10 Best... Blue Health Breaks

Make the most of the sea’s restorative powers on a wellbeing break by the coast – from wild-swimming retreats to mindful walking along the cliffs

Alex Reece

FOR... BEACH FITNESS

1 Northern Boot Camp, Bamburgh, Northumberland At this fitness boot camp, the beach serves as an outdoor gym, with morning workouts on the sand affording views of Bamburgh Castle. The trainers also use the bracing North Sea to push people out of their comfort zone, including body-boarding, coasteering and swimming sessions as part of the programme. Some endurance walks, meanwhile, begin with the spellbinding backdrop of Holy Island. Adding these thrilling coastal locations and adventures to the mix is intended to help clients gain a greater sense of achievement, and to inspire long-lasting beneficial lifestyle changes. Prices start from £90 for a one-day boot camp (01668 260076, northernbootcamp.co.uk).

FOR... A BLUE HEALTH RETREAT

2 S P A C E Retreat, Going Coastal, Bedruthan Hotel, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall

The two-night S P A C E retreats, held at the Bedruthan Hotel in North Cornwall, are described by Going Coastal’s award-winning coach Lizzi Larbalestier as: ‘an opportunity to dial out of the digital space and fall in love with the coast’. Taking place four times a year to coincide with the equinoxes and solstices, they consist of a series of reflective activities, such as yoga, guided Blue Mind meditation and sensory walks by the sea, to enable you to reconnect with your own flow and set intentions for future action. Create a positive ripple effect as you return to the world feeling rested and reinvigorated. From £525pp, including dinner, bed and breakfast and daytime refreshments. For bookings and information, visit goingcoastal.blue/ space-retreat or email [e-mail].

FOR... SALT THERAPY

3 St Brides Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire

Breathing salty air is thought to provide relief from respiratory ailments, such as asthma and bronchitis. It’s something the award-winning St Brides Spa Hotel in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offers by having a salt infusion room in its thermal suite, to boost circulation and ease congestion. Its outdoor marine hydrotherapy pool contains sustainably sourced sun-dried sea salt and is heated to body temperature to aid relaxation. From the infinity pool, calming views encompass the bay. A range of marine spa treatments is available, too. Prices from £190 for double B&B, including a 90-minute session in the thermal suite and hydrotherapy pool (01834 812304, stbridesspahotel.com).

FOR... OUTDOOR WELLBEING

4 Soul Saturdays by the Sea, Wild Beach School, Brighton, Sussex