Coastal magic: Blue health breaks at the best spa hotels in the UK

If you’re planning a trip that’s the modern and far more luxurious equivalent of what the Victorians used to call ‘taking the waters’, then you’re already riding the wave. This year, more people than ever are actively choosing to spend more of their leisure time in nature, and in particular by the sea, as awareness of its positive impact on both physical and mental health continues to grow.

And for those not fully in the know, blue health is the new buzz term that encapsulates the therapeutic  physical, mental, and emotional health benefits of spending time in and near water. Whether it's immersing oneself in the ocean's salty embrace, wild swimming in tranquil lakes, or simply listening to the rhythmic flow of a gurgling river while picnicking on its banks, or to a recording of the sound of the sea during a restorative massage, the blue health trend advocates for a deeper connection with water for holistic wellness.

While the wisdom about water is hardly new — Brits have been taking therapeutic dips since the Romans introduced the concept of bathing in spring water centuries ago — there’s now a hefty amount of hard science to back up what was formerly known as old wives’ tales. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the benefits of blue spaces and the therapeutic effects of water-related activities on reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Immersion in water triggers a relaxation response in the body, lowering cortisol levels and inducing a sense of calm. The sound of water has also been found to promote relaxation by altering brainwave patterns, further enhancing feelings of tranquillity and wellbeing.

Enjoying water-based exercises such as swimming, going on a surfing holiday, or having a go at  paddleboarding offer a unique blend of physical and mental benefits. Water provides resistance, making workouts more challenging and effective for building strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health, as well as giving you the feel-good factor of literally being immersed in nature. And unlike hitting the gym or pounding the pavements for a morning run, exercising in water is more gentle on the joints and the buoyancy of water reduces the risk of injury while promoting greater flexibility and range of motion —making it accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Many PoB Hotels with luxury spas located in some of the UK’s most desirable coastal locations have embraced the blue health trend to offer holistic wellbeing breaks. Latest spa breaks and wellness packages    are designed to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit in idyllic waterfront settings. These retreats often incorporate a blend of spa experiences with treatments and therapies blended with yoga, meditation, and other mindfulness practices, as well as activities on the beach, allowing guests to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with the healing power of water.

Leading the way with the most impressive new experiences is Seaham Hall, one of the finest five-star hotels in northeast England, situated in a prime location on the stunning Durham Heritage Coast. This luxury hotel in Durham offers innovative blue health spa breaks and wellness packages in its award-winning Serenity Spa, including the Blue Health Heart of the Hebrides. This magical spa day experience includes hydrotherapy and a 90-minute ishga 5 Senses ritual — an innovative face and body treatment designed to put you in a state of ultimate relaxation and rejuvenate body and mind.

Seaham Hall’s Serenity Spa offers a vast range of holistic beauty and wellbeing therapies using premium products including ishga. This award-winning brand uses the finest Scottish seaweed (sourced from the Hebrides, the region widely regarded as the home of the most potent seaweed varieties) as the key ingredient, combined with natural spring water, in its range of organic products.

Packed with the vitamins K, B, A, and E that help improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity, seaweed is also high in natural antioxidants that promote collagen production which helps to plump skin and smooth fine lines. Ishga treatments include deep cleansing facials to seaweed body wraps and are designed to promote healthy, youthful and glowing skin.

For the best blue health breaks in Wales, book a stay at Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, a five-star hotel situated in the delightful coastal resort of Llandudno. Here, you can unwind in beautiful guestrooms, go beachcombing or swimming in the sea and soak in the multitude of restorative therapies in The Spa at Bodysgallen. Latest treatments include Aromatherapy Associates Body Scrubs & Wraps, and Environ Skin Care — non-surgical facial treatments for pigmentation, dryness and sun damage that deliver remarkable results, even after one session.

And whether you’re a keen surfer or eager to take your first plunge, The Nare Hotel is the best luxury hotel in Cornwall for a blue health immersion. This inviting five-star retreat on the golden sands of Carne Beach in Truro features a beautiful outdoor pool, an indoor pool with a jet stream for keen swimmers and a hot hydrotherapy spa, sauna and steam room for complete relaxation. Activities include beach volleyball and glorious coastal walks, as well as surf lessons and a wide choice of watersports, and the hotel’s Carne Bay Spa offers a range of innovative holistic health and beauty treatments. Popular options include reflexology and The Stress Buster massage (a one-hour treatment for your back, neck, shoulders and feet).