Island paradise

Isle of plenty

How can we escape to a white sand and turquoise water paradise without venturing too far? The answer: Tresco - an idyllic island sitting in a picture-perfect spot in the Isles of Scilly archipelago. Elysia Fryer finds bliss on the island...

Hit the road, hop on a plane and set sail from St Mary’s Harbour and you’re well on your way to island paradise. You’ll travel land, air and sea to reach Tresco, but you’ll feel worlds away from the everyday without leaving the home country. The island dubs itself ‘somewhere else altogether’ - and there’s honestly no better way to describe it. We’re escaping for an autumn break - and although a sun-soaked stay is what springs to mind when you think of a Scilly staycation - the dramatic beauty that comes with the cooler months is quite remarkable. Calm, glittering waters quickly turn to crashing waves. Subtropical gardens switch to all kinds of orange. And the warmth of Tresco hospitality pulls you in for a big hug. There’s something incredibly comforting about an away-from-it-all stay on the island, particularly as the dark nights set in. Tresco is a place where you can instantly feel at one with nature. Stand anywhere on the island and it surrounds and embraces you. Think salty gales, peaceful seashores and wild, winter landscapes. The sun is beating down on us as we hop off our Skybus at St Mary’s. A short, 20-minute journey from Land’s End Airport, across the Cornish coast to the Isles of Scilly. A shuttle collects us from the arrivals lounge, guiding us to our hair-blowing-in-the-wind speedboat trip across the water. That first island approach is something very special. On first view, you don’t know where to look. Beaches, rolling countryside, quaint cottages, wildlife, fishermen - it’s bold, bright and buzzy, but it’s oh-so peaceful. It’s a whole new world. It’s like nowhere we’ve been before - and to think we’re still in the UK is just even more remarkable. Smiling faces greet us as we step foot on the island, and we’re whisked away to our humble abode by golf buggy. Whether it’s a cute cottage, a cosy room at the inn, or an apartment with a view, there’s something for everyone. Our home from home is a traditional Scillonian cottage overlooking New Grimsby Quay. Boasting sea views to the right and lush, leafy views to the left, we’ve got the best of both worlds. Tresco Island in all its beauty. Log burner lit, welcome hamper open, we’re ready to explore what this enchanting island has to offer. Just a short stroll towards Appletree Bay brings us to the famous Abbey Garden - home to some of the most unique natural beauty in the UK. Featuring exotic plants from across the globe, this foreverblossoming sanctuary is full of life all year round - and it’s refreshing to see as our usual

Tresco is a place where you can instantly feel at one with nature. Stand anywhere on the island and it surrounds and embraces you. Think salty gales, peaceful seashores and wild, winter landscapes

landscape starts to wind down for winter. This always lush oasis is lapped by towering palms and sits within the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey. Today, the Abbey Garden is home to plants from across Mediterranean climate zones - once again, the perfect way to get that far-away feel without leaving the UK. You’ll find everything from King Protea and Lobster Claw, to Echium, Furcraea and Pelargonium. We’re visiting in autumn, so the garden is abundant with reds, golds and ambers. As winter sets in, this is one of the only gardens in the UK that continues to flourish with more than 300 species of plant in flower. Other ways to explore the island include island hopping boat trips, wildlife tours, fishing excursions, boat hire, watersports, gig rowing and snorkeling with seals over at neighbouring island, St Martin’s. On land adventures include tennis, golf, horse riding, bird watching and the chance to explore the island on four wheels. Gallery Tresco is the perfect rainy day activity. Sitting in a serene spot on the New Grimsby waterfront, it is home to the work of many leading artists, ceramicists and jewellers that have been inspired by the beauty of the island. The Tresco Island Spa is a sanctuary within a sanctuary. If the island itself isn’t peaceful enough, this place gives you the space to truly switch off and enjoy a bit of ‘me time’. Complementing Tresco’s natural tonic, it’s the ultimate spot to indulge in a treatment or two, to get the endorphins flowing in the gym, take a plunge in the pool or drift off in the jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. ila is the product range of choice at the spa; a brand centred around the power of nature - an ethos it undoubtedly shares with the island. ila’s natural healing energy, paired with Tresco’s wild landscape, is the perfect recipe for those searching for a peaceful place to relax, unwind and recover. Finding space comes in earnest on Tresco.

Whether it’s a dip in the clear waters, a sand-between-the-toes stroll along the beach, or a moment of calm in the Abbey Garden, the island comes with its very own natural wellness experience. For guests looking for something to help them relax and refocus, the island’s yogi, Gem Hansen, is on hand for slow flow sessions and restorative classes. Tresco’s gentle and quiet charm makes it the perfect place for practicing yoga. “It’s slow-paced energy, unspoilt beauty and the absolute escapism of a private island, makes it the perfect place for guests to recharge and renew,” Gem tells me. “The air clarity on Scilly is exceptional. Nourished by the sea air, you will breathe better and sleep soundly, too. “Subtle silence also brings a sense of escape - no traffic, no street lights, no light pollution - the magic of starry skies and awaking to birdsong. This unrivalled scenic beauty creates something of a unique experience.”

Gem also hosts regular yoga and wellbeing breaks, inviting guests to get to know the island in a completely different light. Other retreats include musical masterclasses, nature breaks, open water swimming stays, fitness trips, writing retreats, photography workshops and painting breaks. Plenty of opportunity to get creative, stay active and try something new in an effortlessly still, good-for-the-soul environment. Tresco’s food scene is also something worth celebrating. Island restaurants include The Flying Boat - a Scillonian seafood favourite in a prime position with views across New Grimsby Harbour; Ruin Beach Café - a rustic, two AA Rosette restaurant blurring the lines between Mediterranean dining and Tresco’s laid back vibe; The New Inn - a cosy island inn serving gourmet favourites with a seasonal twist; and the Garden Cafe - a quiet spot for tea and cake after exploring the Abbey Garden. Hop in a boat and venture a little further

and you’ll find The Crab Shack on Bryher - a ‘catch of the day’ kind of place overlooking the wave-wracked western shores of the tiny, rugged island. St Mary’s is home to many fine foodie spots including Dibble & Grub - serving tapas, salads, pittas and paninis, all inspired by the flavours of the Med. Tresco’s heart-stoppingly beautiful charm is evident in everything from its natural landscape to its refined restaurants. Throw in a blissful spa, happy, smiling faces, a subtropical garden and adventures aplenty - and there’s something for everyone when looking for a staycation that, to put it simply, has it all. From winter blooms and salty, sea-slinging storms, to rugged beaches and the finest, fresh seafood, the list is endless when it comes to embracing the wonders of winter on Tresco. Plan ahead for an early 2021 Tresco trip of a lifetime. tresco.co.uk