Health and Wellbeing Breaks in Dorset

Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and restore your inner-harmony on a wellness break to Dorset.

With such busy lives, it is sometimes difficult to find the time to relax and unwind. But for our own health and wellbeing, we should all make space in our schedules for a bit of peace and tranquillity.

What could be better than a short break or holiday to beautiful Dorset? Blessed with both countryside and coast, it’s the perfect retreat where you can recharge your batteries, de-stress and get away from the daily grind.

Feel rejuvenated in Dorset

If you're in need of a pamper day or spa break, choose from our selection of exclusive hotels and day spas. Take a dip in the pool, relax in the hot tub, steam room or sauna, and for the ultimate treat, book a massage, facial or manicure and feel 10 years younger.

You could even book an indulgent afternoon tea or pop a bottle of fizz for a truly decadent day to remember. Go on, have some well deserved 'you time'.

In the heart of Poundbury within the Royal Pavilion you will find a sanctuary like no other. The Monart Spa Poundbury is Dorset’s luxury day spa that really needs to be seen to be believed. This multi-million pound luxury spa offers the very best in pampering and relaxation with some of the very finest facilities to enjoy. With half and full day packages available and a selection of wonderful light bites and drinks from the very best local producers, you're sure to leave feeling nurtured and rejuvenated.

Enjoy a pamper day or short break at Summer Lodge Country House Hotel and Spa. Have a swim in their indoor heated pool or unwind in the jacuzzi and sauna. Their spa treatment menu is designed for both men and women (including pregnancy treatments), and their spa packages are for half or full days, including twilight sessions.

Book a pamper break at George Albert Hotel and Spa and enjoy use of the Spa's jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. You could also book a treatment with the team from Arcadia Spa who offer a variety of beauty therapies for men and women including maternity treatments.

The Burlington Health Spa and Fitness Club at the Grand Hotel, offers heated indoor pool, spa bath, sauna and extensive gymnasium, together with a range of therapies on offer to suit all. Located in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, the Grand Hotel has stunning views across Swanage Bay and has direct access from the gardens to the private beach.

Inhale, breathe deep and relax

Find your inner yogini and book onto a yoga retreat.

As well as calming your mind, yoga can also boost your energy levels and you’ll learn tips to take back home or to work to maintain your zen.

Enjoy taking daily yoga classes and workshops, which might be outside or on the beach. Eat delicious and nutritious food – good for the body and the soul. And relax in tranquil surroundings, where you will feel re-balanced and uplifted.

This will be a true digital detox where you can unplug from the grid. So put your phone on silent, turn off your laptop and tune into the sounds of nature.

Practice mindfulness in Dorset

Our lives today are full of worrying about what happened yesterday or being anxious about what might happen tomorrow.

Imagine if you could clear your mind and just be in the present moment. That is what the art of Mindfulness is all about. Taking in your surroundings, tapping into your 5 senses and enjoying being in the now.

You can join a Mindfulness Walk at Durlston Country Park. Learn some simple relaxation techniques and enjoy the beauty of this National Nature Reserve.

On Brownsea Island you can go on your own forest bathing adventure at the far end of the island. This free, self-guided trail allows you to lie back in the forest and gaze up at the trees, as well as learning about nature and wildlife along the way.

Set yourself a challenge

Are you in training for a triathlon or IronMan? Need to get in the miles before the big event? How about tackling some of Dorset’s steep hills and rugged coastline to not only get fit but enjoy a gorgeous view at the same time. Or perhaps you need a few training events to test your metal. Take a look at our sporting events and sign up today.

Ever thought about walking all 630 miles of the South West Coast Path. It’s perfectly possible with lots of ideas and itineraries, so you can plan it yourself or get help from our expert guides. Get your walking boots on and scale the highest point along the south coast, Golden Cap. We promise when you get to the top it will be worth all the effort.

Dorset's seaside saunas

If you'd like to try out the new trend of sea swimming or cold water bathing, but are anxious about how cold the water will be, why not combine a dip in the sea with a sauna afterwards?

There are seafront saunas all along the Dorset coast now, offering private bookings as well as communal sessions where you'll get chatting with like minded people. The saunas are popular all year round, but particularly in the colder months when the benefit of the heat is felt even more.

  • Lyme Regis Beach - Shoreline Sauna
  • Seatown Beach - Seaside Sauna Haus
  • West Bay - The Bayside Sauna
  • Portland - The Island Sauna
  • Weymouth - Revive Wild Sauna
  • Studland Bay - Studland Beach Sauna run by Studland Watersports
  • Sandbanks Beach - Saltwater Sauna
  • Avon Beach - Saltwater Sauna

Get healthy, get fit in Dorset

If walking or cycling is your way of relaxing, you’ll be pleased to know that Dorset has plenty of options. From rolling hills and quiet lanes to sandy beaches and riverside rambles.

Whether you are looking for a scenic stroll or a hilltop hike, our walking guides will show you the way and tell you about local history and wildlife. Plus if you need it, they will help with planning your accommodation and transport. Go on, book a walking break today.

And don’t forget there are leisure centres dotted all over Dorset, so you can always go for a swim, take an exercise class or hit the gym.

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Cycling Breaks

Join an organised tour or discover Dorset your own way as you pedal around our beautiful county.

Reconnect With Nature

Visit one of Dorset’s fantastic nature reserves, find out which one is near you.

What does your Dorset look like? Adventures on our epic coastline? Visiting attractions with family? A walk through the beautiful countryside? Or perhaps a chilled out evening eating and drinking with friends? Discover a sample of your #VisitDorset images below and share your love for Dorset using the hashtag on Instagram.