With sea swimming, cold plunging and contrast bathing more popular than ever, don’t miss the picturesque La Vallette Bathing Pools on your next Guernsey break.
Just a 10-minute walk from the quaint but bustling high street, the Bathing Pools provide an oasis of calm.
With four beautiful tidal pools, breathtaking views of Herm and Sark, and a friendly community of swimmers, walkers and café-goers, the Bathing Pools are an essential part of Guernsey life, dating back to 1865.
Following a series of renovations – the most recent in 2022, followed by the arrival of the Hot Haus sauna in summer 2024 – the area has become a thriving community and wellness hub, offering locals and visitors a variety of ways to tap into one of the most popular wellness trends: blue health.
What is blue health?
Blue health refers to the idea that water-based environments have a positive impact on human health. Over the last few years, this has been proved by a flurry of scientific studies – all backing up what humans have instinctively known for centuries: spending time on or near water makes us feel better. It can now even be prescribed by your doctor.
Benefits of blue health hotspots
Increased physical activity
A 2014 study showed that people who live near the coast report better health – and are more physically active – than those who live inland. They also found that just visiting the coast helped to stimulate physical activity.
Tap into this so-called ‘blue gym effect’ by opting for a coastal hotel or dine out at some of the best places to eat with a sea view, where you can enjoy a pre- or post-meal walk.
Improved mood and wellbeing
In another study entitled ‘Happiness is greater in natural environments’, researchers at the University of Sussex found that people were by far the happiest when they were in blue spaces. The study used data from 20,000 people and analysed over a million responses, recorded at random times.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, 65% of people find that spending time by water has a positive impact on their mental health: interestingly, this was versus 62% who felt the benefits of spending time in the countryside.
Reduced stress
Physiologically, blue environments reduce cortisol and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the body’s natural calming response.
Environmental attunement
A 2020 study showed that immersive activities like swimming or surfing induce a sense of ‘environmental attunement’ (a feeling of being connected to the environment).
With a focus on eco-friendly initiatives – including beach cleans, farmers’ markets and community projects, plus a new nature and activity trail walk – the Bathing Pools are the perfect place to feel connected to nature.
La Vallette: a blue health hotspot
Whether you’re a year-round cold-water enthusiast, a seasonal sea swimmer, or prefer just to paddle, there are plenty of ways to embrace blue health at the Bathing Pools – even from the café…
1. Embrace a cold-water swim
Whether it’s the safety of the pools, the changing and shower facilities, or being able to swim during a wider range of tides, the Bathing Pools are one of the most popular spots for a cold-water swim all year-round.
Cold-water swimming boosts feel-good brain chemicals, including dopamine (associated with joy and reward) serotonin (important for mood balance) and endorphins (known as the feel-good hormone). At the same time, exposure to cold water reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
2. Combine your swim with a sauna session
Embrace the full experience and book the Hot Haus sauna for some contrast bathing (also known as contrast therapy).
This involves alternating between cold water and the warmth of the sauna. Moving between extremes of temperature can help improve circulation (by alternately dilating and constricting blood flow), strengthen the immune system, reduce muscle soreness and provide deep relaxation and stress relief.
Please note that contrast bathing can challenge your cardiovascular system, so this shouldn’t be undertaken by anyone with health challenges.
3. Take a paddle in the pools
If you’re not a keen swimmer, take advantage of one of the world’s oldest reset buttons and enjoy the rhythmic sound of the sea as you paddle, known to help lower stress, synchronise brain waves and cut through modern overstimulation.
4. Enjoy a bite to eat in the café, with a full vista of ocean views
Natural blues and reflective surfaces signal tranquillity and safety to the brain, making the café at the Bathing Pools the perfect place to relax.
From every corner, watch the rise and fall of the tide, gaze towards Herm and Sark, or admire the glint of the sea in Havelet Bay – all the while enjoying your favourite hot or cold drink, and a selection of light breakfasts, lunches and treats.
Walk, watch and explore at the new Vive La Valette Trail
Make the most of La Vallette’s new addition: a short, well-marked 1km walking trail that starts and ends at the Bathing Pools. Choose from their range of suggested activities as you walk – either download the information before you set out or scan the QR codes on the posts en route.
The trail is hilly and mostly off-road - so bring a sense of adventure with you. The section between the bathing pools and post 1 and then posts 9 and 12 are accessible for buggy and wheelchair users.
The walk includes stunning views over Havelet Bay, St Peter Port and the other islands – plus there are plenty of sites of interest, flora, fauna, and various species of seabirds. Keep a lookout for the rare Western Green Lizard at the Stable Block, uncover the history of the Belvedere Archway and take a look at a plant that dates back 450 million years (when dinosaurs roamed the planet!) at Fort George Wall.
Find out more about La Vallette Bathing Pools
Whatever your wellness goals, a visit to La Vallette Bathing Pools is not to be missed. Find out more on their website, or head to their Facebook or Instagram.
Photo credits
Banner image kindly provided by Skywave Media
