Stunning views emerged from the mist, our tipster noted at Loch Awe Photograph: Sebastian Wasek/Alamy
Loch and awe in the Highlands
Last Easter, to escape the hustle and bustle and stresses of daily life, my partner and I took a few days’ trip to stay in the Highlands of Scotland. At Portsonachan Hotel (doubles from £106 a night B&B) overlooking the aptly named Loch Awe – the longest freshwater loch in Scotland – we found we could mentally and physically unwind. As the mist cleared over the loch each morning, stunning views emerged, creating what my partner would refer to as a “soul spa”. With our holidays usually jam-packed with activities, it was refreshing to change gear and just take relaxing woodland walks amid nature and to recharge the batteries whenever we felt like it.
Greg Marshall
Bathing – in a forest and in a tub, Wye Valley
Last summer my family and I visited Forest Retreats, near Tintern, overlooking the Wye valley, for three nights’ glamping in one of its luxury yurts. We had an amazing time, relaxing in the outdoor eco spa and taking part in a yoga class. It is a beautiful setting that is a superb base for forest bathing too, but mostly it’s just a really calming place to spend some time in the outdoors.
Jo Grim
Swimming and nature near York
The seasonal Elements mini retreats hosted near York by Laura Fazio were a real highlight of 2023 for me. The retreats combine yoga, breath work, wild swimming and a campfire brunch followed by a guided meditation. The riverside location is perfect for appreciating nature – I’ll always remember spotting the electric blue streak of a kingfisher after a rather splendid dip. I leave feeling so rejuvenated and full of gratitude.
Fern
Under the bridge, Bristol
You don’t need to spend money for meditation and relaxation. Personally, I like to walk through the forest under the Clifton Suspension Bridge and sit on a rock and meditate. It’s the best therapy out there!
Zoe
Bliss in Essex
It was a real pleasure to stay at the Glass House (rooms from £240 per person per night) retreat in Essex, in the countryside near Upminster. I enjoyed yoga, walks, swimming and meditation, and brilliant, rich facials, which left my skin glowing. The purpose-built modern spa also offers cryotherapy in its cold therapy chamber, though I didn’t try it. The place offers lovely plant-based food, full of good greens. Best of all, the staff were so helpful and friendly.
Caroline G
Winning tip: cabin solitude in the Scottish Borders
I searched online at Airbnb and booked a stunning and simple log cabin on the edge of the pretty hamlet of Abbey Saint Bathans, in the Scottish Borders, about 40 minutes’ drive from Berwick-upon-Tweed. It felt remarkably remote and peaceful with gorgeous walks on the doorstep, with a mix of forests, hills, meadows, crystal clear rivers clean enough for a dip, and a beautifully simple yet comfortable space for one or two people to unplug and relax. The cabin is big enough for a yoga mat, as is the outside terrace. We went for a break in 2022 there, and for tranquillity and peace nowhere else has come close.
Bethan
News Related
-
Asylum seekers travel in an inflatable boat across the English Channel, bound for Dover on the south coast of England (Photo: Ben Stansall/AFP) Up to 40 Conservative MPs are poised to rebel over Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda deportation policy as they question ministers’ commitment to the scheme. A major row is ...
See Details:
Up to 40 Tory MPs ‘set to rebel’ if Sunak’s Rwanda plan doesn’t override ECHR
-
In the saltmarsh fringing where the Ballyboe River dissolves into Trawbreaga Bay, a little egret wears its plumage like a windblown stole. Our car swoops across the 10 arches of Malin bridge and we park along the village green. Malin is almost as far north as you can get on ...
See Details:
Country diary: A tale of three churches
-
Photograph: Chris Ratcliffe/EPA Hampton Court is an enduring monument to the power of Henry VIII, a pleasure palace down the Thames from Westminster and the City of London. On Monday it was the scene of power projection of a different kind, as Rishi Sunak pitched for investment from some of ...
See Details:
Sunak woos business elite with royal welcome – but they seek certainty
-
-
Tottenham interested in move to sign “fearless” £20m defender in January Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to bring an overseas defender to the Premier League in January, according to a fresh report. Postecoglou’s centre-back options The Lilywhites currently have Micky Van De Ven, Ashley Phillips, Cristian Romero and Eric ...
