WHAT’S THE BUZZ? For a coastal break without the crowds, five-star Seaham Hall is the perfect place to enjoy a little luxury and soothing spa time. With just 21 stylish suites, the immaculately-restored Georgian manor house offers a grand, historic setting, combined with a warm northern welcome and boutique ambience. Built in 1791, this spa break hotel was the former stately home of the Milbanke family and hosted the marriage of Lord Byron in 1815. It later became a military hospital in the Second World War and then a Spey whisky smuggling den during the US Prohibition era – with a tunnel still visible in its wine cellar today. It is in a striking clifftop position – England’s Coast Path is right on the hotel’s doorstep and winds down from Seaburn, past Seaham Hall and ends 56 km south on North Gare beach and offers a captivating walk through the post-industrial north east.

Credit: Seaham Hall

BEST SEA VIEW? All suites are individually designed, including the ultra-romantic Ada Lovelace Suite – a wonderful reminder and celebration of the Hall’s history and links with Lord Byron’s marriage at Seaham Hall. Their daughter, Ada Lovelace – English mathematician and writer – has provided the inspiration for the grand suite with split-level rooms, featuring a chic glazed bathroom and mirrored boudoir, an elevated sleeping mezzanine overlooking a generous lounge with a bathing deck, and two slipper baths which overlook the Seaham Estate and the sea beyond.

The ultra-romantic Ada Lovelace Suite is a wonderful celebration of the Hall’s history. Credit: Seaham Hall

HOW ABOUT THE SPA? The incredible 44,000 sq ft, award-winning Serenity Spa is connected to the hotel via a spectacular subterranean walkway and is the only spa in the north to be classified as ‘Five Bubble Luxury’ by the Good Spa Guide. It features a 20-metre pool, 17 treatment rooms, a hammam, Asian herbal sanarium, salt sauna, Indian steam room and outdoor hot tubs, hydrotherapy pool, plunge pools, gorgeous roof terrace and Zen garden, plus a Pan-Asian restaurant. The spa also provides specifically designed treatments, including holistic treatments and therapies, e.g. hypnotherapy sessions aimed specifically at promoting calm, cohesion and positivity. A new partnership with wellness business, XHayle, brings The Wim Hof Method – the fitness trend sweeping the world – to the Serenity Spa. Taught by Breathwork and Cold Exposure Instructor Hayley Dorian, who trained with Wim Hof, the Iceman himself, it is designed to provide increased energy, better sleep, reduced stress levels, heightened focus, increased willpower and a stronger immune system through three key principles – breathwork, the cold, and mindset. Each workshop includes a two-hour guided session focusing on breathing techniques and teaching the benefits of cold-water exposure, a light, plant-based lunch served in the Serenity Spa’s Ozone restaurant, followed by an afternoon cold water experience, using the Serenity Spa’s icy plunge pool for up to two minutes per person. A spa break hotel experience to truly remember. The sessions cost £155 pp and include up to 12 people.

Credit: Seaham Hall

HOW ABOUT THE FOOD? Rather than importing ingredients from across the globe, Seaham Hall creates a unique locally-sourced daily menu. The menu’s ever-altering dishes only include hand-picked produce at its micro-seasonal peak; fish brought into harbour that morning and meat from local farms properly committed to their herds’ wellbeing. Executive Chef Damian Broom has, over his many years at Seaham Hall, developed strong relationships with trustworthy and ethical local food and beverage suppliers. From local cheese producers to honey farms to seafood foraged from the North Sea, every single ingredient is locally sourced, seasonally optimal, organic and wholesome.   And with its glittering chandeliers, cosy booths and stunning Georgian windows, The Dining Room makes it the perfect setting for a decadent evening to enjoy Damian’s superb curated menus. The Ozone Restaurant, set in the Serenity Spa, is where you can tuck into Pan-Asian cuisine in a truly theatrical setting. Dishes are vibrant and authentic. And as the restaurant is located in the Serenity Spa, it’s simply perfect for laid-back lunches, afternoon teas, or tempting dinners after a spell in the spa.

Credit: Seaham Hall

WHAT WILL IT COST? Stay overnight from £295 for two sharing a Junior Suite, including breakfast and full use of the spa and grounds.

 HOW DO I BOOK? Call 0191 516 1400 or visit www.seaham-hall.co.uk

For more ideas of places to stay or for more spa break hotels, visit our Travel section or pick up the latest copy of coast magazine for more inspiration.