TAKE ME WITH YOU…
No. 124 by Guesthouse Brighton is a 32-bedroom Victorian and Regency hotel boldly and beautifully designed with Palace Pier-inspired décor, just a stone’s throw from Brighton Beach.
Arriving by train? Call ahead to the hotel and they will send their retro-inspired cargo bike to whisk away your luggage, leaving you with a map of the city to take a leisurely (downhill) stroll through The Lanes to this seafront hotel. Regency Square car park is just around the corner - but expect city prices.
Step inside to find classic Georgian architecture – all tall ceilings and fireplaces; one adorned with a pair of peacocks – and playfully designed interior.
The quirks continue in the bedrooms with a huge chandelier at the centre. Our sea view room (no. 6) offered epic views of Brighton Beach and the skeletal beauty of West Pier through full-height bay windows. A set of vintage binoculars allow for optimal people watching; sea dippers will love the handy yellow Tide Tables booklet. Roberts Radios, Crosley Record Players and a selection of vinyl add a touch of nostalgia. You’ll find a larger selection in the record library by reception.
Feel free to raid the 24/7 help-yourself-pantry, found up a flight of stairs from the ground floor; jars of colourful sweets and stripy paper bags kept this sweet-toothed Spa Spy very happy - or there’s crisps, popcorn and cold drinks in the fridge.
SHALL WE SPA?
You’ll find Field Trip Spa on the ground floor, located in a new building on the back of the regency property. The spa is flooded with natural light through a full-length glass wall. A palette of rich neutrals paired with curved ceilings, clay walls and touches of gold are a feast for the eye. Every design detail has been considered making it a real sensory and architectural delight.
We were warmly welcomed at the reception desk – home to an oversized vase full of pretty Gossypium – and led to a soundproofed Relaxation Room to complete consultation forms.
As we sunk into a comfy sofa, we listened to soothing spa tunes, sipped freshly pressed juices by wellness expert, Donna Bartoli and admired a stack of wellness-inspired books.
Next to reception you’ll find a loo complete with Wildsmith Skin amenities; to the right, a dedicated spa entrance, with a glass picture window framing an 150-year-old cloud olive tree. The converted church beyond, complete with stained glass windows, makes for a pretty backdrop.
It’s a dry spa, so no pool or thermal facilities here but, up a flight of wooden stairs, you’ll find five individual treatment rooms, two couples’ treatment rooms, one with a large copper bath.
TREATMENT TALK
We enjoyed a Copper Cove Treatment (90 minutes, £295 for two).
My therapist, Amanda, met me in the Relaxation Room and led me to the Copper Cove Room, a beautiful calming space in neutral hues with two treatment beds and, behind a curtain, the copper bath set beneath a curved ceiling with black tiles on the wall. After explaining the treatment – a soak in the tub followed by back, neck and shoulder massage and a facial - Amanda left the room.
Sinking into the pre-drawn bath, I sipped a chilled glass of Chapel Down English Sparkling and let my busy mind wander. After adding a few spoonsful of magnesium-loaded Epsom salts to the water, I liberally applied the rose and jojoba body scrub, which left my skin silky soft.
After 30 heavenly minutes, Amanda let me know it was time to hop out of the tub. Once I was dried off, I climbed face down on the treatment bed. The treatment began with three deep breaths of Tea & Tonic The Meadow’s Secret oil. The back massage commenced using long deep strokes; Amanda intuitively zoned into the tension in my shoulders, skilfully easing out the stubborn knots like a pro.
Turning on to my back, the facial began with a double cleanse using Pinks Boutique Hydrating Deep Cleansing Melt which felt (and smelt) delicious. Amanda spritzed Rose and Geranium Organic Flower Water above my face and gently tapped it into my skin before applying a Rose Exfoliator.
Scrub removed, Amanda used a Rose and Jojoba Facial Oil for a facial massage. Next, a delicate Rose Clay and Rosehip Mask was applied to my skin; while this worked, Amanda moved on to a blissful neck and scalp massage. Wiping the mask off with a hot face cloth, she finished the treatment with Wildsmith Copper Peptide eye serum, face serum and moisturiser; a spritz of Wildsmith Stillness Pillow Mist signified the end of the treatment.
HOW DID IT MEASURE UP?
The whole copper bath-massage-facial combo left this Spa Spy positively floaty. Amanda intuitively found my pesky knots and worked confidently with firm strokes to ease them out. The Pinks Boutiques products were beautifully scented and are 100% natural and organic. We left with a complimentary essential oil blend and a barcode to access the spa playlist when we got home.
SPOT OF LUNCH?
Guests can head to Pearly Cow grill restaurant or sit outside on The Terrace to soak up the sun and sea breeze.
As we were staying overnight, we descended there for dinner. Expect a low-lit affair with leather banquette style seating lined with comfy cushions and some eclectic local artwork on the walls. The staff were friendly and enthusiastic; the food cooked simply over open-flame or served raw on ice – from Sussex Beef to seaside classic of fresh lobster and oysters.
We feasted on a delicious lobster, apple and fennel taco – a few crunchy bites to whet the appetite - washed down with our pre-dinner margarita. After much debate, we plumped for a flavoursome sirloin steak served with charcoal roasted broccoli and parmesan, as well as skin-on fries.
The recommended Crème Brûlée with sour cherry sorbet was divine.
GOT ALL DAY?
After a treatment (or two), refuel at Pearly Cow and then take a stroll along Brighton’s seafront to soak up this lively city. Once you’ve got your fix, head back to your room, via the pantry, to kick back and play vinyl while watching the world go by.
SHORT ON TIME?
Book the Copper Cove Treatment for the ultimate de-stress – you deserve it.
Good Spa Guide
24th September 2025
