Unlock the secrets to feeling your best

The myriad of therapeutic benefits of spending time by the sea have been widely known for centuries and recent scientific research has provided further evidence of its positive impact on our mental as well as physical health. In fact, it’s now understood that ‘blue spaces’ — the sea and coastline, as well as lakes and rivers — deliver an even greater boost to our health and happiness than ‘green spaces.’ So go forest bathing if you want to but for the ultimate dose of wellbeing, it’s time to dive into a restorative break by the sea.

Proximity to water – especially the sea – is associated with many cheeringly positive measures of physical and mental wellness. The biggest boosts include the fact it induces a positive mood and reduces negative thinking and our stress levels, calming our stress response (the ‘fight or flight’ reaction associated with high levels of stress and anxiety). Seaside air is also generally less polluted and this plus greater exposure to more sunlight delivers physical ‘feel good’ sensations along with healthy doses of Vitamin D. And there’s no denying that being by the water makes most of us more physically active whether we’re tempted to enjoy water sports or walk and cycle along the coast. 

Regardless of your age and fitness, water has a psychologically restorative effect and it seems the associations of being beside the seaside — happy childhood or more grown up memories — and the joy of carefree fun in the sun with friends and family are a potent part of the mix. 

Of all the many compelling options for seaside escapes in the UK, Luxury Lodges’ Dylan Coastal Resort, situated on a luscious stretch of sand in Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, has unique charms for those looking to boost their sense of wellness, as well as mess about in the water.

The resort features beautiful luxury holiday lodges for sale or rent and is also home to the celebrated Milk Wood Spa, which offers some of the best spa facilities in South Wales.  

Both guests of the Lodges and owners of the Residences are invited to make use of the heated outdoor hydrotherapy infinity pool which has panoramic views of the vast Taf Estuary,  the large indoor pool, themed showers, a Herbal steam room, Tepidarium, and a Mezzanine relaxation zone — the perfect spot to wind down after a session in the state-of-the-art Technogym.

Milk Wood Spa has partnered with esteemed spa and beauty brand, isgha, which uses natural, sea-inspired products for results-driven treatments, including a 60-minute ishga Invigorating Massage that uses special detoxifying seaweed body oil, a 60-minute ishga Seaweed Body Wrap that uses a nourishing seaweed gel and powerful Hebridean sea salt and oil scrub, and the signature 120-minute ishga Top to Toe ritual. A range of luxury hand and foot treatments are also available. 

Dylan Coastal Resort has also teamed up with qualified yoga instructor and specialist wellness coordinator, Paulina Ostrowskato, to offer a series of yoga and meditation classes in Milk Wood Spa’s newly renovated Studio 72. Restorative yoga and meditation sessions are available five days a week from 9am-4pm, and those seeking an extra special yoga experience can opt for a candlelight yoga session (4pm - 6pm), which promises a journey to a complete state of zen.