FOR… AN ISLAND ESCAPE
BEACH BAY COTTAGE, UIG, ISLE OF LEWIS
Inspired by an ancient Neolithic design, Beach Bay Cottage is a stone hideaway built into the hillside beside the pristine white sands of Uig Bay. A wide window looks straight out over the water so you can drink in the ever-changing seascape, and the peaceful location means you will be surrounded by wildlife galore, including eagles and deer. Unwind in the sauna and Jacuzzi bath, or take a trip to the nearby Abhainn Dearg whisky distillery to sample the local tipple before heading back for dinner at the celebrated Uig Sands Restaurant, which sits in a glorious spot right beside the beach.
HOW TO BOOK A seven-night break costs from £1,039 for up to four people (0345 498 6900, cottages.com).
FOR… A LUXURY HOTEL
THE LOOKOUT, THE PIG-ON THE BEACH, STUDLAND, DORSET
The Lookout is a thatched dovecote in the grounds of this country house hotel. Overlooking the Jurassic coastline, the ground-floor bedroom has a four-poster, while the bathroom above it has a freestanding bath and a monsoon shower. Just a 20-minute stroll away is the hotel’s own beach hut, which can be booked for £50 per day – it comes with deck chairs, towels and a windbreak, and you’ll also be given a flask so you can have a cup of tea as you gaze out over Old Harry Rocks, a magnificent chalk headland that stretches far out to sea.
HOW TO BOOK The Lookout costs from £310 per night (01929 450288, thepighotel.com).
FOR… SURF AND SUNSETS
WHITE HORSES, PERRANPORTH, CORNWALL
Watch the sun set from your own Cornish hideaway when you stay at White Horses, a one-bedroom cottage attached to 17th-century Reen Manor. Full of period detail, it’s a great base from which to explore the delights of Cornwall, from the Eden Project to Land’s End. Be sure to sample the surf at Perranporth, a huge stretch of sandy beach that is just a 15-minute walk away along a quiet lane. In the evenings, you will love the enclosed private garden that has a romantic summerhouse (pictured) where you can enjoy a bottle of wine and far-reaching sea views as night falls.
HOW TO BOOK Prices start at £293 for a three-night break (01637 861005, beachretreats.co.uk).
FOR… WILDLIFE WATCHING
CASTLE COTTAGE, LUNDY ISLAND, DEVON
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
SOOTHED BY THE SEA
Retreating to a seashore hideaway could be the catalyst for recalibrating your life while truly resting a tired mind and body, says Jacob Little, who made the journey north to discover the simple solace offered by the Highlands island of Eilean Shona
OCEAN ADVOCATE
Filmmaker and explorer Philippe Cousteau Jnr – grandson of one of the world’s first famous marine conservationists, the legendary Jacques Cousteau – is building his own legacy with EarthEcho International, his youth project dedicated to environmental education
TAKING THE SALT PATH
Brighton sea swimmers the Salty Seabirds have encouraged hundreds of novices to experience the glow of wellbeing following a dip in the ocean – and the rewarding sense of community that goes with it
20 HOMES to buy BESIDE the SEA...
From an Irish hideaway to a waterside manse in Scotland, here’s our pick of the latest properties for sale by the sea
EVERYTHING POINTS TO THE SEA
coast editor-in-chief Alex Fisher tries a rejuvenating blue health break at the Scarlet Hotel & Spa in Cornwall
10 Romantic Stays By The Sea
Escape to our pick of cosy coastal retreats for a bonding break à deux
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
Inspired By The Coast
From their design studio near Newquay, Kara Wilson and Dave Barker make folk art wooden decorations, and Christmas is one of their busiest times
Making The Move
Many of us aspire to live by the sea and in the next pages we give you the information you need to make that dream a reality
Bread-Making In Mawgan Porth
Caroline Wheater learns how to make artisan-style bread in a dreamy location on the North Cornwall coast
Paradise Found
The cofounder of Cirque du Soleil’s $1 million-per-week island retreat in French Polynesia gets top marks
4 Women's Empowerment Yoga And Leadership Retreat
There’s something magical about getting away and unwinding. Whether you take a 24-hour flight to an exotic locale or opt for a staycation at your city’s hippest new hotel, nothing beats feeling refreshed and clear-minded after a few days of R&R. These days, retreats that combine that repose with tailored leadership trainings are helping to boost performance and personal growth at top companies like Fortune and Apple. But you don’t need to work for a huge corporation to brush up on your leadership skills in a fabulous setting. These four retreats prove that with a little yoga, mindfulness, and some specialized training—getting away can help you embody the leader within—at home and at work.
Amazing Grace
Escaping the city is easy for this Sydney family who converted a tired cottage in the mountains into a welcoming luxe retreat
The Himalayan Retreat
Winters are finally knocking the door. And those who travel to the snowy peaks at this time are half in love with themselves and half in love with the oblivion.
Exceeding Expectations
This contemporary outdoor haven provides a place to entertain, relax with family and unwind after work
Coastal Charm
Mimouca Barcelona composes a serene seaside retreat punctuated with graphic accents and rustic details
Go Sell It On The Mountain
Banff Centre started off as a remote artists’ retreat. Now it’s trying to help creatives adapt to the modern world
Retreat-Doringlaagte Camping & Chalets
Take a seat at this quiet
DREAM BOD
You want to drop pounds instantly and you want to do it safely. Here, we’ve found you the perfect solution.
Girls' Getaway In Bangkok
Amy Greenburg shares highlights from her relaxing girls’ getaway in Bangkok.