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26th December 2020

TLSEA FOR THE SENSES

Why a dose of the coast is good for our physical and mental wellbeing

A rejuvenating blast of fresh salty air is a tonic for the mind and the ocean’s roar is music to the soul – there’s nothing more reviving than time spent on the coast.

From the Greek, thalassotherapy professes the healing and beneficial properties of the sea and the marine environment for your health and wellbeing. 

All of us, at some point, have experienced the therapeutic power of the ocean, whether that’s the rapturous feeling of riding a wave, the exhilaration of listening to spray crashing into rocks or the bliss of a gentle dip in glassy waters. 

Modern research now confirms what most of us already know instinctively: the sea is not only the ultimate playground. A study has shown that marine and coastal spots are by far the happiest locations, concluding that people who visit the coast regularly tend to experience better general and mental health. 

Sight

Sight

The mere sight of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promote wellness, increase blood flow to the brain and heart and induce relaxation. Being in its proximity also beckons activity, whether that’s a stroll along the shoreline, a jog across the beach, an invigorating swim or taking a different perspective of the land from water with stand-up paddle boarding. Not only vital for our health, we also experience a sense of achievement when we immerse ourselves in the elements. 

Sound

Sound

Letting the sound of the ocean wash over you alters wave patterns in our brains and lulls us into a meditative act that puts you in the moment. A US Naval study revealed that surfing leads to a decrease in insomnia and feelings of anxiety, and a decline in an overall negative view of life and other symptoms of depression

Touch

Touch

Hippocrates first used the term thalassotherapy to describe the healing effects of mineral-rich saltwater. He believed, before modern science confirmed, swimming in it could soothe and beautify skin, improve blood flow and boost the immune system. Contact with water can also induce a meditative state that makes us happier, healthier, calmer, more creative, and more capable of awe. Out of the water, the heat of the sun can make us feel at ease and sun exposure aids vitamin D photosynthesis, vital for our immune function. And finally, barefoot contact with the earth can produce nearly instant changes in a variety of physiological measures, helping improve sleep, reduce pain, decrease muscle tension and lower stress.

Smell

Smell

We are all familiar with the joy of that first scent of the ocean breeze as we arrive at the coast after spending our time inland. It's now known that sea air is charged with healthy negative ions which accelerate our ability to absorb oxygen and contribute to a soothed state. Perhaps the Victorians were right to ‘take the sea air’ to promote good health and wellbeing!

Taste

Taste

Well, who doesn’t love a clotted cream ice cream or pasty on the beach?! 

Spa breaks from £190

Escape to the coast for some TLSea in 2021 with overnight midweek spa breaks including your choice of 60-minute treatments, three-course dinner, breakfast, fitness and wellbeing classes and of course, a night’s stay in a luxurious room. Or stay a little longer for our Reset & Revive break and unwind even further.

SPA BREAKS