Fernando's Logbook
I fly a plane called Saoirse to places most people drive past, and I bring back the thing the view was hiding. Not the postcard. The story underneath it, the one most people walk straight past. Some of it will make you want to go. Some of it will stay with you for reasons you won't expect. You don't need a plane. You just need to wonder what you've been driving past.
Fernando's Logbook
Watergate Bay in Cornwall
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Intro
SPEAKER_03Are we ready?
SPEAKER_06Yaa!
SPEAKER_17Where are we going? Join pilot and adventurer Fernando Pino as he takes you on journeys to discover exciting destinations across the UK and Europe. You'll fly with him to hidden gems and experience local culture from bustling streets to serene hideaways and the best places to eat, sleep, and play. Travel Plans with Fernando Pino is more than a podcast. It's your ticket to exploring the world and its history with a friend who navigates both the skies and the vibrant streets below. In this episode, we are flying to Cornwall to discover a beachside paradise perfect for the whole family. Discover golden sands, incredible hotel amenities, activities galore, and even free childcare so you get your own break too. Why am I still here?
SPEAKER_15Welcome on board for another episode of Travel Plan with the Fernando Vinho. This plan has finally come out, so if you are searching for the perfect UK and escape, look no further because we are taking you to the stunning Watergate Bay in Cornwall. In this episode, we are going to take you on a journey far from the everyday. Get ready to catch way for the surf lesson. Find beautifulness with a beach side yoga. I'm also going to tell you where you can find the best pizza I've ever tasted. This episode is a recipe for a truly unforgettable family getaway. Talking about family today, I have my wife Jane on board and our girls in the back. We'll be taking off in the next couple of minutes, and I'll talk to you again before we reach our destination. But for now, sit back, relax, and check our newsletter with plenty of photos, videos, and a list of suggestions of places to eat, visit, and sleep. The link is on the episode note.
Window Seat
SPEAKER_15Today's flight to Cornwall will take one hour and fifteen minutes. If you are dreaming of Cornwall sunshine, the journey can be an adventure in itself. If you are lucky enough to have your wings, Cornwall and the coast. One of the most spectacular beaches in the UK. We play rolling in from the Atlantic. It's mouthful, beautiful, and one of those places that remind your nature's power. No wonderful the conditions can be epic. But even if you prefer from a lamp, it's incredible to make. It has been there for over a century. The hotel was built participating and training in gas. Providing a healthy officer for the IF officers during the war. The absolute chemist is today. It's ideal for those moments. Taking ocean views, creating family memories, installing in a bit of a space time just for you. Even your toes will be treated like royalty. It's a place where time slows down and smiles and easy. I know it sounds cheesy, but it's so true. We are now preparing for landing. I really can't wait to get to land and get to the beach.
From Newquay Airport to Watergate Bay
SPEAKER_15In the middle of the airfield. In the middle of nature.
SPEAKER_00Show me some moves now, you good now. Look at you.
SPEAKER_15Yeah, you Cornwall Airport New Key and Watergate Bay are close neighbors. A taxi to Dubai takes less than five minutes from the airport. You can take the taxi just outside the main terminal or ask for assistance from the Fly New Key handling team. They are fantastic. And by the way, if you aren't a pilot and you want to see Cornwall from the air, the team at Fly New Key offers flight experiences. You can find the link in our episode notes. For those preferring a bus, there are hourly departures from the airport terminal. And as Islanders I just met uh two German pilots arriving to New Key for the first time and they are going to join me on a taxi ride.
SPEAKER_12Oh here he comes.
SPEAKER_16Hello. Thank you. How are you? Very good. Finally good weather. Yes, very good, thank you.
SPEAKER_06Oh yeah, you like chicks.
SPEAKER_12Oh, here we are.
SPEAKER_15Thank you. Thank you.
SPEAKER_16Right.
