We all need time to recharge and restore, so it's no surprise that wellness travel is becoming increasing popular. Combining the adventure of travel with health-oriented activities like sound baths, spa treatments, nature retreats and yoga, wellness travel goes beyond a typical sightseeing getaway, prioritising relaxation and rejuvenation for a holistic re-set of mind and body.
Discover why 2026 should be your wellness travel year, and how our Islands can provide the perfect escape.
Benefits of Wellness Travel
Physical Health
Wellness travel can have a clear positive impact on your physical health, with activities such as yoga, hiking and swimming well-known to improve cardiovascular health, increase flexibility and build muscular strength.
Spa treatments and massages, meanwhile, help to alleviate physical tension and stress, promoting relaxation and assisting in faster recovery from physical exertion. The relaxation of a wellness escape also helps to reset sleep patterns, improve sleep quality and combat sleep deprivation.
One study on the effects of wellness getaways - in which study participants engaged in activities such as yoga, meditation, and nature walks, whilst following an organic, largely plant-based diet - showed remarkable effects after just one week. As well as a reduction in body fat, participants experienced significant drops in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and improved detoxification, with pesticide residues becoming undetectable by the end of the retreat.
Mental Health
As well as the physical boost, the benefits of wellness holidays also extend to our mental health.
In the same study mentioned above, researchers noted reduced stress and anxiety levels in participants after their week of wellness travel, with cognitive function tests also showing improvements in reaction time and memory.
Digital detoxes, which first gained popularity a few years ago, are another way to restore your mental health - and combining this with time in nature is even better. Research has found that exposure to nature can regulate the sympathetic nervous system in only five minutes, as well as improving cognitive function, including memory, attention, creativity and sleep quality.
Finally, sound therapy, most commonly used in spa settings and yoga studios due to its ability to access profound states of calm and emotional release, is also gaining momentum. Sound practitioner, Nancy Trueman, notes its growing appeal in luxury wellness, observing how it is "an immediate way to unwind the nervous system. People leave feeling genuinely rested, often surprised by how powerful the experience is.”
Wellness Getaways to the Islands of Guernsey
Wellness getaways look different for everyone.
Whether you’re planning a luxurious spa getaway, an immersive yoga and meditation retreat, or an adventure-filled wellness program, our Islands have something for every type of escape.
Here is a curated list of activity inspiration to start building your 2026 wellness itinerary.
Hiking
There are no shortage of hiking routes on the Islands of Guernsey. If you're not sure where to start, we recommend wandering your way along the cliff paths and along the south east coast of Guernsey, through Clarence Battery and Fort George, and continuing to Bluebell Woods down to Fermain Bay. There are plenty of benches en-route, offering a chance to rest and take in the ocean views. You will find various cafes and kiosks along the way to keep you refreshed.
If you'd like to learn more about the history of our Islands during your hike, there are plenty of unique guided walks available, hosted by our accredited tour guides.
If you prefer to explore solo, the VisitGuernsey Walking App (available on the App Store or Google Play) has trails across the Islands to enjoy. With audio accompaniment, points of interest and an interactive map that tracks your steps as you go, simply download the app and away you go. You can also filter routes by difficulty and duration, making it easy to find your ideal hike.
Wild Swimming
Scattered with coves, secluded beaches and natural pools, the Islands of Guernsey are one of the best places to get involved in year-round wild swimming.
Offering numerous health benefits, wild swimming is linked to lowered stress levels, clarity of mind and a boosted immune system. Cold water swimming has also been shown to boost dopamine levels and release endorphins. Even a five-minute dip can make a difference.
There are plenty of community groups you can join whilst you're here, or book in with Jayne's Coastal Adventures for an unforgettable journey around the stunning shoreline. Whether you're floating over a kelp forest thriving with marine life, or exploring the wonders of a Venus pool, there's something for everyone.
Alternatively, opt for a solo venture and simply soak in the sound of the waves. For a quick dip, we recommend heading to the bathing pools at La Vallette in St Peter Port. The pools have changing rooms, accessible ramps, and are close to plenty of restaurants.
Saunas
Follow your swim with a trip to one of our saunas. Sauna bathing allows for detoxification, improved cardiovascular health, stress reduction and more.
The Rock Box Sauna combines stunning west coast views with a Finnish-style experience. Housed in a converted vintage horsebox and heated by a traditional wood-fired stove, this is the perfect space to unwind with sea views.
On the east coast, Hot Haus Sauna (a traditional Nordic sauna) boasts views over Havelet Bay, across to Herm and Sark. Located right next to the Bathing Pools, dive between the sauna and the pools for maximum wellness benefits. Just make sure to book in advance so you don’t miss out.
Spas
With hot stone, deep tissue, aromatherapy and Swedish massages, as well as facials, pedicures and more, the spas on our Islands are the perfect place to unwind and refresh.
Many also feature jacuzzis, steam rooms and relaxation rooms, as well as swimming pools and gyms.
Discover some of the offerings on Island at the Old Government House Hotel, St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, and the Fermain Valley Hotel.
Book for a whole weekend of relaxation, a day pass, or one-off treatment.
Surfing
The calming effects of being near the ocean are well known, and so it's unsurprising that water sports, like surfing, have a therapeutic impact. In recent years, experts have even studied the mental benefits of surf therapy.
One 2019 study found that surf therapy reduces depression and anxiety, and leaves participants in an overall more positive mood. The theory is that tuning into your body, monitoring the wave patterns and being present in the moment all instil a sense of mindfulness, and support emotional regulation whilst easing tension and stress.
The Guernsey Surf School's qualified instructors at Vazon Bay can help you to learn the ropes. Alternatively, rent a wetsuit and board, and head out on your own to enjoy the sound of the waves.
Yoga
Yoga classes on Guernsey, Sark and Herm are popular with visitors and locals alike, with many taking place outdoors (including on the beach) during the summer months.
Most classes are announced as Facebook events, so keep an eye out during your trip - or visit the websites of local teachers such as Katie from Yoga Elements and Emma from BeInspired. You can also visit a local studio, such as All About Yoga or HAY Yoga, or hotels across the islands, for more classes taught by local teachers.
Sound Baths
A great alternative for anyone who struggles with traditional meditation, sound baths utilise resonant instruments like Tibetan singing bowls, chimes and gongs to help balance the mind, body and spirit.
Thought to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, they are often used for pain control, relaxation, improved sleep, stress reduction, and general well-being. The use of toning, over-toning and therapeutic percussive instruments also helps to resolve any trapped energy in the body.
There are various providers across our Islands, with events already lined up for the next few months. Look out for Katie & Nessi's Gentle Slow Flow & Soothing Voice Bath on 11th February 2026.
Star Bathing
A celestial version of forest bathing, star bathing is a wellness practice of immersing yourself in the night sky to find calm, reduce stress and reconnect with nature.
A 2024 study found that people with a greater connection to the night sky had better mental health and felt more positive. The sense of awe we experience when observing its magnitude is also linked to reduced inflammation, lower heart rate and increased oxytocin.
Research also suggests that less stimulating visuals, like the night sky, offer greater stress reduction compared to busier ones.
Sark Island is the ideal place for star bathing. In 2011, the Island was designated an International Dark Sky Community, the first in Europe, and the first Island globally, to be given such status. The low light pollution of Sark makes it an unbeatable location to take in the natural beauty of the night sky.
We hope to see you soon for your wellness getaway. Start planning your trip with our travel guides, and discover more wellness activities here.
