Words by Jamie Crocker
Retreat to a place that is the epitome of comfort, where the tensions of everyday living are eased away.
A short distance from the wide crescent of Gyllyngvase Beach, St Michaels Resort is a place that not only offers luxurious accommodation and fine dining but extends a warm welcome to those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. For 2025, they have expanded their Wellness Breaks, a series of transformative activities designed to inspire and uplift.
With its subtropical gardens, luxury spa facilities and a restaurant championing Cornwall’s freshest ingredients, this is a destination where the line between indulgence and well-being blurs. For 2025, the resort has elevated its offering with expert-led Wellness Breaks, designed to inspire transformation and connection to self, nature and the sea. Whether you’re yearning for wild swimming in the bracing Atlantic, seeking the serenity of yoga, or craving the strength-enhancing properties of paddleboarding, these breaks cater to all paths of personal growth. Pour in the allure of St Michaels’ newly unveiled Spa Garden Lodges, complimentary e-bike and paddleboard hire for guests, and you have the ultimate coastal escape.
The journey begins with the setting. Overlooking Falmouth Bay, St Michaels blends Mediterranean influences whilst acknowledging its Cornish coastal position. Palm trees frame sweeping sea views whilst the cadence of the waves is ever-present. This near-perfect environment sets the tone for the resort’s Wellness Breaks, which span a diverse array of pursuits, from invigorating physical challenges to deeply restorative practices.
The Wild Swimming Retreat led by Salim Ahmed, founder of Swimlab, is a must for those who are looking for a body reset. Salim’s innovative approach to swimming focuses on body alignment, efficiency and a profound connection to water. Guests are guided through open-water sessions in the bay’s sheltered waters, where the invigorating chill of the sea sharpens the senses. Salim’s philosophy? Swimming is not just a skill; it’s a meditative experience that can transform both body and mind. His retreats empower participants to move gracefully through the water, leaving them equipped for a lifelong relationship with the ocean.
For those drawn to introspection and resilience, the Wim Hof Method Retreat promises a journey into the extraordinary. Hosted by Cat Paterson, a certified Wim Hof Method instructor and hypnotherapist, this retreat combines breathwork, mindfulness and cold exposure to awaken dormant potential. The benefits – ranging from enhanced immunity to mental clarity – are tangible, but it’s the emotional breakthroughs many participants report that make Cat’s sessions truly special. Just imagine immersing yourself in the sea guided by techniques that turn discomfort into empowerment.
For those seeking to strengthen their core, the resort’s paddleboarding experiences led by Brendon Prince are unmissable. Brendon, who holds the world record for the longest paddleboard journey, brings an infectious passion to his classes. Beginners will find confidence in mastering the basics, while seasoned paddlers can explore hidden coves and the scenic beauty of the Helford and Fal estuaries. “Falmouth is one of the best places for SUP in Britain,” Brendon remarks, “with a blend of calm waters and stunning vistas.”
Balance the thrill of the paddleboard with the calm of yoga, courtesy of instructors Bex and Ruth. Bex’s sessions, rooted in multi-style yoga and mindfulness, harmonise body and mind, while Ruth’s restorative classes – including Yoga Nidra and her tailored Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs course – cater to those seeking healing and renewal. Together, these experts ensure that every guest finds a practice that resonates.
The resort’s dedication to wellness extends to what it provides in terms of accommodation, particularly the Spa Garden Lodges – private, beach-chic sanctuaries that redefine coastal luxury. Situated below the main hotel, these lodges offer a welcome escape with direct access to the resort’s spa. Designed with soothing neutral tones, soft textures and a minimalist style, they’re an invitation to unplug and recharge.
Each lodge features a private terrace with an outdoor copper bathtub, ideal for soaking under the stars, and an al fresco shower for rinsing off after a morning sea swim. Inside, a spacious open-plan layout includes a sumptuous king bed dressed in Egyptian cotton, a sink-into sofa that doubles as a family-friendly sleeper, and thoughtful touches like a stocked minibar featuring local delights. For larger groups, interconnecting gates allow families or friends to share the space while maintaining privacy.
Guests of the lodges enjoy unlimited access to the Hydrothermal Experience, which includes the largest hydrothermal pool in the south west, a barrel sauna with ocean views along with a blissful hot tub. It’s a world designed to nurture body and soul.
For those who prefer to chart their own course, St Michaels offers a wealth of options to create a bespoke wellness escape. Start the day with a sunrise yoga class overlooking the bay, followed by a cold-water dip at Gylly Beach. Borrow an e-bike for an afternoon ride along the coast, then wind down in the spa garden, where agapanthus and echiums sway in the breeze. End the day with a gourmet meal at the restaurant, and perhaps a moonlit soak in your copper bathtub.
Dining is another highlight of the St Michaels experience. The award-winning Brasserie on the Bay celebrates local, sustainable ingredients with a menu that evolves with the seasons. From freshly caught seafood to vibrant vegetarian dishes, each plate is a nod to Cornwall’s rich culinary heritage. For lighter fare, the Garden Kitchen offers relaxed dining, perfect for a post-yoga smoothie or a quick bite between spa sessions.
It’s this blend of guided expertise and personal freedom that sets St Michaels apart. Whether you come seeking transformation, relaxation, or simply a change of pace, the resort provides the tools and the setting to make it happen.
As 2025 approaches, St Michaels Resort invites guests to embrace the promise of renewal. With its expertly curated Wellness Breaks, state-of-the-art facilities, and a team of passionate instructors, the resort offers more than a holiday – it offers a chance to reconnect with what truly matters.
