Spa City Breaks: Brighton

Spa Breaks in Brighton

May 18, 2015 / No Comments
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Brighton is like London’s cooler, younger sister. Less than an hour south of the British capital, Brighton emerges in all its glory – a coastal, colourful, chilled-out slice of England at its kookiest.

 

Busy Londoners have been escaping to Brighton since the Victorian era, when the Palace Pier (now known as the Brighton Pier) was THE place to be seen. There is still a charming Victorian vibe to the city today, adding a touch of vintage class to a city that is now celebrated for its alternative lifestyle and anything goes mentality.

 

The Spas

Unsurprisingly, there is no shortage of holistic therapies in Brighton. From Ayurvedic rituals at Spa-Tara, to crystal reiki at Revitalise, this is the place to go if you want to experiment with alternative spa treatments.

 

For something more classic, it’s hard to beat the opulence of the The Sp@ The Grand in the iconic seafront Grand Hotel. The spa menu includes Natural Spa Factory and Carita treatments, and there is a private VIP room where couples can indulge in hour-long aromatherapy massages before retreating to the Thermal Suite.

 

Grand Hotel Spa Brighton

*Image: The Sp@ The Grand

 

 

 

Street Eats

Whether you are a vegetarian or a seafood fanatic, Brighton is for you. The city has a diverse food scene, with some of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in England, including Terre à Terre (holder of multiple awards), Food for Friends and Wai Kika Moo Kau.

 

Terre a Terre Food

*Image: Vegetarian delights at Terre à Terre

 

Along the seafront, steamy fish and chip shops are hard to resist, while seafood vendors sell little pots of rollmops, fresh crab, cockles and other locally sourced shellfish.

 

 

 

Un-bar-lievable

It’s almost impossible to avoid having a good time in Brighton. The city’s nightlife is infamous, from cheap, student-friendly bars, to traditional English pubs, and eccentric club nights such as Funfair – a ‘through the looking glass’ version of a Victorian fair – and the popular ‘Back to 1985’ night at The Haunt.

 

Brighton Coalition is a local institution among ravers of all ages, while Revenge is one of the city’s best LGBT-friendly venues.

 

 

 

A Shopping Revelation

If you’re looking for something a bit different, hit the shops in Brighton. As well as all the usual high street names, Brighton boasts an unparalleled array of independent shops and vintage boutiques, as well as excellent fayres and markets where you can pick up everything from antique furniture to hemp clothing.

 

Shopping in Brighton

*Shopping in Brighton: Flickr

 

Start at Brighton Lanes, a series of twisty, narrow streets that feature some of the prettiest shops south of London. For bohemian fashion, head to the North Laine area, and for organic food and vintage knick knacks, walk a mile along the coast until you reach Hove.

 

 

 

 

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