The Alchemist Spa at Woolacombe Bay Hotel

Prefer lunging to lounging? Don’t sweat it. The Woolacombe Bay Hotel is home to the SALT Gymnasia, a boutique fitness space packed with cutting-edge kit from Technogym, Keiser and Versaclimber. Whether you’re lifting, climbing, stretching or sprinting, this gym lets you do it all – and the soundtrack is so good, it might just make your reps feel easier.

Those who don’t like to go it alone can join a SALT Squad class (chargeable, and subject to availability) where you can power through strength training, bootcamps, Pilates or even yoga on the six acres of manicured lawns. If you’re more of a game-set-match type, there’s a beachside tennis court, and a multi-sports court for basketball. You can even try pickleball, the UK’s fastest-growing sport.

Beyond the hotel, Woolacombe is a natural playground for fitness fanatics. Take on the South West Coast Path, a breathtaking clifftop hike. Grab a surfboard and ride the waves at Woolacombe Beach, one of the UK’s best surfing spots. Or simply run barefoot along three miles of golden sand. Who needs a treadmill when you have the Atlantic?

There’s nothing like swanning around in your robe to work up an appetite. Luckily, Woolacombe Bay Hotel isn’t just an oasis for lovers of luxury spas. It's also a hot spot for coastal fine dining that will delight the most dedicated of foodies…

The Larder

Fancy a nibble, but don’t want to leave the comfort of your robe? Tucked away within The Alchemist Spa, there’s a little extra indulgence waiting for you. The Larder is a haven of comforting refreshments where spa guests can enjoy complimentary unlimited tea and coffee and fruit-infused water. If you're in the mood for something more decadent, there's the option to arrange cocktails, pastries and even Champagne.

Brasserie Bar

Cocktail calling you? Spacious, stylish and seriously relaxed, the Brasserie Bar is the place to raise a toast with friends. Whether you’re after a perfectly-mixed espresso martini, a crisp glass of wine or a locally brewed beer, this laid-back lounge is ideal for sinking a few sundowners.

Bay Brasserie

The Bay Brasserie is the hotel’s flagship restaurant, offering vibrant brasserie-style dining in a relaxed yet stylish setting. Expect Mediterranean-inspired dishes, gourmet burgers and beautifully prepared local seafood, all served with flair. You can even lay down a picnic blanket on the lawn outside, to soak up the sea views.

Poolside menu

Here in the summer? There’s no need to get off your lounger when you’re soaking up the sun at the Bay Lido. The poolside menu is all about light, seasonal dishes, crafted for leisurely days. Expect fresh flavours, chilled cocktails and the simple pleasure of dining al fresco

If a dip in the chilly Atlantic Ocean isn’t for you, don’t worry. Woolacombe Bay Hotel has not one, but two inviting pools! Whether you’re in the mood for a few energising lengths indoors or a sun-soaked swim outside, The Alchemist Spa has got you covered.

Inside, you’ll find a 14m heated indoor pool, perfect for floating away stress or sneaking in a few lazy laps. It’s warm, inviting and available all year round, sitting just steps from the thermal suite.

Want to soak up some rays while you swim? Head outside to the beautiful Bay Lido, a Mediterranean-style outdoor pool, tucked away behind wind-breaking walls and with fabulous views of the beach. There’s a poolside drinks and dining service in the summer months, and it’s heated from June to early September. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the summer sun, sip something refreshing and pretend you’re on the Amalfi Coast.

Absolutely! Woolacombe Bay Hotel offers a range of beautifully designed rooms and suites, many with breathtaking sea views. Some even come with private balconies, perfect for soaking up the coastal scenery with your morning cuppa. 

Stylish and comfortable, Classic rooms are located at the heart of the hotel. These offer views of Woolacombe village or the National Trust headland. Upgrade to a Sea View room for relaxed beachside living and stunning ocean views from private balconies or floor-to-ceiling windows.

Really want to push the boat out? Luxury Sea View rooms and Signature Suites have the best views of all, and come styled with king-sized beds, high-end furnishings and little perks like daily newspapers. But all rooms come with free WiFi, tea and coffee facilities and handmade shortbread, to make every stay extra special.

With one indoor pool, the outdoor Bay Lido, a sumptuous thermal suite and a well-stocked gym, Woolacombe Bay Hotel has plenty to keep you entertained. But you can also grab a racket and hit the tennis court, or try your hand at pickleball on the multi-sports court, which also doubles up for basketball.

Feeling competitive? Head to the snooker room to channel your inner Ronnie O’Sullivan, play a board game or try your hand at billiards. But when the friendly rivalry gets too much, head to NEO Cinema, the hotel’s 30-seater movie den complete with luxury sofa seating, cocktails and popcorn.

Woolacombe Beach is just steps away down the hotel’s private path. Whether you’re surfing, paddleboarding or simply running barefoot along the sand, this three-mile stretch of golden coastline is a natural playground.

Here for a full spa day? The pampering usually begins at 10am. If you’ve booked a half-day package, arrival times vary. Best to double-check your confirmation to make sure your robe is ready and waiting.

For overnight stays, check-in starts at 4pm, giving you just enough time to drop your bags, slip into something more fluffy and plan your first dip in the pool. Some overnight spa packages even let you arrive from 10am to use the facilities, so you can soak up the spa vibes a little longer.

Spa days at The Alchemist are reserved for guests aged 16, but families are more than welcome at Woolacombe Bay Hotel where there’s plenty for little ones to enjoy.

The hotel offers spacious family suites and connecting bedrooms, perfect for those travelling with kids. Some rooms even come with sea views, so they can wake up to the sight of surfers catching waves. The Bay Brasserie serves kid-approved meals, with a special children’s menu filled with family favourites. 

Kids can swim between 7am and 6pm in the indoor pool (after that, it’s adults-only), or all day in the Bay Lido, open seasonally. And with the NEO Cinema, adventure playground and board games, they won’t be bored!

Absolutely! The Alchemist Spa is wheelchair-accessible, so nothing stands between you and your pampering. At Woolacombe Bay Hotel there are 11 lift-level bedrooms, including two that are specially designed for wheelchair users, with spacious, unobstructed floor areas. 

All rooms come with ensuite bathrooms, some with walk-in showers and others with baths and overhead showers. Several bathrooms include grab rails and all have non-slip floor tiles, for a stress-free stay.

Sorry, your pup will have to sit this one out. While Woolacombe Bay Hotel welcomes four-legged guests to dine in the Bay Brasserie, they can’t stay overnight in the hotel, and The Alchemist Spa is a humans-only pampering experience. That said, if you and your pooch come as a pair, there is dog-friendly self-catering accommodation on offer in the Bay Lodge Suites and Beach Retreats. 

No, it doesn’t have its own golf course. But there’s a championship-level course just 30 minutes away. Saunton Golf Club is one of the World’s Best 100 Courses, featuring two stunning links courses with rolling dunes, challenging fairways and breathtaking coastal views. Visitors are welcome to pay and play, making it the perfect spot for a spontaneous round after a morning at the spa.