The location of Queen Victoria's holiday home, and the playground of those seeking health and leisure since the 19th-century, discover what gives the Isle of Wight its enduring appeal.
Just off the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is an opportunity to escape to the seaside and a destination that feels like another world, whilst still only being two hours from London by ferry (or hovercraft). Popular for its beaches, seafront promenades, vintage beach huts, and impressive natural landscapes, it's been a favourite holiday hotspot of some of the greatest tastemakers of all time (Alfred Lord Tennyson, Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll, and Jane Austen amongst them). Here's a little taste of what you can see and do on a holiday spa break on the Isle of Wight.
The beaches on the Isle of Wight are amongst the top ways to spend time during your visit, whether you fancy swimming, sunbathing, surfing, walking, or building sandcastles. Explore coves and rock pools, from the golden sands of Shanklin to the drama of Compton Beach, and the white chalk cliffs of Freshwater. The Isle of Wight is only 22.5 miles long and there's almost always a beach within easy reach.
The Isle of Wight's landscape is truly special, and The Needles are amongst its most iconic sites. Some of the most photographed rocks in the world, The Needles form a row of three distinct chalk stacks, shaped like slim columns near Alum Bay. At the end is The Needles Lighthouse, which can be seen from up to 14 miles away at sea and makes a distinct foghorn sound in poor visibility.
The former holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Osborne House in East Cowes is now an English Heritage property where you can enjoy its exquisite architecture, magnificent gardens, and collection of art and impressive interiors. Designed by the Prince, the house is in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo; it's also where the Queen died in 1901. There's space to eat and plenty of activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy, whilst discovering and learning in the process.
The Isle of Wight is now recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and in particular boasts some of the darkest skies in the UK, making it ideal for stargazing. Visit Isle of Wight has marked out some of the best places to spot and see The Milky Way, Cassiopeia, Orion, and the Plough, or even spot a meteor shower!
Amongst its many hidden treasures and historic adventures, the Isle of Wight is a popular destination for fossil hunting, with lots of dinosaur bones and fossils having been discovered here over the years. Now, you can try your hand finding them for yourself on guided fossil finds that are perfect for the whole family, with the Dinosaur Isle Museum.
The Isle of Wight is calm, beautiful, and offers something for everyone, whether it's a wholesome holiday for the family, a romantic getaway, or a restorative trip for yourself. For those on a spa break, spa experiences are a beautiful opportunity to add an extra layer of relaxation to your stay. Alternatively, if you stay in one of the spa hotels in nearby Hampshire, you can include a day trip to the Isle of Wight via one of the regular ferries. Here are some of our favourite spa hotels on and around the Isle of Wight.
An adult-only Isle of Wight escape, Bembridge Coast is part of the Warner Group of hotels, inviting you to enjoy a welcoming retreat with views of the Solent and the hotel's Spanish garden. The Market Kitchen is a relaxed and popular foodie destination, and the adult-only spa offers pampering and leisure. There's also a wealth of activities available, from boules to a cinema room, or a simple stroll in the grounds.
Crackling fires in original fireplaces, afternoon teas, cosy snug zones, and a cinema room create an atmosphere of relaxation the moment you step into this historic manor house. However, it’s the breathtaking views of the New Forest that truly instil a deep sense of tranquillity. These views carry through to the family-friendly spa, which boasts a hot tub overlooking the forest and an indoor pool with garden vistas. With an array of treatments including massages, wraps, scrubs, and facials, the spa café and relaxation terrace complete the experience, making it the ideal retreat.
With its proximity to both the coast and the New Forest, there is something for everyone with this hotel as your base. However, with its cosy interiors, landscaped gardens and a stunning swimming pool and sun terrace, there are lots of reasons not to leave! At the Elemis Spa, Vital Health & Wellbeing Club, you can choose to be active in the gym or on the golf club and tennis courts, but just as lovely is relaxing in a steam room before heading for a luxurious spa treatment.
A luxury manor house hotel built in 1707, Quob Park is a stylish, boutique hotel offering heritage and high class hospitality. A stay here is all about rest, romance and relaxation, complete with an immaculate, modern spa and food prepared by Michelin-trained chefs. It's also just a five-minute drive from the 180-acre Quob Park estate, where guests can book additional experiences such as wine tastings and tours of their very own vineyard.
Grown up getaways are so much fun and relaxing too – especially when you have an award-winning spa with five star facilities on your doorstep. SenSpa is an authentic Thai spa with extensive hydrotherapy facilities aimed at helping you reach a deep state of relaxation. There are 18 treatment rooms here, so groups can enjoy a luxury spa therapy at the same time and with such highly trained therapists, it’s sure to be a holistic experience to remember.
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