GQ: October 2003

Contributing Travel Editor Robert Elms embraces a marine conversion in the Indian Ocean, while the Smiths test the bed springs and coastal walks in County Durham.  Plus how Eurostar is going head-to-head with the airlines in this century’s battle of Waterloo.

Away kit
Mr & Mrs Smith
This luxurious guide to 40 properties uses the principles GQ has for its own epistles on the perfect three-day getaway:  namely, “Is it any good?  Does it look any good?  And is there anything good to do when we get there?”  Specially commissioned photographs capture the feel of a hotel, while in-the-know tips include which room and table to book, and off-site diversions Worth Getting Out Of Bed For.  All buyers of the book are enrolled in the Mr & Mrs Smith club, which offers discounts and incentives at the properties featured.  Mr & Mrs Smith (Spy Publishing, £19.95) is published in October.

Somewhere for the weekend
Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa, County Durham – the Mr & Mrs Smith verdict
What:  A strikingly modern retreat on a windswept clifftop.
Why:  “Super-delux facilities and chintz-free interior”.
When:  How about New Year’s Day, for a bracing first dip of the year at nearby Whitley Bay?
Which room:  15 has an in-room bath and sea views.
Special attractions:  The local coastline offers some of the UK’s best walking and Hadrian’s Wall is a short drive away.
Negatives:  No pets, no smoking in the restaurant and it’s not particularly child-friendly.
Clincher:  The spa, with its his’n’hers treatments and 20-metre, ozone-cleaned pool. 

Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa, Seaham, County Durham.  Telephone:  0191 516 1400.  Visit:  www.seaham-hall.com.  In October, rooms start at £175 b&b based on two sharing.
Seaham Hall is wild an remote on the outside, chilled and refined on the outside.