Work and Play: The Ideal Midweek Escape for the Bleisure Traveller
The way we travel for work is changing. No longer confined to sterile boardrooms and uninspiring hotel chains, business trips are increasingly extending into leisure stays, blending productivity with relaxation...
- Date published
- 7 April 2025
UK bleisure trips - the art of combining business with pleasure - are booming, fuelled by remote working, flexible schedules, and a growing appreciation for experiences beyond the office. The midweek getaway has transformed, catering to the demands of savvy travellers who seek not only productivity but the freedom to unwind and recharge.
Seaham Hall, a luxury hotel in County Durham, is perfectly positioned to cater to this growing demand. With its proximity to key transport hubs, luxurious amenities, and a serene environment ideal for both work and relaxation, it’s the ideal location for a UK bleisure trip. Whether you're catching up on emails with a sea view or indulging in a spa treatment after a productive day, Seaham Hall offers the perfect blend of business and leisure.
A Scenic Retreat on Durham’s Heritage Coast
Located just two miles from Durham station and 13 miles from the city centre, Seaham Hall feels like an escape from the everyday, without requiring a long journey. The hotel's enviable coastal location is easily accessible from major cities, including Newcastle (20 minutes away) and London (just over four hours by train from King’s Cross). It’s an idyllic, coastal hotel near Seaham Beach, offering stunning views of the North Sea. The location is ideal for bleisure travellers who appreciate both convenience and the opportunity to escape city life.
With direct access to a coastal path and a plethora of water-based activities right at its doorstep, Seaham Hall offers a refreshing and inspiring environment. Whether you’re looking to clear your head with a morning jog along the beach or experience the calming ritual of sea glass hunting on Seaham Beach, the combination of tranquil surroundings and natural beauty will allow you to maximise your work-life balance. The opportunity to spend a few hours strolling along the beach after a day of meetings is one of the many charms of Seaham Hall.
Luxurious Workspaces & Accommodation
Seaham Hall’s luxury suites are designed with the bleisure traveller in mind. We recommend the newly renovated Milbanke Suite for the ultimate comfort and style, offering a spacious setting where you can work or relax in equal measure. Alternatively, the Ada Lovelace Suite offers split-level living, creating a distinct separation between work and relaxation areas, or for the utmost privacy, consider the Coastal Lodge with Hot Tub – perfect for unwinding after a productive day. With Super king-size beds, Nespresso coffee machines, and delicious room service options, a stay at Seaham Hall provides everything you need for both productivity and indulgence.
For those who require uninterrupted internet access for virtual meetings or remote work, UK hotels with remote work facilities like Seaham Hall offer high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property, and when you need a break from work, the peaceful gardens provide a quiet space to reconnect with nature. The serene environment encourages focus, while the hotel’s many leisure facilities provide the perfect outlet for relaxation after a day of meetings.
Indulge in World-Class Wellness
A bleisure trip wouldn’t be complete without a focus on relaxation, and Seaham Hall’s renowned Serenity Spa offers a world-class wellness experience to rejuvenate both body and mind. At 44,000 square feet, this award-winning sanctuary is the ideal place to unwind after a day of work. Drawing on Eastern traditions and modern therapies, the spa menu features a mix of indulgent treatments, such as nourishing facials, soothing massages, and holistic therapies like yoga, meditation, and hydrotherapy.
For those seeking a unique midweek spa packages, the Midweek Twilight Retreat by Novara offers a memorable experience. Available Monday through Thursday evenings, this indulgent package includes a 30-minute HydraFacial Signature Treatment, a seasonal welcome drink, and a two-course dinner at Ozone, Seaham Hall’s pan-Asian restaurant. The spa’s unparalleled facilities – including an indoor pool, outdoor hot tubs, a Hammam, and a salt sauna – ensure that your post-work experience is nothing short of transformative.
Seaham Hall also offers an extensive fitness programme, making it easy to maintain a routine while travelling. The state-of-the-art gym is equipped with free weights, multi-use resistance machines, and a dedicated Artis cardio suite. Guests can also join a variety of classes, including pilates, spin, yoga, and circuit training, providing a structured approach to wellness even when away from home. For those who prefer to take their fitness outdoors, the hotel’s coastal setting offers some of the best running routes in the North East, including the Seaham Hall and Beach Circular Route, a picturesque 5km loop with sweeping sea views. After a run, the hydrotherapy pool or salt sauna provide the perfect way to soothe tired muscles.
Novara Skin and Aesthetics
For those seeking advanced skincare treatments, Novara Skin & Aesthetics at Seaham Hall offers a high-tech, doctor-led approach to skin rejuvenation. Opened in January, Novara provides personalised consultations that use advanced analysis technology to assess skin age, elasticity, and pigmentation. Treatments include the HydraFacial, renowned for its ability to cleanse and hydrate deeply, as well as SkinPen microneedling, which targets fine lines and scarring. Guests can also opt for advanced chemical peels and injectables, including Profhilo and Polynucleotides, for a refreshed, youthful glow.
Gourmet Dining to Elevate Your Stay
Seaham Hall’s dining options are a treat for the business traveller. The Dining Room serves dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, many of which are foraged from the hotel’s estate. The seasonal menu, designed by Executive Chef Damian Broom, highlights the best of the North East, with a strong focus on sustainable seafood, regional specialities and communal dining. It’s no wonder it’s regarded as one of the best restaurants in the North East for business and leisure travellers alike.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, Ozone offers pan-Asian inspired dishes within the serene confines of the Serenity Spa, while The Bar & Lounge provides an inviting space for lighter fare, sandwiches, and traditional afternoon tea. Whether you’re seeking an energising breakfast before your morning meeting or a leisurely dinner to close out the day, Seaham Hall delivers an unforgettable dining experience to suit your schedule.
The Seaham Hall Residences: Your Home Away from Home
For the bleisure traveller looking for a more permanent remote work setup, the upcoming Residences at Seaham Hall offer a luxurious and flexible alternative to traditional hotel rooms. These luxury coastal homes for sale in the North East will blend modern luxury with the charm of Seaham Hall’s Georgian estate, providing the ideal base for remote work. Each residence will feature spacious open-plan living areas, high-end finishes, and inspiring sea views that foster both creativity and relaxation.
With flexible rental programmes and the option to enjoy all the amenities of Seaham Hall, including access to Serenity Spa and fine dining in County Durham, these residences will offer a unique opportunity for those seeking both a luxury home and a productive base for business. The properties will come fully furnished, ensuring a seamless transition for those choosing to live and work in one of the most scenic parts of the UK.
For those visiting Seaham Hall on a midweek UK bleisure trip, the Residences also provide a perfect base to work remotely for a longer stay. The ability to take calls with a view of the coast, walk along the beach during breaks, or even indulge in a treatment at the best spa hotel for business travellers to relieve the stresses of work offers a highly productive yet relaxing balance.