Take the Plunge: Swim wild in Scotland with Marine Troon’s new Wellness Weekends

I’m standing barefoot on a beach, sleet hitting my legs as I clutch my Dryrobe tightly. It’s 8am on a dark November morning and Storm Bert whips around me, coaxing waves into foaming horses which race towards the sandy shore. I brace to disrobe for a swim — my bikini scant respite from the storm. A long-time advocate for outdoor activities and the importance of time spent in nature, when I was offered the opportunity to preview the first Marine Troon retreat, ‘The Wellness Weekend’ in partnership with Sophie Hellyer, I jumped at the chance.

The weekend promised “a transformative three-day retreat combining cold-water immersion, yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness”. Sign me up! Now — as the hat, gloves, and Dryrobe come off — I’m reevaluating my choices. Rushing into the icy water with ten other women, I use the techniques taught by Sophie just moments before to force my shoulders under and breathe through the discomfort. We emerge, flushed and beaming, teeth chattering as we slip back into our warm layers, dashing up the beach to the warm embrace of the hotel.Situated on the Firth of Clyde, Marine Troon is an elegant destination from Marine & Lawn. Each hotel is linked to one of the UK’s most prestigious golf destinations, and caters for contemporary travellers’ needs while honouring the sport’s extensive history. Marine Troon proves no exception, offering the perfect cosy contrast to an afternoon strolling on the beach, exploring the dunes, or taking to Royal Troon’s Golf Course. With striking views across the bay to the Isle of Arran, the hotel’s design is tasteful — inspired by the destination’s vast golf history and natural surrounds.

With the mental and physical health benefits of a cold water swim, including improved circulation and reduced stress, having driven a 94% increase in participation since 2019, the retreat is designed for both experienced dippers and newcomers to the practice. Personally, with its benefits amplified during the winter months, I’m hoping to stave off the annual festive flu, as short cold water dips help strengthen immunity.Chatting to Sophie, she acknowledges that these health benefits are what brings people to the practice. It’s not what makes them return though, she confides. That’s all about the connection and community they find, groups of (mostly) women, congregating with purpose and finding shared joy and resilience. In our fast pace lives, cocooned in warm offices and heated cars, the opportunity to challenge yourself is seductive. It helps that Marine Troon is a comforting haven, complete with sauna, jacuzzi, heated pool, and steam room. Post-dip, we rush from the sandy shore to the enveloping warmth of the sauna, giggling and chattering like schoolgirls on a sugar high.

Later, after an afternoon indulging in the tranquility of the hotel, I thread my way to the Gailes Suite, passing indoor squash courts and a nail salon. We’re treated to hot drinks and healthy snacks before settling into an afternoon of breathwork and yoga. I soon find myself clutching a stick, my brain blank as I look around at the 11 other women here. We’re participating in a Women’s Circle, my first, and I’m sharing “one thing you want to let go of in 2025” — an activity that makes me feel strangely vulnerable, taking almost as much bravery as stepping into the icy ocean. Total strangers less than 48 hours before, hearing what’s on each mind, there’s a kinship forged beyond that fostered chattering over delicious salads and nutritious treats at lunch in The Seal, and enjoying a wind-down glass of wine at The Rabbit. In three short days, wild swimming has brought together and united a group of diverse personalities, bonded over the challenge and shared experiences.

The first retreats with Sophie Hellyer at Marine Troon will be held from 31 January to 2 February and 21 to 23 February 2025. Further ‘Adventure Weekends with Marine & Lawn’ will be announced throughout 2025, each led by an expert in their own field.

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