The Bay
SPEAKER_15Wow. Picture this, an empty stretch of Golden Beach. Waves crashing and the perfect coffee spot just waiting for you. And these huge cliffs. Wow. Check out our newsletter for the full picture. You won't regret it. In the whole beach you will find three restaurants, one coffee shop and one beach bar selling pizzas and hot dogs and ice creams. There's the hotel, surf shop, and a surf school, and that's it. No supermarket, no streets, no pubs, no other distractions. Just perfect.
SPEAKER_04So is that your first time? Thank you. It's my last time I came there. Is it what time I call no way?
SPEAKER_05What you is the most beautiful part of England. The beach I've not had a little look at the beach.
SPEAKER_13Not yet, no.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, because you can see from the window there. Yeah, we're gonna have a little look.
SPEAKER_14So we arrived at the hotel, checked in, and went on a walk to explore it. The atmosphere was of pure relaxation. Those panoramic views of the bay are unreal. Even the pool and jacuzzi are positioned to soak in that ocean scene. If you have children with you, there's a free kids club, and if you want a little extra freedom, they offer babysitting for a fee. And speaking of kids, they've got a playroom overflowing with activities to keep them busy.
SPEAKER_15There's even a Lego room, and they have a Tetris arcade game, which I totally didn't spend a good chunk of my time. Nope, not me. After all that, lunch by the beach felt perfect.
Lunch by the beach
SPEAKER_15I've been cooking for twelve fifteen. I wonder if you could arrive a bit earlier, Fernando.
SPEAKER_13Thank you.
SPEAKER_15You like the food?
SPEAKER_09It's amazing. I really love the steak. And the mustard is excellent about it.
SPEAKER_15Imagine the laid-back restaurant nested right against the sand. It's the kind of place where sandy feet and waggly tails are a welcome sight. The beach hut has this easy-going, relaxed vibe. Their menu strikes a perfect balance of fresh local ingredients alongside seriously fun trips. Their hot chocolate left alone are so long it could almost rival my travel parking list. But the real magic of the beach hut, it's the warmth, the feeling that makes you want to come back to Watergate Bay again and again, even if it's just for a few hours to soak up that unique atmosphere.
Surfing Lessons
SPEAKER_15You know, when you think of surfing in the UK, one place instantly pops into mind. Cornwall. These rugged coastlines, the epic waves, and of course Watergate Bay. It's a surfer's paradise, so much that they even hold the English National Surf Championships right here. But have you ever wondered why the waves in Cornwall get so big? Like, what's the secret source that makes this little corner of England such a legendary surf spot? Well, a lot comes down to Cornwall's special relationship with the Atlantic Ocean. See, Cornwall sticks right out into those wild waters. And that means that it gets the full force of all the swells of the big Atlantic storms. We are talking serious power traveling thousands of miles across open water. But it's just not about the storms. Those deep low pressure systems that swirl around, create winds that push and build those swells into the massive waves we see crashing on the Cornish beach. Plus, the way the seabed slopes up towards the shore sort of squishes the waves upwards, making them taller and punchier. It's the perfect recipe for swilling surf. So next time you see one of these big, beautiful Cornish waves, remember the epic journey they took. Cornwall surf popularity isn't just about luck, it's pure geography in action. The last time I tried surfing, well, let's say the lifeguards might know me by name now. And let's say it's not because I'm a local legend. The instructor suggested that maybe Sandcastle building would be a better fit for me. So today I'll be the proud dad on the sidelines while my daughter Amelia takes on the Cornish waves for the first time. Maybe she'll be kind enough to give her old man some pointers later.
SPEAKER_13First wave. I'm quite proud now. Oh god. Did you enjoy it?
SPEAKER_07Yeah, it's really fun. The waves are actually quite nice today and they got too big but they got too small and mine stuck to the journey night.
SPEAKER_15If you are interested in a surf lesson for you or your children, Adam and Gemma run blue surf school. I can't recommend them enough. You can find their website in these episodes notes.
