We all know how important it is to look after ourselves, but sometimes our busy modern lives can make that more than a little difficult. A ‘wellness’ break is the ideal way to take some time out to rest and recharge, and the good news is you don’t have to go too far to do it. From yoga to surfing, the Channel Islands offer a host of ways to find your balance. We’ve rounded up the very best retreats coming up around the islands.
JERSEY
Jersey-based Drift Retreat recently made it onto The Guardian newspaper’s top ten list of the best wellbeing retreats in Europe, and there are plenty of reasons for that accolade. Based in Jersey Heritage’s Kempt Tower on beautiful St Ouen’s beach, Drift makes the most of its idyllic location by ensuring its clients spend plenty of time in the water.
Surf and stand up paddle board sessions are the main focus of the retreat, along with yoga, meditation and hiking or foraging. The next retreat is in June, with a focus on creativity and including a facial with specialist Sarah Carr.
The cost includes airport transfers, accommodation, surf lessons including wetsuit and board hire, yoga and pilates and three nutritious plant-based meals per day.
When: Friday 26 to Monday 29 June
Where: Kempt Tower, St Ouen’s beach
Cost: from £660 per person
For more information visit www.driftretreat.co.uk
GUERNSEY
This March, Fermain Valley Hotel in Guernsey is hosting an Island of Guernsey wellness break at their four-star hotel. Along with yoga classes, industry professional discussions will look at how you can improve your wellbeing through sleep, mindfulness, psychology and more.
The venue’s cinema will show a mindfulness movie on how you can change your life over the weekend, while outdoor activities are also available for those wanting to be outside enjoying the fresh air.
The cost includes classes, accommodation and healthy food and drinks for the weekend.
When: Friday 6 to Monday 9 March
Where: Fermain Valley Hotel
Cost: from £540 per person (local rate)
For more information visit www.fermainvalley.com
SARK
Next month, Sark offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and escape from modern stresses with the Sark Spring Yoga and Wellbeing Retreat. Based in the luxurious Stocks Hotel, the weekend includes five yoga sessions including a combination of asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), guided meditation and yoga nidra (deep relaxation). Bhakti yoga (devotional chanting) is also offered.
The cost includes return boat transfers from Guernsey, shared accommodation, healthy and delicious brunches and vegetarian evening meals.
When: Friday 13 to Sunday 15 March
Where: Stocks Hotel, Sark
Cost: from £373 per person
The spring retreat is currently fully booked, but there is a cancellation/wait list available and if you miss out this time, put the autumn retreat from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October in your diary.
For more information visit www.beinspiredby.co.uk
If you’re looking for a wellness weekend in Herm, you can take your pick this March as there are two separate yoga-based retreats scheduled.
Taking place first is the yoga retreat with Yoga Elements. This invigorating and deeply relaxing retreat is available to all, including beginners. Yoga classes include hatha yoga flow, yin yoga, candlelight restorative yoga and yoga nidra (guided meditations). Optional activities include meditation walks, journaling and aromatherapy talks.
The cost includes return boat transfers from Guernsey, two nights accommodation, breakfast, vegetarian lunches and healthy meals at the Mermaid Tavern and all yoga classes.
When: Friday 13 to Sunday 15 March
Where: White House Hotel, Herm
Cost: from £359 per person
For more information visit www.yogaelementsgg.com
The following weekend Power Yoga is in in Herm for its yoga and wellbeing retreat. The weekend includes eight hours of yoga tuition focused to accommodate all levels, including asana (postures), pranayama (breath work), meditation, yin yoga (restorative) and yoga nidra (deep relaxation). Running and walking opportunities are also available, along with various optional treatments.
The cost includes return boat transfers from Guernsey, two nights accommodation, healthy vegetarian breakfast, lunch and evening meals and all yoga classes.
When: Friday 20 to Sunday 22 March
Where: White House Hotel, Herm
Cost: from £319 per person
For more information visit www.poweryogaguernsey.com
FURTHER AFIELD
Our final pick may not be in the Channel Islands, but with all travel arranged on this group trip from Guernsey we thought it was worth a mention.
New Waves is offering a three day women-only retreat in the Shropshire Hills this May to get back to basics while surrounded by natural beauty. The weekend will offer three guided walks in the hills, three guided 5k runs, two gentle yoga classes and optional daily guided meditations.
The cost includes return flights from Guernsey to Manchester, return trains, accommodation in shared rooms in a converted barn, all homemade vegetarian food, guided walks and runs, yoga classes and guided meditation.
When: Friday 15 to Sunday 17 May
Where: Shropshire Hills
Cost: from £530 per person
For more information visit www.newwaveswellness.com
