Plan an escape from the hustle and bustle. Of course you could just head for the quiet beaches in West Wight, enjoy scenic walks on the clifftop and stay in a B&B on a remote farm, but the Island has plenty to offer besides. Why not book a relaxing session at the Yoga and Pilates Room in Ryde (01983 406429) or a massage or beauty treatment at the Red House Spa in Newport (01983 822291)? Or take it a step further and theme your whole break around “getting away
from it all”.

At The Grange By The Sea, an elegant Georgian building in a secluded setting close to Shanklin Old Village, there’s a chance for a little personal development and self-improvement. Life coaching, creative writing and yoga breaks are available, alongside wellbeing treatments such as Indian head massage, reiki and reflexology. Stay in serene rooms, dotted with vibrant, modern paintings and classical sculptures, enjoying sea or down views. Wind down pre- or post-class on the heated terrace or in the lush garden full of birdsong.

At Melville Hall Hotel, Sandown, you can enjoy supreme pampering at the Utopia Spa. The hotel caters for Spa Breaks and Day Experiences or a wide range of individual treatments, from Hot Stone Therapy to Hopi Ear Candling and Chocolate Body Wraps to facials for men. There is also a solarium, indoor pool, sauna, infra-red cabin and jacuzzi, plus a Spa Menu offering light snacks and healthy drinks. For those on short breaks, the hotel offers first-class accommodation—some rooms have spa baths or four-poster beds, and there are views of Brading Downs and fabulous food at Summerhill Restaurant.

Originally built as a home for one of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, Bourne Hall Country House retains its sense of history while providing modern, country house-style accommodation. Set in three acres of landscaped gardens close to Shanklin Old Village, the hotel is for adults only—no children under 16 are allowed—so the spacious rooms, heated pools, jacuzzi, sauna, beauty room and sun terrace looking towards the bay are all blissfully quiet. A holistic health suite offers a wide range of therapies, including aromatherapy massage and reiki.

Relaxation is top priority at multi award-winning Foxhills of Shanklin. Set away from the main road, backed by dappled woodland, the hotel combines Victorian elegance with state-of-the-art facilities. Luxuriate in the whirlpool spa, sip a cocktail in the elegant lounge, book a facial with the in-house therapist or let the hotel arrange a time for you to try your hand at golf, horse-riding or even flying. Then you really will get away from it all! SOLANGE HANDO

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