10 of the top UK beach spa hotels

For many of us, sun, sea and sand are the core ingredients of a good holiday. The sound of the waves, the feel of the sand, the meditative flow of the water, the warmth of the sun and the fresh air all come together to help us relax in mind and body. It goes further than that though, Richard Shuster, PsyD, clinical psychologist and host of The Daily Helping podcast was quoted on CNN as saying: “Staring at the ocean actually changes our brain waves’ frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state.”

The article went on to say: "The smell of the ocean breeze also contributes to your soothed state, which may have something to do with the negative ions in the air that you’re breathing in. These oxygen atoms have an extra electron and occur in places like waterfalls and the ocean, says Shuster. A study published in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine suggests that negative ion therapy could be used to treat symptoms of seasonal affective disorder."

With that in mind, combining a spa break with a seaside location has to be the perfect combination.

Seaside spa hotels

The Harbour Beach Club, Salcombe

The sister hotel of Salcombe Harbour Hotel and Spa, The Harbour Beach Club could not be closer to the beach if it tried. A brand new, luxury hotel and spa, it's within walking distance of she famous seaside town of Salcombe, whilst overlooking the beautiful South Sands beach as well as the Salcombe Estuary. Enjoy views of the water from almost all areas of the hotel, as well as easy access to the spectacularly beautiful South West Coast Path. Whether you fancy a dip in the sea or a spot of paddle boarding, you can then return to pampering in the spa including lounging on their sun terrace.

Rise Spa and Wellbeing at Hilton Bournemouth, Dorset

Quirky, characterful and designer led thanks to the part ownership of Ted Baker, the Hilton Bournemouth is a modern hotel just five minutes from the beach. Bedecked with original artwork and just two hours from London, it's the perfect place for a seaside getaway. Completing the experience is their Rise Spa - a new generation health club with a delightful thermal experience, a comfy relaxation area, and a 24-hour gym, as well as a blissful a collection of spa treatments.

Bedruthan Hotel and Spa, Cornwall

From the moment you wake up, Bedruthan Hotel and Spa invites you to take in views of Cornwall’s rugged coastline, giving you Poldark romance with a good dose of luxury. There’s a wealth of spa facilities and thermal experiences to enjoy, and the treatments use sustainably harvested herbs, oils, and seaweeds to add to the coastal bliss, all the while taking in the ever changing Atlantic and being mere moments from the beach itself.

Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa, Cornwall

On the outskirts of Newquay, famed for its surfing pastime, Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa sits high on a clifftop surveying the surrounding landscape. From breakfast, and from your room in the morning, the views are breathtaking, surf lessons are readily available a short distance from your hotel, and then you can potter back to the hotel to warm up in the sauna and steam room and have a massage.

Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa, West Sussex

Offering a luxurious and grown up spa experience in a boutique hotel environment, Bailiffscourt really does have it all. It’s romantic and historic in the hotel itself, contemporary and eco-friendly in the spa, and to top it all off they are close to the beach where they offer you the chance to work out in the fresh air and then relax with a spa treatment or two. Ever tried a workout on the sand? Now’s your chance!

Coast Spa at The Golf View Hotel, Scotland

Stroll to the bottom of the gardens at this charming hotel in the remote and beautiful Scottish Highlands, and you will find your way to the shore. Feel the sand between your toes, look out at the Black Isle, and then, when you fancy seeing it all from a different angle, take a dip in the outdoor hot tub overlooking the sea. If you want remote escapism, this is where to find it.

Hythe Imperial, Kent

A family-friendly getaway in a magnificent Victorian building in Kent, Hythe Imperial is situated right on the seafront, and is a warm and welcoming environment for all guests. The spa allows for a little grown-up me time before taking the kids for a run around the gardens in the bracing sea air, and of course Hythe itself is well worth exploring.

Chewton Glen, Hampshire

For complete adult escapism, Chewton Glen does it all to perfection. Stay in one of their tree houses with views of passing deer in the early morning, indulge in the hydrotherapy suite, dine in award-winning splendour, take in the New Forest atmosphere and, if after all that you still want more, take a short stroll to the coast. There's a wealth of things to do at this spa hotel and in the surrounding area, ensuring total rest and relaxation whether you're here for a day, a week, or a weekend.

Salcombe Harbour Hotel and Spa, Devon

In the popular sailing town of Salcombe, Salcombe Harbour Hotel and Spa overhangs a scenic estuary within easy reach of a number of exceptional beaches. Salcombe is a famous holiday destination and the hotel is perfectly placed for enjoying everything it has to offer. Wake to boats bobbing by and spend your day tucking into local seafood. The hotel’s luxury HarSPA features a heated pool, a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and state-of-the-art fitness suite. Treat yourself to an ESPA massage or facial before a sunset drink overlooking the water.

Source Spa and Wellness at Saunton Sands Hotel, Saunton

With pristine sands stretching as far as the eye can see, the Source Spa is a treat for the senses, enjoying natural light and views of the sea and world biosphere dunes of North Devon. The rooftop sun deck and relaxation room are particular treat. Inside, the thermal facilities offer therapeutic benefits to skin and aching muscles but souls will also soar thanks to a vitality pool overlooking the beach, a Finnish sauna and a salt inhalation steam room. The treatments rooms too, have sea views so spoil yourself with some head to toe pampering.