Meet the manager: St Ives Bay Beach Resort, Cornwall

What is it like managing this family-friendly resort, right beside miles of golden sand in Cornwall?

St Ives Bay is a wonderful spot to pitch up, settle down for a few nights and experience the freedom of a touring holiday on the picturesque Cornwall coast. The site offers both standard grass and electric hook-up grass pitches. These are located across a range of sheltered areas and some more exposed locations with sea views. Not only will you find the usual campsite facilities but guests can enjoy the other holiday resort amenities, too – including the restaurant and bar, swimming pool, shop and crazy golf. Not forgetting the beautiful beach right on your doorstep.

We spoke to the General Manager of St Ives Bay, Nathan Roots, to find out more...

How long have you been at St Ives Bay Beach Resort?
I am shortly to begin my third season at St Ives Bay Beach Resort, having landed at the site in 2022.

What did you do before coming to St Ives Bay?
I have always worked with the general public, through retail, leisure and hospitality. I have been working in the industry for eight years now and, prior to St Ives Bay, was running a site for Away Resorts, in Essex.

What made you want to take on a holiday resort that included camping and touring?
Touring and camping has so much life to it. There is a real buzz around the site when it’s busy and everyone is in a great holiday mood. Touring and camping really does bring a site to life.

What do you like most about being a General Manager?
No two days are ever the same! Whether it is housekeeping in the units, siting holiday homes, serving in the restaurant or looking at utilities, there is always something different happening and this variety keeps things fun. It’s also really interesting working on larger projects for the long-term future.

What are the challenges you face running the site?
It’s impossible to be an expert in everything when it comes to a site like St Ives Bay, as it is so multifaceted. Therefore, it’s so important to surround yourself with a great team and I am lucky to work with some amazing colleagues that make it feel like we can overcome any challenge that comes our way.

What makes St Ives Bay special to the guests who return every year?
There is no doubt that the location, the stunning views and the glorious sunsets keep our guests coming back year after year. As well as this, the team on site is amazing. Some members of our team have been here for over 30 years and look forward to welcoming back many of our returning guests every year.

What do you love about the region your site is based in?
You can’t visit St Ives Bay without popping into St Ives. There is a scenic railway from St Erth that takes you directly to the beautiful harbour town that has some outstanding places to eat and drink. Equally impressive are the coastal walks around the south west of Cornwall which are absolutely stunning. Land’s End and St Michael’s Mount give fabulous views, but a personal favourite spot is Kynance Cove.