Wellbeing Without the Woo-Woo: Why You Don’t Need a Pricey Retreat to Feel Good
Let’s talk about wellness retreats. You know the ones—set in picture-perfect locations, priced like a small car, and offering a week of detox juices, early morning yoga, and absolutely no wine. They promise transformation, balance, and glowing skin, but often what they really deliver is a lighter bank account, a caffeine withdrawal headache, and a desperate craving for carbs.
Don’t get us wrong—there’s nothing bad about taking time for yourself. But somewhere along the way, wellbeing became a luxury brand, sold in organic cotton tote bags and packaged with Himalayan salt lamps. Truth is, you don’t need to spend a fortune or go cold turkey on chocolate just to feel good. Real wellbeing? It’s much more down to earth.
It’s about moving your body in a way that makes you feel alive—whether that's a long coastal hike, a cold sea swim, or just dancing like no one’s watching with your mates in the kitchen. It’s about laughing with friends over a home-cooked meal, sharing food you actually enjoy (yes, that includes carbs) and maybe raising a glass of wine to toast the moment. That kind of joy? It’s not exclusive, it’s not expensive and it’s a lot more fun.
Beauty, Buzz, and Brilliant Budget Stays
Nestled in North Devon, right on the edge of Exmoor National Park, Ilfracombe is one of those places that allows you to stop and breathe. Dramatic cliffs, turquoise seas, winding coastal paths—it’s an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a reason. Beyond the stunning views, Ilfracombe is full of life and creativity, with independent shops, galleries, a bustling harbour, and some truly excellent places to eat (and yes, drink). What’s more, you don’t need a five-star spa retreat to experience it.
Ocean backpackers is a gem of a self-catering hostel right in the harbour area that gives you everything you need for a proper wellbeing break—without the hefty price tag. With great communal cooking facilities, you and your friends can whip up your favourite dishes together and share stories over dinner as the sun sets over the water.
The Freedom of Self-Catering
What makes self-catering special is the freedom it offers. You choose what you eat, when you eat, and who you share it with. You’re not restricted to green smoothies and bland quinoa bowls. You can pack a picnic for a cliff-top walk, grab fish and chips on the harbour wall, or cook a feast with local produce from nearby farm shops.
This kind of place is for real people, doing real life, in a beautiful setting. Whether you’re hiking the Southwest Coast Path, exploring rock pools, taking a dip at Tunnels Beaches, or just enjoying the sound of seagulls and clinking glasses.
So, What Is Wellbeing?
It’s not always silent meditation or kale smoothies. Sometimes, it’s belly laughs, sandy toes, messy hair, and full hearts. It’s a weekend with your favourite people, cooking together, exploring somewhere beautiful, and remembering how good it feels just to be.
So, skip the expensive retreat. Head to Ilfracombe, gather your people, book a stay at Ocean Backpackers Independent self-catering hostel, and do wellbeing your way—with joy, movement, real food, and maybe even a cheeky glass of wine.
We have teamed up with Solonda Pilates Studio to create affordable wellbeing breaks for everyone. We are offering a choice of 3, two-night packages from £95pp including self-catering accommodation and 2 hours of Pilates, stretching & mediation, and/or yoga, line dancing or a surf lesson.
We are also offering great discounts on additional sporting and creative activities to enhance your trip, so there is something for everyone.
