Oh I do like to be beside the seaside but I do prefer to do it in style and The Relais Cooden Beach must have heard my cry as they have created a little haven overlooking the English Channel.
Sliding along from the bustle of Brighton you land in Bexhill and the pace slows down somewhat. Dogs run on the beach, the wind gently blows the classic deckchairs and you are left to hear the pop of bottles and the rolling waves. This is seaside heaven.
Set on a private beach with loungers, The Relais Cooden Beach is under a two hour drive from London and even has its own train station with direct links to Victoria London.
The hotel went under renovation last year with the clever remodelling of an old pub. The interiors are a mix of new and old with a playful classic seaside feel throughout. The signature striped carpets and walls echo the deckchairs and the attention to detail is second to none. I fell in love with the ombre sunset carpet sweeping through the reception area and use of 70’s bamboo furniture. Such a vibe!
You will not get bored. The Retreat at Cooden Beach is currently running a collaboration with Rathfinny sparkling wine and brings activities and vibes to the terrace. You can enjoy yoga and spa treatments in the Pergola, Chi Gong on the lawn, a dip in the sea and then sip on Rathfinny bubbles and listen to the DJ on Saturdays.
There are also hotel bikes to take out, a pool table, a piano to play and lots of books to read around the stunning fireplace or on the beach.
You will also not go hungry. We had the most gorgeous fresh seafood sharing board for lunch and had dinner in the Rally Bar and Grill. The restaurant was full on a Saturday night being enjoyed by locals and residents alike giving it a great buzz. The menu ranges from classic Fish n Chips and Steak to King Prawn Orecchiette and Harissa Lamb Shoulder. Great quality and portion sizes.
The rooms here are stunning and you can choose from a Seascape or a Veranda Suite. Having a dual aspect sea view gave such a sense of space and light to my room that I felt instantly relaxed. The amazing interiors continue in the rooms with little art deco influences seamlessly blending with the seaside vibe.
With the sun rising, sipping coffee in my bed, I was moved to take a lovely stroll on the beach before breakfast and to have a dip in the surprisingly warm sea. After a hot shower it was a treat to breakfast in the sunshine over looking this gorgeous slice of East Sussex and be truly relaxed beside the seaside.
www.therelaisretreats.com/coodenbeach
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
