The Isle of Wight has been a destination for wellbeing since the Victorian era. People would flock to the Island to enjoy the temperate microclimate to help combat a variety of ailments. Ventnor, on the south side of the Isle of Wight, even had a hospital dedicated to consumption. Now the Island is a hot spot for Yoga retreats and wellbeing getaways.
Awakening Festival at Northwood House 24 – 25 September
An exciting addition to the Isle of Wight festival calendar. The Awakening Festival of Wellbeing, Self-Care and Connection comes to Northwood House in Cowes this September. Take a break for a weekend of wellbeing and reconnection, and allow breathing space just for you, away from your everyday routines and responsibilities.
Take part in wellbeing workshops, yoga, dance, join in talks and spark discussions, take a guided meditation and get back to nature and your roots. Get set for the Glitter Party and don your sequins. Enjoy an evening of yoga rave, live comedy empowerment performance, a mass wellbeing karaoke experience and a soulful silent disco.
Tickets are available for just a day or the entire weekend, and various packages are available too through the Awakening Festival’s website.
Wellbeing Vibe at Ventnor Botanic Garden 3 – 5 June
You may remember this as Yoga Vibe, but 2022 sees this popular event transform into a full weekend of activities. Wellbeing Vibe encompasses the eclectic mix of wellbeing sessions on offer, from yoga, tai chi, qigong, dance and music to breath-work, singing and meditation classes over the weekend of 3 – 5 June.
There will be a selection of stalls with produce straight from the Ventnor Botanic Garden alongside a range of naturally produced wellbeing products for purchase over the weekend.
It is a celebration of what you choose to practise and a chance to try new things too. Wellbeing Vibe is open to the public and is a ticketed event. Tickets include free parking, access to the garden, as well as the many classes on offer. The full schedule will be available on Ventnor Botanic Garden’s website.
The Garden’s chef will be creating a delicious selection of healthy foods and juices with plenty of options for vegan, vegetarian, and meat-eaters, from breakfast to lunch and through to dinner.
Whether you’re an experienced Yogi, someone who occasionally practices or brand new, there will be something for all abilities and levels.
Nettlecombe Farm
Tucked away in the village of Whitwell, among the rolling fields, is Nettlecombe Farm. An award-winning self-catering holiday destination, it also offers some of the best wellbeing experiences on the Isle of Wight.
Those staying at the farm alongside residents and holiday makers from further afield are welcome to join the daily yoga classes on offer (some are by pre-book only, so visit their website).
Nettlecombe also runs various yoga retreats throughout the year; it’s best to keep an eye on their website for the next one. As the farm is set within miles of open countryside, what’s better for your well-being than a stroll through nature? Wander through woodland and trek through acres of farmland (using designated footpaths, of course). As you head back into the village of Whitwell, there is a local pub to refuel at, plus three more in the neighbouring village of Niton.
