Seaham Hall Prize write up.

You feel special the minute you drive through the well maintained grounds up to the beautiful Georgian mansion with its unique vortex water feature.

It’s a luxurious experience from the moment you arrive at Seaham Hall.  We arrived around noon with the rooms not being ready until 3.00.  With no fuss our luggage was whisked away, to be transported to our room for when we arrived there later in the day.  Meanwhile, we were escorted to the doors of the serenity Spa for our first meal and treatments. 

The spa is approached from the hotel by means of an underground tunnel – very James Bond.  The tunnel features a suspended walkway with a trickling brook on each side, relaxing music and subtle lighting.  At the end of the tunnel is a large elephant sculpture.  At the Spa reception we were dealt with efficiently and with friendliness and were even treated to raspberry tea whilst we completed our forms.  We were then given the guided tour of the facilities – which included a 20 metre pool, various sauna and steam rooms, a hammam, an enormous Jacuzzi, ice plunge pools, outdoor hot tubs, etc., etc.  A robe and slippers were available in our lockers (though the robe awaiting us in our room was much fluffier and heavier). 

After enjoying the spa facilities we were ready for the lunch we had booked in the Ozone Restaurant.  We had a two course Thai inspired meal – the food was tasty and plentiful with lots of choices, the service was friendly and efficient.  Being part of the spa most guest dined in their robes, which helped maintain the relaxed vibe. 

After further enjoying the spa facilities we went for the first of our two treatments – an hour long massage – the lady was friendly, informative and judging by how relaxed I was at the end of the treatment very good at her job.  After the treatment we were shown to a relaxation lounge with large glass windows overlooking the grounds, here we were given raspberry sorbet and iced water whilst we lay on heated loungers, to aid our recovery.  

We returned to the hotel reception from where we were escorted to our room and all the room’s facilities were explained to us.  We had booked into a junior suite, which was large, with a corner aspect; one huge window looked towards the coast, the other over the grounds.  The bed was large and extremely comfortable – it was also turned down during dinner and a relaxing pillow spray left.  The carpet had a thick pile which felt luxurious underfoot.  There was a large TV, an iPad, a desk, a table, a couch, etc.  and was decorated quirkily yet tastefully (which seems to be a hotel theme – someone has a very good eye).  The fridge was stocked with bottle water and soft drinks (all free of charge) and there was fresh fruit on the table.  There was also a pod coffee maker and a plentiful supply of tea (with fresh milk in the fridge). The wardrobe was large with plenty of hanging and shelf space.  The bathroom was large, with both separate bath and shower, and spotlessly clean.  We had breakfast in bed the following morning and everything we had requested was delivered and everything seemed freshly cooked and brewed. 

Once settled in we explored the grounds which are extremely well manicured and once it started getting dark, well lit.  I imagine in the summer the terraces provide the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail.  

Before our evening meal we tried out the sports bar which is very atmospheric with subdued lighting, huge TV and best of all a purple covered full sized American pool table.  Here the quirky furnishing continued with Rhino head lamps and angel wing door handles.

In the evening we enjoyed a lovely seven course tasting menu with matched wines in the Byron Restaurant.  The food was varied and delicious.  My only slight complaint of the whole break was at times the wine pouring got out of sync – we were given a robust red wine which was intended to be consumed with the ox cheek while enjoying our light sweet dessert (we were given everything we should have been, just not necessarily at the right time).  

The following day we enjoyed more of the spa until we were ready for our next treatment, an hour long facial.  The process was very much like that for our massages – explanation, treatment and recovery.  

Our break was completed with a lovely afternoon tea in the Byron Restaurant.  We were seated in the window overlooking ‘The Vortex’ water feature.  The tea featured unlimited teas from a long list of various teas, we were each given a smoked salmon wrap, three finger sandwiches, two scones (one fruit, one plain) with jam and cream and 4 individual cakes.  As we’d enjoyed the seven course menu the evening before and a hearty breakfast we were relieved when we were offered a box to take the remaining cakes home with us.