By all accounts, the Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa isn’t just polishing the silver this summer—it’s rewriting the rulebook on British seaside escapes.

Nestled on the shoreline of East Sussex, this historic gem has unveiled a trio of treats that promise more than just sunburn and soggy chips. Think expertly shaken cocktails, energy-restoring rituals, and spa memberships that might just become your new religion.

Let’s start with the showstopper. On Friday, 18th July, the hotel officially cut the ribbon on its Cooden Beach Bar & Terrace—a sun-drenched alfresco haven that feels more St. Lucia than Sussex. Guests and locals now have front-row seats to the English Channel, best enjoyed from a stylish, sheltered sofa with something tall and frosty in hand.

The seasonal cocktail list—courtesy of the hotel’s in-house mixologist—is as fresh as the sea breeze, and drinks come by the glass, jug, or bottle. The vibe? “Relaxed Caribbean with British charm,” according to staff. Expect Friday Fizz nights, live music, and a summer menu served against skies that glow pink at dusk.

Whether you’re a family keen on laid-back beach days, a couple chasing romantic sunsets, or a solo traveller craving a bit of zen, the Cooden Beach Bar & Terrace is your new Sussex sanctuary.

Not content with just looking good, the Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa is doubling down on wellness with a new partnership that’s equally elegant.

This summer, the hotel’s Relais Retreat Spa is rolling out an exclusive Energy Restore Ritual in collaboration with the legendary Aromatherapy Associates—who, by the way, are celebrating their 40th anniversary.

This is not your average rubdown. The Energy Restore Ritual is a curated experience of crystal therapy, rhythmic massage, marma point stimulation and carefully chosen oils like Deep Relax, De-Stress Mind, and Renewing Rose. Expect amethyst, hematite, lapis lazuli and rose quartz to make an appearance—because apparently, your chakras deserve the VIP treatment too.

It’s a treatment crafted “to ease the stresses of modern lives,” and for once, that marketing blurb actually feels spot on. Guests leave with improved circulation, emotional clarity, and that elusive sense of inner peace. If you’ve been running on caffeine and cortisol, this is your reboot button.

And because wellness should never feel like an exclusive club, the Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa has unveiled new Spa Memberships to suit just about every lifestyle.

Here’s the rundown:

Coastal Luxe (£2,000/year or £166/month): All-access everything—spa, fitness, events, and perks. Ideal if you’re ready to commit.
Beach Breeze (£140/month, rolling): Month-to-month flexibility for those who dabble in wellness or like to keep their options open.
Shoreline Fit (£75/month): Gym-only for those who skip the bubbles and steam and head straight for the dumbbells.

All membership options include full access to the vitality pool, aroma steam room, infrared sauna, and relaxation lounge, along with generous discounts on spa treatments, products, and exclusive member events.

Not ready to put a ring on it? No problem. The two-hour Bliss Pass—starting from just £30—lets you dip your toes into the spa experience without committing to a full-time relationship. It’s a perfect taster for anyone curious about what lies behind the spa doors.

With its boutique charm, beachfront location, and newfound flair for reinvention, the Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa isn’t just climbing the ranks of Britain’s coastal getaways—it’s quietly becoming a frontrunner. Cooden and Bexhill-on-Sea may not have been on your radar before, but it’s high time they were.

For bookings, beach bar hours, spa details, and everything in between, visit www.therelaiscoodenbeach.com.