England

Beach spas: South West England’s most decadent spa hotels right on the beach

What could be a better combination than a chic spa hotel overlooking a golden sandy beach - a haven of relaxation, surrounded by ocean views?

Simply put, nothing could be better. You can alternate your days between wrapping up warm and walking along the beach and coastal paths, or simply kicking back in a luxurious spa.

We’ve picked the top spa hotels in the Southwest of England, located directly on the beach. So choose your favourite, grab a mate and get ready for a long weekend of sea air and indulgent spa treatments.

A spa hotel on the beach in Saunton with an outdoor heated pool

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Head to North Devon to relax at the Saunton Sands Hotel overlooking one of Devon’s most beautiful sandy beaches. Relax in either the indoor or outdoor heated pool after a day of paddle-boarding or surfing, followed by delicious food al fresco at the Beachside Grill. Treat yourself to some hair and beauty make-overs to be sure you look and feel great.

The spa facilities include a gym, squash court, tennis court and large aroma spa, plus your choice of expert treatments such as a Champagne and Truffle deluxe treatment that includes a variety of masks for lymph drainage, skin firming and muscle strengthening, followed by a cold stone therapy and then a final application of Temple Spa’s Award winning SKIN TRUFFLE. You will receive a glass of bubbly and a delicious hand-made truffle whilst you admire your glowing complexion.

The Saunton Sands

Top rated
Braunton
8.5 Excellent (458 reviews)

A spa hotel on the beach in Newquay with a large indoor pool

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The Headland Hotel is a gorgeous old Victorian hotel, set above Newquay. You may remember this iconic hotel from the 1990 film The Witches where the witches of England held their witches’ convention. When it’s not playing host to meet-ups of evil witches, The Headland is a luxurious seaside escape and spa.

The spa centres around a relaxing lounge area that commands sweeping views over the surrounding ocean. From here there are several low-lit treatment rooms and access to the indoor pool which features massaging jet fountains. There’s also a Cornish salt steam room, outdoor pool and state-of-the-art fitness suite.

When you aren’t soaking in the spa, you can explore the local coastline, have a surf lesson, or even try out some more adventurous pursuits such as coasteering or kite surfing.

The Headland Hotel And Spa

Top rated
Newquay
9.0 Excellent (1585 reviews)

A spa hotel next to Bournemouth's favourite beaches

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High on a cliff above Bournemouth, the beautiful Hallmark Hotel enjoys gorgeous sea views and access to some of Bournemouth’s nicest beaches.

The spa offers a wide range of relaxing beauty treatments, including massages, facials, and manicures alongside spa essentials such as an indoor swimming pool, sauna and spa pool. Opt for the spa package and enjoy a light lunch, a towel robe and your choice of treatments.

When you’re feeling peckish head to the hotel restaurant to enjoy gourmet food surrounded by grand Victorian windows looking out over a sparkling sea. Whether it’s afternoon tea, a delicious Sunday Roast or a tasty dinner, you are guaranteed seasonal and fresh produce combined with British cuisine and a European flair.

Bournemouth Carlton Hotel, Bw Signature Collection

Bournemouth
7.6 Good (1980 reviews)

A spa hotel perched on the edge of the Jurassic Coast

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This beach-front hotel is one of Bournemouth’s icons and the heated outdoor pool and sun deck overlooking the sea is incredibly decadent. If the weather is not in your favour, don’t despair, as inside you’ll find an indoor pool, steam room and sauna in which to soak your troubles away.

Each of the rooms at the Highcliff Marriott are modern and airy, offering LCD televisions with satellite and cable, large windows overlooking the sea or the town, en-suite bathrooms, and the all-important, high-speed WiFi.

Wake up and enjoy a large buffet breakfast followed by a long walk and fossil hunt across Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast, before heading back for a long spa session and dinner at the newly opened Brasserie Blanc for delicious French-inspired cuisine.

Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel

Bournemouth
8.1 Very good (383 reviews)

A spa hotel on Fistral Beach in Newquay

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Sit back and listen to the sound of waves crashing against the shore, whilst enjoying a cool glass of bubbly and the prospect of a long spa session at the Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa, located on the picturesque Newquay coast.

The spa features a fitness suite, large swimming pools with waterfall jets, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, nine treatment rooms and a Little Fistral Spa hair and beauty salon. Treat yourself to a glass of Prosecco and chocolates added onto your chosen spa package or upgrade to include a two-course lunch.

Speaking of lunch… This hotel has delicious food down to a fine art, and served up in a bright, white minimalist dining room that makes the most of the bay views. Before dinner you can enjoy a relaxed drink in the Bay Bar watching the surfers catch wave after wave.

Fistral Beach Hotel And Spa - Adults Only

Top rated
Newquay
9.2 Excellent (865 reviews)

A spa hotel on the beach in the quaint town of St Ives

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Perfectly positioned overlooking Porthminster Beach with spectacular views over the water, the St Ives Harbour Hotel and Spa is the ideal retreat for some R&R.

The exquisite spa features all the trappings of a truly luxury experience, including a large indoor pool, Jacuzzi, fitness suite, and several treatment rooms for some expert pampering.

For a perfect weekend at the St Ives Harbour Hotel we suggest morning coastal walks, perhaps a little paddle boarding or sea kayaking, followed by an afternoon relaxing in the spa, followed by an exquisite candle lit dinner at the exclusive water front restaurant The Terrace Bar & Restaurant.

St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa

Top rated
St Ives
8.6 Excellent (1240 reviews)

A beach spa in Salcombe with a crystal steam room

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Salcombe is a haven for the rich and famous who want a gorgeous Devonshire beach holiday, and the hotels are equally luxe. The Salcombe Harbour Hotel is a plush and elegant hotel that has recently undergone a multi-million-pound renovation to complete its opulent coastal retreat vibe.

The spa features five treatment rooms, an indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, crystal steam room and fitness suite. Whether it’s top to toe pampering you are looking for or an intermittent dip in the pool between coastal wanderings, the spa will simply take your breath away.

Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa

Top rated
Salcombe
9.2 Excellent (774 reviews)

A beach hotel in a converted castle in Cornwall

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Towering above the seaside town of St Ives, Tregenna Castle offers both self-catering accommodation and castle hotel stays in style. Look down upon pastel coloured cottages and unrivalled sea views from your luxurious castle bedroom and check into the spa for some indulgent relaxation.

A heated indoor and outdoor pool are just waiting for you to make a splash and if you are the type of person who simply can’t leave their exercise routine behind then check out the fully equipped Fitness Suite. Castle Beauty, the hotel’s spa includes a sauna, steam room and hot tub as well as several dedicated treatment rooms.

Tregenna Castle Resort

St Ives
8.2 Very good (1737 reviews)

A spa hotel on the beach in South Cornwall

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For a gorgeous spa break by the sea in South Cornwall, head to the St Michaels Hotel and Spa in Falmouth. Wake up to an ocean sunrise before heading down to breakfast in the sub-tropical gardens overlooking the bay.

Winners of the Best Spa in Cornwall Award, the St Michael’s Spa includes plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind or make the most of the fitness suite, tennis courts and pilates classes to kick-start your fitness. After a tough work-out indulge in the indoor heated pool, a tension-easing Jacuzzi session and your choice of treatments from the renowned ESPA brand.

Stay in one of the hotel’s unique beach side cabins, surrounded by Cornwall’s tropical micro-climate and just metres from Gyllyngvase Beach. The rooms all come equipped with an ESPA bubble bath and a luxurious 1500 pocket-sprung bed for you to sink in to.

St Michaels Resort

Top rated
Falmouth
8.6 Excellent (1447 reviews)