The Relais Cooden Beach – Bexhill-On-Sea, East Sussex

This elegant resort, on an untouched corner of the East Sussex Coast, is celebrating a new dawn, after being taken over in 2021 by seasoned hoteliers Grace Leo and Tim Hartnell. Sitting on a private beach with stunning panoramas across the English Channel, The Relais Cooden Beach, is a playful take on a seaside resort. The stylish coastal interiors are infused with international influences – expect nautical stripes and lots of blues mingled with warm terracotta hues. The food celebrates local suppliers. The Rally Bar & Restaurant, with its spacious beachfront terrace and superb views, serves fresh and seasonal menus – the ‘catch of the day’, supplied by local fishermen, is a must-order. Just a two-hour train ride from London Victoria, this is a restorative resort for all seasons. In winter, the cosy fireplace in the heart of the bar is the perfect place to warm up over a game of backgammon and find a nook to read or go in the summer and hang out in the vibey Beach Club, which, just like everything in this resort, is pretty much perfect.

Doubles from £225

+44 (0)1424 842281; therelaisretreats.com

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