A cosy, elegant living room with built-in bookshelves, a central fireplace, leather armchairs, and a wooden coffee table.

What Guests Are Looking for in Wellness Stays

According to Elite Traveler 2026 guests are seeking space to unwind without too many scheduled activities or group pressure. They’re looking for elements of wellness but on their terms: think morning yoga, coastal walks, long baths and early nights.

Nervous system regulation is what we’re all aiming for as this year unfolds. So plenty of space for stillness, comfort, natural lighting, outdoor space, and homes optimised for sleep quality will be a determining factor when it comes to booking wellness retreats.

Guests are actually opting for shorter, more frequent wellness breaks such as a long weekend, mid-week resets and escapes that align with the seasons.

Sussex – The New Wellness Destination

2026 brings in a shift in the luxury staycation space. This year guests are seeking restoration, not stimulation. Retreats that feature healing, movement and an overall approach to wellness will be the most popular.

Sussex as a location lends itself so beautifully to wellness stays, seamlessly blending coastal and countryside spaces combined with a slower pace and the open expanse of nature in the form of rolling green hills and vast open seascapes. With many easy transport links from major UK cities without the need for long-haul travel, its no wonder that wellness retreats are on the rise in this part of the world.

Our Top Picks from The Collection to Host Your Wellness Retreat

Coles House, Selsey

Tucked away in the peaceful coastal town of Selsey, West Sussex, this large Georgian holiday home is full of charm, character, and space.

Ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a traditional seaside break with a touch of elegance.

Marble Bridge Farm, Chichester

A beautiful 16th-century farmhouse, harmonious blends historic charm and modern luxury. Nestled in the serene countryside, this spacious property is perfect for hosting retreats and group getaways.

Ideal for a cosy countryside retreat.

The Barn at The Old Rectory, Fernhurst

Steeped in history and full of rustic charm, this character-filled property has been thoughtfully restored to blend its original features with modern comfort creating an inviting space.

Ideal for a rustic, relaxed retreat atmosphere.

The Lookout, Roedean

This exceptional modern residence in the prestigious Roedean area of Brighton offers approximately 5,600 sq ft of beautifully designed accommodation, perfectly suited to both luxurious family living and wellness retreats.

Ideal for coastal walks and panoramic sea views.

These luxury Sussex staycations offer the freedom to rest, reset and reconnect in a way that feels natural, not forced. As we move into 2026, wellness-led staycations are set to become one of the most sought-after ways to travel not as rigid retreats or intensive programmes, but as quiet, restorative escapes that support the nervous system and allow space to simply be.

Guests are choosing places that feel calming, private and thoughtfully designed, where wellbeing is woven into the experience rather than scheduled into the day. These homes reflect that shift offering comfort, nature and flexibility, so your stay supports you exactly where you are.

Elegant living room with teal panelled walls, a wood-burning stove in a white fireplace, gold-framed mirror above, striped sofas with cushions, and a wooden coffee table with flowers.

There’s a quiet kind of luxury in an evening spent by the fire. The soft glow, the gentle crackle, the feeling that time has slowed just for you. But at The Butler Collection, we believe these moments deserve to be savoured with intention. This is our guide to curate the perfect fireside experience. From the warmth of crackling logs and ambient lighting to thoughtful touches like cosy textures. Indulgent treats and slow-living rituals – so you can transform a simple evening into something effortlessly memorable.

The Butler’s cosy home picks: For the ultimate fireside experience

From cosy living room log burners, to roaring open fireplaces and even outdoor fire pits. Our Collection features many homes perfectly equipped for staying in and getting cosy, this Autumn.

Coles House

The property is rich in period features. From tall sash windows and original fireplaces to ornate ceiling cornices and wide wooden floorboards. All carefully preserved to maintain its timeless appeal. At the same time, it’s been thoughtfully updated to offer all the modern comforts needed for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

There are two living areas on the ground floor, one for more formal seating which features a cosy log burner and the other with a large piano and TV area.

Explore Coles House for your next escape →

A cosy living room with a log burner, television and book case filled with books.
A cosy living room, earthy tones, an open fireplace, exposed wooden beams and lots of natural light.

