Seaham Hall

A striking sculptural fountain in front of a white classical porticoed facade is a clue that this spa hotel offers luxury with a contemporary edge. Ten minutes’ walk from the cliffs of County Durham, the Georgian hall – where poet Byron married – has startling interiors of bright colours, dark-wood floors and huge velvet sofas. To some guests the style is ‘bizarre’, to others it’s ‘amazing’. With its Asian-themed spa – accessed by an underground boardwalk over trickling water – most guests rarely leave the hotel. ‘The spa facilities are the best ever,’ enthused one. Bedrooms are huge affairs with a contemporary country house style of bold feature wallpapers, oversized headboards and zinging colours. Rooms in the original hall have sea views, those in the newer wing overlook gardens; some with hot tub. All have a ‘very comfortable’ bed and a bathroom with ‘excellent fittings’. Dine under gleaming chandeliers in the main restaurant on dishes such as sea bass with artichoke, beef with glazed cheek and mushroom gratin, or more casually on ‘very competent’ Asian food in the spa. The service is enthusiastic and attentive, too.