resort’s gardens. For dining and entertaining, they may start with sundowners at the resort bar and later, choose between easy, casual meals in the Brasserie or opt for formal dining at Tean Restaurant, with its expansive bay windows overlooking Tean Sound.
For more active pursuits, guests can also go for a dip in the resort’s indoor heated swimming pool, work-out in a nearby gym, play a round on the island’s tennis court, swim and snorkel off the island’s crystal clear waters, or, simply indulge in nature rambles or bird-spotting and soak up the fresh, sea-scented air with leisurely walks or bicycle rides around the island, which is only two miles in length and six miles in circumference.
Boat trips to nearby islands to view seal and puffin colonies as well as fishing expeditions for mackerel and pollock are available, whilst more adventurous souls can realise their treasure hunting fantasies and engage in wreck diving, because if the colourful tales of ancient piracy in the Isles of Scilly are to be believed, there are reputedly more than 500 skeleton wrecks sunk off these island’s rocky shores.
“Being a British national myself, I am personally thrilled for Karma Royal Group to gain entry into the United Kingdom for the first time, with Karma St. Martin’s taking centre stage in our global portfolio showcasing the world’s most distinctive luxury properties in magical destinations. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Isles of Scilly in Cornwall are simply breathtaking and St. Martin’s, as one of the smallest and least populated, stands out for its exquisite, pristine beaches, undoubtedly the finest in the British Isles. At Karma St. Martin’s, we are honoured to be the island’s unofficially appointed guides and guardians and look forward to warmly welcoming visitors to this little corner of paradise in England, ” said John Spence, Chairman and CEO of Karma Royal Group.
