This Blissful Seaside Sauna Makes Lyme Regis a Must-Visit Winter Escape
In an increasingly digital world, many of us are now seeking holidays where we can truly switch off, especially in the winter months following the busy festive period.
Searches for wellness holidays have been steadily on the rise since 2021, with December 2025 hitting a five-year peak, fuelled by holidaymakers planning for 2026.
For those looking for a winter escape to boost their wellbeing, Gemma Matthews, owner of Dorset & Devon Holiday Cottages, suggests what makes Lyme Regis on the West Dorset coast one of the UK’s best hidden gems for a winter wellness break.
A chance to reconnect with nature
One of the easiest ways to clear your mind and aid relaxation is to do some gentle exercise in the fresh air, taking in all of the sights nature has to offer.
Gemma says, “Lyme Regis is fantastic for coastal walks, with its beaches, harbour wall (also known as The Cobb) and cliff top routes giving plenty of opportunity to take in the seaside views.
During the winter months, the sea is often very choppy and dramatic, with the low-lying sun and early sunsets creating a perfect backdrop for watching the waves, giving visitors a chance to reconnect with one of nature’s most impressive displays.
Lyme Regis is also a great base for walkers wishing to explore slightly further afield on the coast, being close to both Seatown’s Golden Cap walk, which takes you up the highest point on England’s South Coast, and the Branscombe to Beer walk, a 6km trail taking in countryside views and local historical landmarks.”
Experience a sauna with a twist
Whilst relaxing spa treatments are common in wellness holidays, Lyme Regis offers visitors the chance to take these to the next level.
“If you’re looking for a sauna experience with a twist, the Shoreline Sauna in Lyme Regis is it,” says Gemma.
“This blissful handcrafted sauna is located on the town’s sandy beach and offers incredible sea and harbour views. For those feeling brave, you can even choose to take a cold plunge in the sea after warming yourself in the sauna, to amplify the benefits of cold immersion therapy!
Winter sessions offer a truly unique experience; there’s something so invigorating about sitting in a hot sauna during frosty or stormy weather, listening to the waves and wind. You can also book special ritual experiences, all year round – the full moon sauna, where you combine a communal sauna experience with moonlit dips in the sea, is magical.”
Try a new craft
If you need something a bit more hands-on to help you switch off, the seaside town also has this covered.
Gemma explains, “If you’re looking for a way to focus on something other than your screentime, the Lyme Regis museum hosts various art workshops like botanical drawing and lino printing, which are a perfect distraction from endless scrolling, as well as a great chance to try something new. These activities often take time to get to the end result, making you slow down and appreciate the process.
Being able to tap into your creativity can really help to clear the mind and help you feel relaxed. You’ll also come away with art that you made yourself, which brings a lovely sense of accomplishment.”
“It’s quieter here in the winter months, but that’s ideal and just what you need for a serene and tranquil wellness-focused escape!” says Gemma, “Whilst the chance of stormy weather may put some people off, it often brings a breathtaking atmosphere to these months that really complements the idea of reconnecting with nature and truly switching off.”
Looking for curated ideas and inspiration? Discover more at Ravish Magazine, your Ravish lifestyle magazine.