Sea Safari
SPEAKER_15Just a 20-minute taxi ride from our hotel lies the postcard perfect fishing village of Balasto. If you ever dream of a charming Cornish seaside town, this is it. But we are not here just to admire the view. Today we are embarking on a sea safari. Now, I will admit I have a bit of a complicated relationship with boats. I adore the ocean and the idea of being out on water, but unfortunately my body doesn't always share my enthusiasm. Let me tell you about when I decided to play captain for my family on a boat trip to the Algarve. I was 15 and convinced I was a seasoned sailor. We were going to have this amazing day-long adventure exploring the coasts, or so I thought. Turns out I was the only one not having an amazing time. I spent half of the trip fighting back waves of nausea, secretly debating whether jumping overboard or begging for a knockout punch. Everyone else was perfectly fine. And ever since that fateful day, boats have had me feeling a bit greasy. So you can imagine the mix of excitement and apprehension swirling around as we make now our way towards the harbour. This is a 60-minute ride on a very fast speedboat along the Cornish coast. And hopefully today we will see wildlife, including some puffins, seals, and other species of birds.
SPEAKER_01If you have any questions or problems, it's really loud at the back. So please stick a fist in the air and then I'll be able to slow down and we can have a chat. They're made to be ridden a bit like a horse, so feet on the floor, not the bars.
SPEAKER_14It was peaceful, it was stunning, and my family was so happy.
SPEAKER_13One to ten, how much do you like it?
SPEAKER_12Thank you. Thank you, guys. Thank you.
SPEAKER_17Still to come in this episode, Fernando finally tells us where that best pizza place is. I wonder if they do home delivery. Also, we visit a rainforest and the Mediterranean without ever leaving Cornwall.
Yoga
SPEAKER_15Here I am on the stunning, beautiful beach, and Jed got me and the girls heading into some sunrise yoga session. It's cold, it's windy. I mean, have these people met me before? The only poses I'm familiar with come from Instagram and let's face it, those poses are not happening with his body. This is either going to be a spiritual awakening or I'm just going to channel my inner slots and hang here from a tree. I'm so ready for yoga. Wearing my jeans, my warm coat, my trainers.
SPEAKER_09Morning, morning.
SPEAKER_02Yeah. It's just sitting up the studio, but you look very wrapped up to be outside. We were gonna go inside this morning into the studio. Is that okay? Yes, that's the same. That wind is just too cold, yes? Yeah.
SPEAKER_03The knee that's closest to this side, you're gonna bring in towards your chest. And you're all gonna support each other. Yeah. One of you goes, you all go. Okay, from here, you're gonna straighten this leg back behind you. As you all hold on nice and tight, and then straighten this left leg in the air. Yeah! And then bring your knee back in towards your chest. Everything's hurting. They need you, you're your piece of the puzzle in the middle.
SPEAKER_18The stars start shining. And they sparkle like you've never seen them before. When you start seeing the hotel below you, thank you.
SPEAKER_14I must admit that I really enjoyed that session. It was so relaxing and it felt so good to share it with the girls. If you want to book a session by the beach, you can talk to the hotel or contact our yoga teacher Gemma directly. The link is in these episodes notes. As we were leaving the yoga session and deciding where to get a coffee, a passerby gave us a tip.
SPEAKER_12Go for this one or it's the best latte in Newton, by the way. Okay, thank you for the last. Okay. Thank you for that.
SPEAKER_14Cubs Coffee is the name of the place he suggested, and indeed the coffee was really good.
Eden Project
SPEAKER_15Well this Cornish weather shown as a curbball. 40 mile per hour winds have put a damper on my plans for today. But fear not because Cornwall has some fantastic indoor options too. In fact, we are about to embark on a little adventure to a place called the Eden Project. I've seen pictures online and it looks absolutely incredible. Giant domes filled with rainforests and all sorts of ecosystems under one or a couple of roofs. I've even added some photos to the episode notes, so be sure to check them out. Now the story behind the Eden Project is pretty interesting and a little surprising. Let's just say it wasn't always a large paradise overflowing with exotic plants. Believe it or not, the Eden Project used to be a giant hole in the ground. A massive pit left behind after over 160 years of mining clay. Luckily, some clever folks had the brilliant idea to turn it into Botanic Wonderland instead. Alright, that's enough history for now. I've just booked a taxi and the ride is going to take around 30 minutes from the hotel to the Eden project. Let's go.
