Sussex


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/1-8-1000x667.jpg" alt="beach spa" class="wp-image-72542" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/1-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/1-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/1-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/1-8.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-location"><strong>LOCATION</strong></h2>



<p>With a private beach, perfect for sunset walks on the sand (when the tide is out) and sweeping sea views from the terrace as well as a stretch of green complete with deck chairs, The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel &amp; Spa is pretty much designed for relaxation. Adding some serious style to the Bexhill stretch of the South Coast, it’s right on the beach, a short walk from Cooden Beach station if you fancy a few drinks, or an hour outside of Brighton and just 20 minutes drive from the up and coming St Leonards. Late last year, the hotel opened their spa, with three treatment rooms, infra red sauna, steam room, foot jacuzzi, jet pool and, best of all: heated loungers and a spa menu that includes wine. What more could you need?&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/2-11-1000x667.jpg" alt="beach spa" class="wp-image-72543" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/2-11-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/2-11-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/2-11-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/2-11.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<p>As locals know, being by the beach gives off that LA laid back energy with little touches of luxury. Something The Relais does with aplomb. The newly opened spa is tucked away from the rest of the hotel, making it a destination to unwind leaving the hotel guests and those enjoying lunch on the terrace to it. The spa has an intimate feel which adds to the tranquility, it’ll never be crowded with guests congregating around one large pool, this is intimate with just four beds in the relaxation room, helping you unwind away from others. As day spa guests, we had an indulgent four-hour spa experience including a one-hour treatment, and we were warmly greeted and say in the spa reception &#8211; which has a warm ambience, lots of space and light to fill out the pre-treatment forms in peace with an infused water or tea. Although you can order something stronger or a juice if you so wish.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities">FACILITIES</h2>



<p>There are three treatment rooms, which create the ideal mood for a day spa: calm and serene. The spa facilities are in one space with a 35 degree jet pool, a foot jacuzzi, infra red sauna, team room set to 65 degrees with aromatherapy oils pumped through, a jet shower as well as heated loungers with lumber support &#8211; which is where Muddy spent most of her time. While there Muddy shared the space with a group of three ladies and it felt like just right for five adults to enjoy each element and feel relaxed. If you’re the kind of girl who likes to workout while on a spa day we may not be friends, but you can certainly do as you wish here as there’s an air conditioned gym.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/6-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="beach spa" class="wp-image-72545" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/6-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/6-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/6-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/6-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Chunky robes and flip flops are in the lockers for guests as well as large towels, well, large enough to fit around Muddy’s wine-loving hips which instantly makes me feel good. There are more than enough towels should you want more. In the lockers you’ll find a USB port &#8211; I’ve never seen this before and is such a great idea. It also encourages you to leave the phone exactly where it should be, so you can unwind properly at the spa. There are two large shower rooms which lock with ample space to get changed and a mirror by the lockers to touch up your makeup before returning to the spa lounge.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/8-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="beach spa" class="wp-image-72546" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/8-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/8-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/8-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/8-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treatments">TREATMENTS</h2>



<p>You’ll find all of the usual spa culprits on the treatment menu, Muddy can’t really ever deviate away from a massage so I booked in for the signature option. Shannon, my therapist took me to the room to give me time to prepare and begin the relaxation journey with a short brief on what the massage will entail. The spa uses Pelegrims products &#8211; from Kent &#8211; seeing as the hotel is so close to the border it makes sense &#8211; and they even use Pinot grapes from a local vineyard, Westwell Wines. They also use Aromatherapy Associates, so I could choose which oil I wanted. The massage took a gentle approach which is what I needed that day &#8211; sometimes I need pressure, others I feel like a hug would suffice. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/10-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="beach spa" class="wp-image-72550" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/10-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/10-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/10-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/10-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>My therapist met me somewhere in the middle and focused on my back and shoulders before moving onto my lets and arms before ending with a scalp and facial massage. Although if you ask nicely, they’ll adapt the routine a little to suit what you need. My feet are always in need of attention and I felt the therapist read my body and hit all of the pressure points including the souls of my feet. A winner for me. The lighting could have been a little darker for my ultra alert self, but I was given a soothing lavender eye mask to put on when lying on my back and that certainly help.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/3-7-1000x667.jpg" alt="beach spa" class="wp-image-72547" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/3-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/3-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/3-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/3-7.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><br>After the treatment was over I drifted along into the relaxation room where I was given a hibiscus tea and I didn’t want to move for a long time. There is the option of aftercare questions but I wanted to keep the peace and maintain my mood of bliss for as long as possible. Which was until my stomach started telling me it needed fries and fizz.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/11-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="beach spa" class="wp-image-72549" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/11-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/11-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/11-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/11-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-amp-drink"><strong>FOOD &amp; DRINK</strong></h2>



<p>Spa packages including afternoon tea options &#8211; which looked divine &#8211; finger sandwiches overlooking beach: bliss. However Muddy and her plus one opted for the two course lunch spa which had British classic sandwiches, salads and some impressive starter choices. We went for smoked haddock fishcakes and the trio of beetroot salad followed by chicken Caesar salad with fries for me and quiche for the day with fries for Muddy’s guest and a glass of English sparkling times two.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/12-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="beach spa" class="wp-image-72551" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/12-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/12-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/12-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/12-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><br>We sat inside with the bright blue sky above and the glittering sea at eye level, if you want shade the best way to do it is to eat inside as we did while admiring the view. With floor to ceiling windows at The Rally Restaurant, you won’t miss out of the beach view wherever you sit. As a beach venue there’s a relaxed atmosphere but the service never slips and you can be sure to be very well looked after.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/15-1000x667.jpg" alt="beach spa" class="wp-image-72552" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/15-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/15-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/15-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/15.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-t-he-muddy-verdict">T<strong>HE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>A mid week girls spa day where you have lots of time, space and privacy for a gossip. Couples of a romantic getaway may love a chance to see the spa and indulge. With day spa prices starting from £59 it’s also great for groups with varying budgets.<br><br><strong>Not for: </strong>Young kids, take the grandparents to mind the kids on the beach while you take to the spa before regrouping for a family linch on the beach terrace.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em><a href="https://therelaiscoodenbeach.com/">The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel &amp; Spa</a>, Bexhill-On-Sea, TN39 4TT,&nbsp;01424 842281</em></p>



<p><strong>READ MORE:&nbsp;</strong><br><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/hotels-inns/review-the-relais-cooden-beach-bexhill-on-sea/">Review The Relais Cooden Beach Spa &amp; Hotel</a><br><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing-lifestyle/loosen-up-5-of-the-best-day-spas-near-me/">Best day spas locally</a><br><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/spotlight/beachside-restaurants-sussex/">Best beach restaurants with sea views</a><br></p>


Beach spa review: The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa, Bexill-on-Sea

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