The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel

This stylish seafront spa hotel mixes the fresh chic of New England decor with the timeless charm of a British holiday by the seaside. The Relais Cooden Beach is a coastal hotel situated in Bexhill, less than two hours drive south of London – to get here, you drive until the road runs out on the south coast’s shingle shores, or perhaps hop on a train from London Victoria to arrive at Cooden Beach station, just a couple of minutes' walk from the hotel. It's easily reached and a perfect destination for a few days, relaxing and recharging to the sound, sight and smell of the sea. And who knows, you might even take a dip in the sea, which is handily located just a few yards from your room!

People have been visiting this quintessentially seaside destination here since 1928, when the hotel was first opened. But it has most certainly evolved with the times. Its most recent renovation, into a Relais Retreat, has seen all 45 en-suite bedrooms freshly styled with a nod to the beach. That means nautical stripes in gentle sea blues or warm terracotta to emulate the south coast’s sunnier days. It means a contemporary finish and New England-style panelling – all soft and subtly elegant. There are rooms and suites for solo travellers, couples, families and those with reduced mobility. But, whichever room you need, we’d recommend a sea view to enjoy the beauty of the location.

Downstairs, everyone can enjoy views of the beach from the communal spaces. Perhaps the best of these is from The Rally Restaurant, where locally caught fish is the highlight on a menu of seasonal dishes that can be eaten al fresco on the terrace. Strolling carefree from your comfortable room to a leisurely breakfast, down to the beach and back again is what this place is all about. Or, why not book yourself into the spa, where treatments range from massages and wraps to facials and exfoliations?

The hotel is the second in a growing collection of Relais Retreats (the first was The Relais Henley), a collection of stylish waterside escapes within two hours of London. There’s no denying that being by water, whether it’s the sea at Cooden Beach or by the river at Henley, makes for a relaxing environment. The trick of Relais Retreats has been to carry that feeling into the indoor spaces of historic hotels, all with an eye on modern tastes. The result? Quite simply a terrific place to stay. By the water.