Creating an award-shortlisted spa experience through considered lighting design.
Seaham Hall recently invested £1 million in reimagining the Zen Garden at its Serenity Spa, creating an outdoor wellness experience centred around relaxation, nature and memorable guest experiences.
TEP was brought in to carefully select and supply lighting that would complement the design, enhance the atmosphere and transform the space after dark
OBJECTIVES
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Elevating the guest experience – creating an immersive outdoor environment that enhances the guest experience after dark.
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Creating the right ambience – using carefully considered lighting to support relaxation, wellbeing and the spa’s twilight experiences.
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Complementing the design and performance – selecting fittings that complemented the aesthetic while remaining suitable for a wet outdoor environment.

THEY SAID
“TEP worked closely with us throughout the Zen Garden project, helping us find the right lighting solutions to bring our vision for the space to life.
They understood that the lighting needed to do more than simply illuminate the area. It had to complement the design, create the right atmosphere for our guests and perform reliably within an outdoor spa environment.
The team were knowledgeable, responsive and easy to work with, and we’re really pleased with the finished result.”
— Barry Redden, Facilities Manager, Seaham Hall
SOLUTION
TEP worked closely with Seaham Hall to understand the vision for the Zen Garden and identify lighting that could deliver the desired atmosphere while meeting the practical demands of the environment. The work involved:
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Reviewing the layout, landscaping and intended guest journey to understand how the space would be experienced after dark.
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Selecting a combination of LED tape, ground lights, wall lights, colour-changing fittings and floodlighting.
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Layering different lighting effects to create a seamless, atmospheric finish across the pools, walkways and surrounding garden.
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Ensuring each fitting complemented the wider design while remaining suitable for use in a wet outdoor environment.
IMPACT
The completed Zen Garden has helped Seaham Hall create a distinctive new experience within its Serenity Spa:
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Lighting brings the space to life after dark, supporting its twilight and wider evening spa experiences.
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The finished environment blends relaxation, nature and visual impact, strengthening Serenity Spa’s appeal as a destination.
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Following the £1 million transformation, Seaham Hall has been named one of just three finalists for AA Spa Hotel of the Year and is the only North East venue shortlisted.
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The recognition adds to Serenity Spa’s previous accolades, including AA Best UK Spa in 2023 and 2024 and a 2022 World Spa and Wellness Award.

WE SAID
“This was an incredible project to work on and a great opportunity to demonstrate how much difference the right lighting can make to a guest experience.
It wasn’t simply a case of supplying fittings. We worked closely with Seaham Hall to understand their vision and create a lighting solution that complemented the design, delivered the right atmosphere and performed within a demanding outdoor spa environment.”
— Sarah Marshall, General Manager at TEP Electrical Distributors
Creating an experience that guests remember?
TEP provides practical advice and tailored lighting support for hospitality, leisure and wellness environments. From understanding the initial vision through to product selection and supply, we help create lighting solutions that enhance the design, atmosphere and overall customer experience.
