Five relaxing experiences on the Isle of Wight for the new year
New year, new you, new opportunities to recharge the batteries. After gliding across the Solent on one of Wightlink’s smooth-sailing ferries, there are countless ways to slow down after the festive frivolities, from indulgent spa experiences to calming coastal strolls. Here are five of our picks for places to take a break from it all on the Isle of Wight.
1) Luxury relaxation at West Bay Country Club
Indulge the Isle of Wight way at West Bay Country Club’s Island Wellness Spa, and treat yourself to a one- or two-day retreat while enjoying a charming, relaxing pocket of coastal life.
The country club and spa rests on miles of seaside paths — yours to explore as you breathe in the fresh invigorating sea air, escaping the frantic pace of everyday life.
Soothe your muscles in the sauna, unwind with a book in the Little Room of Calm, freshen up with a facial, enjoy the healthy menu and selection of juices, and get the pampering you deserve.
2) Bring the spa to you
Qualified in holistic therapies, Swedish massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, Indian head massage, facials, manicures, and pedicures, Hannah runs Relax, a professional beauty specialist on the Isle of Wight with a little bit of a difference: Hannah brings the spa to you.
Whether you’re at home on the Isle of Wight, in a hotel during a visit, or at another location of your choosing, Relax Isle of Wight’s fully-equipped mobile spa caters for individuals and pamper parties alike.
Visit the Relax website or call them on 0845 057 0516 for more information.
3) Beach it up like the Royals
Osborne House, where even Queen Victoria came to relax! Once the monarch’s holiday home, where she’d retreat with Prince Albert and their nine children (not so relaxing!), the English Heritage attraction now makes for a calm and exciting stroll through history. Victoria herself said that it’s “impossible to imagine a prettier spot.”
What’s more, Victoria and Albert had their very own private beach which is now yours to chill out on, just a short walk through nature from the house. Bring a picnic, go for a swim, and enjoy the beautiful Solent views.
4) An abundance of coastal walks
Cowes at sundown is a stunning sight to see, and the sweet tavern-lined shopping streets fade into a serene seafront promenade and pebbly beach to form the ideal course for a soothing evening walk.
You could also follow a route to the romantic rolling hills of Tennyson Down — a prime place for a picnic — and unwind with Freshwater Bay’s spectacular views stretching out before you. Venture a little further, and you’ll find yourself in Alum Bay, another breathtaking spot where you can admire geological marvels like The Needles and the bay’s famously colourful cliffs.
5) Everyone-friendly café bar at Quay Arts
Quay Arts, the Isle of Wight’s widely-renowned harbourside gallery, is centred around a welcoming café bar and events venue, where the brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea menus boast some of the best healthy homemade vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food on the Isle of Wight, all freshly-made using ingredients sourced from local growers and suppliers.
Sit on the terrace overlooking the harbour, or inside on the sofas beside the book exchange shelves, and enjoy the art-laden walls, use the free WiFi, and chat to the friendly staff, before exploring the wider gallery spaces and checking out the crafts shop.
Quay Arts’ welcoming café-gallery space, riverside spot, and central Newport location makes it a must-visit place for anyone looking to relax on the Isle of Wight.
Whenever you want to wipe away life’s weariness with a well-earned week or weekend of winding down, book up some wellness activities and plan some enchanting walks before hopping aboard a Wightlink ferry to the island.