SPEAKER_09Two adults and two children. We've been into Eden before. Oh okay. Keep that email. It is now an annual pack. It's valid for twelve months for you entry. So we have a sort of generic map, we do have the guidebooks, you can pick these up throughout the site. So now you're going to head straight out onto the viewing platform, give you an overview of everything. Head down to your left and you'll see the biomes. They are linked by toilets, campaigns, shops, and restaurants, anything that we need. That's got some more exhibits in it than we'll lose there. And a little lift that brings you up to this floor level so you have a flat wall back. Thank you. And that's it for the next one. Thank you very much. Thank you.
SPEAKER_12It is.
SPEAKER_08And I thought I was just gonna be staring at a bunch of boring plants. Because that's a botanic garden step. The school takes you on like 10,000 botanic garden trips. And you're like, yeah, so you need to stare at all these boring plants.
SPEAKER_12What's different in this one?
SPEAKER_08It's like bigger, it's got cooler stuff. Um they make it more immersive and fun.
SPEAKER_15Immersive is the word, I think. It's you feel that you are actually in the place.
SPEAKER_08Well, in the Mediterranean orests, yes.
SPEAKER_15As we left the Eden project, the echoes of my daughter's voice still rung in my ears. Amazing, immersive, and truly it was.
SPEAKER_14A journey through diverse climates, a testament to humans' ingenuity and nature's resilience. The sights, the sounds, the sheer scale of it all. A vibrant mosaic of life flourishing in this carnage valley.
SPEAKER_15This experience is more than just a memory, it's a call to action. It reminds us of the delicate balance we must strive to maintain an harmonious dance between humanity and the natural world. It's a seed of hope planted within us, urging us to nurture a greener future. So let the echoes of the Eden Project resonate with you. Let it inspire you to appreciate, to protect, and to champion the wonders of our planet. Because in the words of my daughter, it truly is amazing.
Best Pizza I've ever tasted
SPEAKER_15Alright, we are making our way to the airport now, and naturally it's a touch bittersweet leaving this beautiful corner of England. But before we depart, I have to share something truly special with you. Cornish pizza. The culinary offerings in Cornwall are something to be celebrated. The focus on fresh local ingredients, the fantastic artisanal products. It's impressive how they've transformed this region into a haven for food lovers. And speaking of havens, if you remember our earlier chat about Pazzo, that charming fishing village, its restaurant scene is truly remarkable. Allow me to highlight one particular gem, Cafe Roganos. This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant has rightfully earned its Michelin recognition. Now let's focus on their Napolitan-style pizzas. The toppings are impeccably fresh. The dough is perfection. In all honesty, these are some of the best pizzas I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. So if you find yourself in Cornwall with a craving for exceptional food, I urge you to make a reservation at Cafe Rojanos. Very good. Let's take the taxi back to the airport.
Journey home
SPEAKER_15Growing up in Portugal, the beach balls, mine, everything. So when I moved to the case, what a good play. If you find yourself a good play with your loved ones, I hope it brings you the same happiness. It fills me with when I'm here with James and the girls. This episode was my way of sharing a little bit with you. Whether it's building some castles or surfing or watching a sunset over dinner may want to leave you feeling as refreshed and full of wonder as it does with me. I hope you enjoyed this episode, and if so, please share it with a friend. If you want to see photos and videos of this trip, together with a list of suggestions for places to eat, visit, and sleep, you can subscribe to my newsletter at travelplanspodcast.com. You can find the link in this episode's notes. The next episode will come out next month, and this time we'll fly abroad and steal our next adventure together. Keep exploring and happy travel.