See Details:
Tottenham interested in move to sign “fearless” £20m defender in January
-
A £100m campaign urging households and businesses to use less water will be funded from customers’ bills, Ofwat has said. Bill payers to stump up cost of £100m water usage campaign The regulator’s chief executive David Black told MPs that if the measures worked it would be cheaper than building ...
See Details:
Bill payers to stump up cost of £100m water usage campaign
-
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football – FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Group B – Canada Training – Olympic Park, Melbourne, Australia – July 24, 2023 Canada’s Christine Sinclair during training REUTERS/Hannah Mckay/File Photo (Reuters) – BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, will be renamed “Christine Sinclair ...
See Details:
Soccer-Venue renamed 'Christine Sinclair Place' for Canada soccer great's final game
-
Michael van Gerwen is hunting down a fourth World Championship title (Picture: Getty Images) Michael van Gerwen is Phil Taylor’s tip to lift the World Darts Championship trophy for a fourth time in January, expecting a backlash from the recent defeat in the Players Championship Finals. The 2024 World Championship ...
See Details:
Phil Taylor makes his pick for 2024 World Darts Championship winner
-
Michael van Gerwen is hunting down a fourth World Championship title (Picture: Getty Images) Michael van Gerwen is Phil Taylor’s tip to lift the World Darts Championship trophy for a fourth time in January, expecting a backlash from the recent defeat in the Players Championship Finals. The 2024 World Championship ...
See Details:
Soccer-Howe aims to boost Newcastle's momentum in PSG clash
-
Michael van Gerwen is hunting down a fourth World Championship title (Picture: Getty Images) Michael van Gerwen is Phil Taylor’s tip to lift the World Darts Championship trophy for a fourth time in January, expecting a backlash from the recent defeat in the Players Championship Finals. The 2024 World Championship ...
See Details:
Hamilton heads for hibernation with a word of warning
-
Michael van Gerwen is hunting down a fourth World Championship title (Picture: Getty Images) Michael van Gerwen is Phil Taylor’s tip to lift the World Darts Championship trophy for a fourth time in January, expecting a backlash from the recent defeat in the Players Championship Finals. The 2024 World Championship ...
See Details:
Carolina Panthers fire head coach Frank Reich after 1-10 start to the season
-
Michael van Gerwen is hunting down a fourth World Championship title (Picture: Getty Images) Michael van Gerwen is Phil Taylor’s tip to lift the World Darts Championship trophy for a fourth time in January, expecting a backlash from the recent defeat in the Players Championship Finals. The 2024 World Championship ...
See Details:
This exercise is critical for golfers. 4 tips to doing it right
-
Michael van Gerwen is hunting down a fourth World Championship title (Picture: Getty Images) Michael van Gerwen is Phil Taylor’s tip to lift the World Darts Championship trophy for a fourth time in January, expecting a backlash from the recent defeat in the Players Championship Finals. The 2024 World Championship ...
See Details:
One in three households with children 'will struggle to afford Christmas'
-
OTHER NEWS
Kobbie Mainoo made his first start for Man Utd at Everton (Photo: Getty) The Football Association are reportedly confident that Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo will choose to represent England ...
Read more »
Michael Smith will begin the defence of his world title on the opening night (Picture: Getty Images) The 2024 World Darts Championship is less than three weeks away and the ...
Read more »
For the first time a long haul commercial aircraft is flying across the Atlantic using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). A long haul commercial flight is flying to the US ...
Read more »
The King has met business and finance leaders from across the world at a Buckingham Palace reception to mark the conclusion of the UK’s Global Investment Summit. Charles was introduced ...
Read more »
After Ohio State’s 30-24 loss to Michigan Saturday, many college football fans were wondering where Lou Holtz was. In his postgame interview after the Buckeyes beat Notre Dame 17-14 in ...
Read more »
Darius Slay wouldn’t have minded being penalized on controversial no-call No matter which team you were rooting for on Sunday, we can all agree that the officiating job performed by ...
Read more »
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) Quarterback Mac Jones remains committed to finding success with the New England Patriots even though his future is up in the air following ...
Read more »