A Seaside Escape at The Relais Cooden Beach
There is a unique charm to the British seaside. The bracing breeze and the crisp tang of salt in the air, the pebbles, the nostalgic allure of piers and pavilions, the ice cream and fish and chips. All combining to conjure up a particular kind of magic.
Our journey today takes us to the Sussex coast, about two hours’ drive from London, to a little town between Eastbourne and Hastings called Bexhill-on-Sea. The name rings a vague bell in the recesses of my memory – and then I remember. One of my favourite authors, Agatha Christie, loved a seaside setting for her tales and the ABC Murders is set partly in Bexhill-on-Sea. Here the unflappable Hercules Poirot pursues a serial killer whose victims are chosen alphabetically with Bexhill forming the B in the chilling sequence.
In typical Christie fashion, Bexhill-on-Sea appears to be the last place you’d ever expect a murder to happen. It’s charming and quiet with a vast beach and never-ending views across the English Channel. And our destination sits right on that beach – an ideal setting for a rejuvenating coastal retreat. Welcome to The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel.
Originally built in 1928 as a private residence, the building was soon transformed into a hotel. The newly redesigned stylish interiors look just like a dream contemporary beach house. Crisp whites and cool blues are accented with terracotta stripes and finishes and warm wooden textures. The result is an elegant blend of comfort and coastal sophistication.
Our spacious room continues the theme. With a giant bed as its centrepiece, it has a lovely seating area (complete with art deco-style sofa), and ample wardrobe space tucked neatly into an alcove between the bedroom and the bathroom. The bathroom and toilet are two separate rooms (love that) – both gleaming in modern monochrome.
After settling in, I make my way to the hotel’s serene spa for a Changing Tides treatment. It’s a beautiful haven with a large relaxation area, and a separate room complete with heated loungers, a vitality pool and sauna and steam room. The treatment, a blissful combination of back and scalp massage and facial, is wonderfully relaxing and rejuvenating.
Come evening we begin with a cocktail at the bar – which happily serves my favourite – the passion fruit martini, before moving next door to the restaurant. With sweeping views over the terrace to the sea beyond, it’s stylish and comfortable and the menu offers a good selection of dishes, many of them made using local seasonal produce. We enjoy a delightful three courses before retiring to the comfort of our room, satisfied and ready for a good night’s sleep. Which, of course, is what we get.
Morning brings breakfast naturally and today I treat myself to Eggs Benedict. Perfectly poached eggs and velvety hollandaise, just the right touch of indulgence to start the day.
A stay at The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel feels like a real escape from the rush of life. You can’t help but relax from the moment you walk in. And don’t worry – no murder or mayhem in sight. Agatha clearly had a great imagination.
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith
The Relais Retreats
Cooden Sea Rd, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 4TT
+44 (0) 1424 842281
reception@therelaiscoodenbeach.com
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