Vitamin Sea: 6 ways to get your feel-good fix
Here’s a new word for you:
Dwell-being.
I rather like it. I also love a pun. And this one gets me straight to the point here.
The point being, that down at Plymouth’s historic Royal William Yard, all that therapeutic sea air floating off the Sound seems to have stirred something of a wellbeing movement there – have you noticed it? Recently, this enclave of handsome Grade I listed buildings has elevated itself beyond the foodie hangout it was once best known for.
And isn’t that a great combo, when you think about it? While the cafes, restaurants and wine lounges we love are still very much there, now you can also consider a trip to the Yard as a bit of a destination for restoring calm, from head to toe.
Want in on a bit of wellness? Here’s 6 ways to make the most of it.
1/ Embr-r-r-race the chill (and then warm up again)
Love it, or balk at the idea of it, wild swimming is showing no signs of leaving our shores and the waters around here are supposed to be particularly enticing in the September sunshine.
There are several ways you can indulge in a little cold-water therapy; go solo and dip your toe in the local tidal pool at Devil’s Point; or if you’re keen to build up your confidence and develop a habit, you can plump for some open-sea swimming lessons with Ace Swimming, who offer professional coaching to get your stroke and safety knowledge up to speed.
Just the other day, I watched a group being coached into the water, all abilities and levels of confidence; they all emerged pretty exhilarated! I’m still not brave enough, but never say never…
If you’re more a fan of serene, millpond waters, then you can book in for a stand-up paddleboarding sesh with South West SUP, down at Firestone Bay (on my list to try). This little hub down by the Firestone Arch will get you standing or downward dogging and namaste-ing in no time, depending on your mood! Plus, it’s home to a cute little organic cafe for post-water treats. How nice does that sound?
Speaking of treats, you’re spoiled for choice on refuel options, to be honest, but my hands-down favourite will always be the mighty Hutong Bagel Co. for bagels and the best coffee, from a brilliant family team. You only have to see the buzz outside on a weekend and you know you’re on to a winner.
Sling on the Dryrobe and I’ll see you there.
2/ Rid yourself of knots & iron out the wrinkles
Prefer to go down the drier route? I hear you. Thankfully, the lovely Charlotte and her team at Enhance Wellness have you well and truly covered. Blissfully.
This fab little spa and clinic next to the lawn opened just before Boris heartbreakingly shut everything down back in 2020. They’ve gone from strength to strength, with a second outpost for skin and aesthetics treatments now in town. But it’s by the water that you can book from a menu of spoiling treatments, using organic, vegan lotions and potions from luxury Devon brand Lola’s Apothecary.
3/ Hair care
And of course, we can all identify with the therapeutic benefits a new bonce brings, can’t we? Across the lawn, we only have a salon with more accolades than you can shake a set of straighteners at.
Go YOKE the Salon! This sustainable, eco-friendly hair hub has been voted one of the top 50 salons in the UK and is run by a team of super-friendly, forward-thinking pro’s. So grab a magazine and get ready to swish those locks. You’re in safe hands.
4/ Nourish
All that fresh air is bound to bring on a case of the tummy rumbles. But it doesn’t have to be all burgers, triple-cooked fries, and indulgent chocolate treats (well, it can be – I’m looking at you Do Me a Favour, yum).
Get your Vietnamese fix at Pho (friendliest team ever, fact), or pull up a pew next to the harbour at Wagamama.
For a seafood fix, the indie Hook & Line offers a very tasty menu indeed, with the daily catch landed by their own fishing boats.
And, hold the front page, the latest all-day offering to throw open its doors is the super-fun, Miami-themed News Cafe. Dog-friendly, with weekly ‘Waggy Wednesday’ group walks to entice you in for cake, coffee and pup-cups afterwards, it’s an excellent addition to an already strong foodie line-up.
5/ Walk it off
If you prefer to get your fix of sea air on land and on two feet, don’t knock the benefits of walking, especially in these parts. You can join the South West Coast Path from here, taking in some stunning vistas.
The Plymouth Waterfront Walkway walking route is a 9.3 mile stretch, guiding you around the Royal William Yard and onwards to explore the city’s history and heritage.
Fancy something a little less strenuous? Nothing beats a coffee and a stroll through the Firestone Arch to perch on the rocks and spot Sammy the Seal.
6/Retail therapy and everything else … in moderation
Ok, a slight deviation from wellbeing in the truest sense, but for some of us (*cough*), being able to treat ourselves occasionally has its benefits. They call it retail therapy for a reason!
So, if you simply want a mooch then fill your boots, by popping in to see the lovely Denitsa at Identity Fashion. They treat everyone who comes through the door like a VIP here, which is fun. Plus, the clothes, accessories and homewares are real one-off statement pieces.
Next, I’d suggest a glass of bubbles over on the lawn at Le Vignoble, where Yannick and the team will happily pair your tastes with the right bottle and dish up a side of treats if you’re peckish.
Then, totter home and breathe a contented sigh, as you realise that all is right with the world once again. Cheers to that!
