Wellness Retreats and Spa Breaks

One of the most important things about a holiday for many of us is the “getting away from it all” factor.

The stresses of daily life can melt away on a good holiday and what better way to relax those knotted muscles than with a little bit of Wellness, whether that comes in the form of a mindful break, a spiritual retreat, something active, or maybe a good old fashioned pamper at one of our spas.

Wellness can take many forms, whether it be a spa, a swim in the ocean or simply a walk in the woods, but be sure of one thing, the Isle of Wight is an amazing place to Say Yes to your inner calm.

Here we will look at the way to walk away from inner city life or just relish the change of pace.

Stay on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has any number of calming venues to stay in, from top hotels such as The Royal at Ventnor, Warner Leisure’s Bembridge Coast Hotel (with lots of facilities to help you relax) and Lakeside Spa at Wootton (the clue is in the name!) to beautiful chilled out glamping venues such as Tom’s Eco Lodges at Tapnell Farm, with their wood-fired hot tubs and even shepherd’s huts and cottages where you can go ‘off grid’ and leave the worries of the world behind.

And if you don’t want to get too ‘back to basics’, the standard of self-catering accommodation on the Island is so high, you can feel like you are staying in a palace for a week or two.

Find out more here.

Learning and expanding the mind

Wellness can be achieved by expanding your mind and what better way than to spend your time on the Island than at a museum or being guided through one of our national treasures such as Carisbrooke Castle or Osborne.

And the museum offer is not just about our nation’s history. Dinosaur Isle, the Military History Museum and even the National Poo Museum show you can expand your mind in all sorts of ways on the Isle of Wight!

And there are lots of courses teaching you skills from mosaics and comedy to yoga and windsurfing (or combine the two by doing yoga on a stand-up paddleboard!).

Tackt-Isle Adventures at St Helens offer coaching in all sorts of water sports from dinghy sailing to canoeing.

But if you want a more gentle form of mindfulness, why not contact Quay Arts in Newport. This stunning arts centre hosts all sorts of artful activities for all ages, plus exhibitions and concerts.

Find out more here.

Active breaks and getaways

If releasing some endorphins is your way to wellness, then the Isle of Wight has all bases covered.

From water sports to tree climbing, athletics to zorbing, there are bags of ways to give yourself a boost, and the family will love it too.

For instance, do you know the Isle of Wight Marathon each May is considered one of Britain’s toughest marathons?

And the Island is a mecca for cyclists both on and off roads. Events such as the touring Randonnee (also held in May) attract thousands of riders across The Solent for a 66-mile circuit of the Wight.

Why not explore our coast, our waters are one of our biggest assets with Cowes being the home of UK sailing and death-defying kitesurfers doing their thing off the south west coast. Check out the waves off Compton Bay and book in for some lessons in surfing to master the waves yourself.

If you want to take to the air, then why not try paragliding in the West Wight. Find out more here.

Mindful breaks

It’s all very good sorting out your physical wellbeing but what about your mental health?

The Isle of Wight is one of those places that instantly make you feel better, whether it be walking on a shoreline with your toes in the sand, or striding across the empty expanses of downland, taking in the scenery and wildlife.

But there are more cerebral ways to celebrate all things Wight, after all, Tennyson, Keats, Charles Dickens, Karl Marx, and many other great thinkers and writers found inspiration here.

Where better to start than at the Dimbola Museum and Galleries in Freshwater Bay. Once the home of pioneering photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, this stunning place exhibits amazing pictures and tells Jula’s story and don’t forget to grab a slice of their amazing cake.

If the performing arts are your thing then the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra perform classical music concerts throughout the year and the Wight Proms in Cowes provide a short season of top quality performances.

Find out more here.

Pamper yourself

One of the best ways to kick back on holiday is to really spoil yourself.

This could be a beautifully appointed hotel or apartment, a top-notch meal or having an expert masseuse iron out those wrinkles in your muscles.

Whether it is a spot of yoga or just a quality coffee in a beautiful setting, there are lots of ways you can be kind to yourself.

One place set up to give yourself a treat is Nettlecombe Farm at Whitwell. Stay in its lovely self-catering units, send the kids to feed the animals and take yourself off for a yoga class.

This idyllic setting also offers a personal trainer, holistic therapy, and even a private chef to cater for you during your stay, making it the perfect pampering palace.

If you are kid-free on your break, then check out the possibilities at Bembridge Coast Hotel, situated on the coast and perfect for an away-from-it-all holiday. Fine dining, swimming pool, treatments and entertainment are all on offer.

Find out more here.

Spiritual getaways

Whether you embrace traditional religion or just feel in tune with nature and “greater forces”, the Island has something for you.

Quarr Abbey near Ryde is a haven of tranquility inhabited by a small group of Benedictine monks who devote their life to God through work and prayer.

Their home and place of worship was once a retreat for 60s pop star Scott Walker as he sought refuge from the wild world of rock.

There are other historic and beautiful churches worth exploring for a sense of peace.

St Mildred’s Church at Whippingham near East Cowes was known as Queen Victoria’s place of worship while the majestic Newport Minster in the town centre is brimming with history and dominates the county town.

If churches aren’t your thing then visit The Longstone, the rock near Mottistone which is known for its mystic aura and beloved of the Island pagan community to celebrate solstices and equinoxes.

Find out more here.

Walking and hiking

One of the greatest ways to clear the mind is to take a hike.

It is also a great way of blowing away the cobwebs, getting the blood flowing and enjoying the world around you.

In short, walking is good for the soul and the Isle of Wight is the perfect place to take a short stroll or go on a long-distance yomp.

An evening walk on a sandy beach with the sand between your toes is a lovely way to end the day but at the other end of the spectrum, a great method of seeing the Island is to walk the Isle of Wight Coastal Path, a 70-mile track around the edges, taking in stunning scenery and passing through some major towns.

Another top way of seeing the Isle of Wight is on its network of trails. There are long-distance ones such as the Tennyson Trail over spectacular downland from Carisbrooke to The Needles; and historic ones such as the Churchill Trail, exploring our greatest Prime Minister’s links to the Island.

So strap on those boots and Say Yes to a hike on the Wight!

Find out more here.