There is nothing more relaxing than spending time by the sea. It connects us to something eternally human as we are moved by the sounds of the waves and the rise and fall of the ocean onto the shore. England has a vast array of seaside resort destinations that engage with this contemplative state of mind to offer calming getaways in some idyllic locations. They all promise to augment wellness and holistic therapies with world-class facilities that deliver 21st-century relaxation in the most historic of spaces.
If you are ready to revitalise and restore with some sensational spa experiences, or perhaps just looking for your perfect peaceful place then read on as we take you through some of the very best coastal resorts England has to offer. Here is our guide to six splendid English seaside resorts for the ultimate relaxation break.
St Michael’s Resort
St. Michael’s Resort is tucked away on the Cornish coast next to the beautiful town of Falmouth. With just a short walk from the famous Gyllyngvase beach, your accommodation here is close to the art galleries and independent shops and cafes that make Falmouth such an attractive destination. St. Michael's ‘Feel Good Again’ philosophy drives everything they do with a full-day Hydrothermal service available at the Spa alongside a Rhassoul Mud Experience in an authentic Moroccan steam chamber. With the Brasserie on the Bay offering AA Rosette dining experiences overlooking a sub-tropical garden and leading out to the ocean beyond, this is fresh, honest produce, big on local flavour and low on food miles.
The Headland, Cornwall
The Headland prides itself on providing a five-star Cornwall experience without being too formal. The aim here is for relaxed luxury with service that caters to every need in an unobtrusive way surrounded by stunning scenery. It has gained recognition from several awards such as Independent Hotel of the Year and winner of the Good Spa Guides best Spa in the South West. Recently, it was also given a place in the Sunday Times Top 50 Hotels List and the AA Best UK Spa Hotels Shortlist. The Headland Spa is renowned for its signature treatments with the Ocean Essence Ritual offering divine massages and the Aqua Club delivering wellbeing and swimming all year round in a stunningly created £10 Million complex.
St Brides
St Brides Spa Hotel in Pembrokeshire is a unique Marine Spa that encompasses the rugged and dramatic vistas Wales is world famous for. The coastal path walks nearby take you on a tour around the cliff tops that overlook Saundersfoot in the Pembrokeshire National Coastal Park, to fully appreciate this awe-inspiring location. Inside the hotel, you will find an oasis of calm for your mind, body, and soul providing treatments to indulge in, with the fresh sea air and sound of the crashing waves as your guides. The Cliff Restaurant makes the most of local seafood for fresh and delicious dinners under the stars before retiring to stylish rooms or apartments that are just a stone’s throw from beautiful Blue Flag beaches.
Carbis Bay
The Carbis Bay Estate is an impeccable 125-acre paradise of hotel, spa, and luxury accommodation with a privately owned 25-acre Blue Flag beach as the jewel in its crown. The facilities on the beach are unrivalled with an accredited water sports centre, spa treatment rooms on the sands, and a tranquil bar & restaurant to wander over to and refine your rejuvenation. The C Bay Spa brings hydrotherapy and hot tubs into your experience with an infinity edge pool providing the perfect opportunity for an invigorating dip amongst incredible views. Accommodation is set within the individually furnished rooms and suites of The Main House, a sympathetically restored Victorian Manor designed by the Cornish architect, Silvanus Trevail, well over a century ago.
Scarlet Hotel, Newquay
The Scarlet Hotel is a quiet and quaint eco-sanctuary on the Corniche cliff tops that specialises in curated breaks and wellbeing retreats with exemplary sustainability credentials. The two-night Restorative Sleep Break is built upon sleep being one of the three pillars and principles of Ayurvedic health, with calming oil treatments and bedtime breathing rituals promoting sensational slumbers that promise to rejuvenate and refresh in luxurious surroundings. Wine tasting workshops and Babymoon breaks are also available here with an adult-only policy ensuring that couples have the most serene time possible by the sea. The beauty of nature and the bounty of the sea combine in a seven-course tasting menu at the restaurant to be enjoyed slowly and indulgently in a remarkable landscape.
Cary Arms & Spa
The Cary Arms & Spa is a unique blend of the Old English charm you may find in a historical Inn with all the comfort and stylings of a boutique hotel. This Babbacombe Bay haven has luxury cottages and chic beach huts in the most beautiful settings. Its reputation as a desirable destination is growing every year with the prestigious Conde Nast awards for excellence even recognising it as the Best Waterfront Hotel in 2024. Set amongst the English riviera of the Devon coast, this location is an amazing collection of hidden coves and hideaways that are just waiting to be explored on those long and bright summer days. The spa here is also elegant and understated in a way that allows the scenery to take centre stage as you unwind in unparalleled luxury.
From coast to coast, beaches to bays, and clifftops to caves, England provides a beautiful backdrop for those all-important relaxing breaks. Wherever you choose to go, just let the waves welcome you and begin your own journey of serenity by the sea with a tranquil tour of this majestic island.