Marble Bridge Farm

Nestled in the serene countryside, this spacious property features five beautifully appointed bedrooms in the main house. Each adorned with stylish and comfortable furnishings.

On the ground floor, the entrance leads you onto both the formal living space with exposed beams and fully operational fireplace. The dining area, with space to seat 12 in total.

Discover the charm of Marble Bridge farm →

Nest Cottage

Several seating areas and a fire pit offer the perfect spaces from which to enjoy the Downland vista framed by mature, specimen trees and architectural planting. And with a westerly aspect, the sunsets are truly awe-inspiring.

During the cooler seasons, you can light the open fire, for which there is a log store; adding warmth and atmosphere to wintery evenings and suppers. But you may wish to simply unplug and curl up with a book, which won’t be difficult because there are many to choose from.

Nest Cottage invites you into it’s warm embrace →

A beige stone, open log fireplace with a painting above the mantle piece.
A wooden decking in a garden with outdoor seating and a firepit covered with a pergola.

Badgers Cottage

Wooden beams and exposed brick walls feature in the vast open plan living space which opens completely to the secluded garden edged with woodland. The peace and luxury of your surroundings will allow you and your party to fully recharge away from the hubbub of city life.

In the colder months, you can spill outside through three sets of bi-folding doors which seamlessly link the house to the decking for drinks and dining alfresco – and s’mores if you fancy them.

Your cosy staycation, begins here →

Concierge packages to enhance your stay

When you book a stay with The Butler Collection, your dedicated concierge manager on hand to take care of the finer details, your only job is focusing on creating unforgettable memories.

Fireplace and s’mores

Cosy up by the fire with our Fireplace & S’mores package, perfect for a relaxed evening in your holiday home. Hot chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, chocolate bars and classic Graham crackers are provided, along with snuggly blankets to keep you warm as you enjoy the comforting crackle of the fire.

(Please note, this experience is only available at select properties).

Pamper package

Unwind and indulge with our premium pamper package: where complete and utter relaxation is our top priority.

Choose between a manicure, pedicure or facial by experienced beauty therapists in the comfort of your own holiday home, before enjoying a beautifully presented grazing board accompanied by a bottle of sparkling wine.

Breakfast in bed

Start the day right with an indulgent breakfast in bed experience, featuring freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruit, and a bottle of award-winning Digby sparkling wine delivered straight to your door.

Private chef

Indulge in the ultimate luxury of a private chef experience, hosted in the comfort and privacy of your holiday home. Relax as our carefully selected chef creates a bespoke menu tailored to your tastes, before preparing and serving each course, transforming your evening into an unforgettable culinary journey, complete with impeccable service.

Browse our full collection of luxury concierge services →

A cozy living room corner with a beige sofa decorated with earthy-toned cushions, a glass-topped side table with a gold lamp, wooden beams, neutral curtains, and a woven tray with books on an ottoman.
A cozy living room corner with a beige sofa decorated with earthy-toned cushions, a glass-topped side table with a gold lamp, wooden beams, neutral curtains, and a woven tray with books on an ottoman.

As the leaves begin to turn and the routine of the school run begins again, Autumn heralds more than just early mornings and schedule changes. This season is your invitation to retreat into calm after the chaos. At The Butler Collection, we believe your getaway should be just as exceptional as the memories you’ve made throughout the Summer. That’s why our curated one-bedroom escapes are paired with bespoke concierge services, ensuring every moment is crafted to perfection. This is your Autumn reset.

Whether it’s freshly baked local treats delivered to your door, a gourmet hamper to enjoy by candlelight, or a quiet countryside stroll just beyond your doorstep, our premium holiday homes offer elegance, privacy, and moments you’ll savour. As your household settles into a new term, this is your time to prioritise your wellbeing, recharge, and book a staycation made just for you.

Bryson & Sophie’s top staycation spots for parents: your Autumn reset

A charming garden with lounge chairs, a pond, and lush greenery in front of a red-brick and white cottage.

Nest Cottage

Pulborough

A sanctuary of warmth and charm, Nest Cottage invites you to slow down and savour autumn’s golden glow. Perfect for parents seeking respite, this one-bedroom hideaway blends heritage character with contemporary comforts.

Think crisp country walks followed by evenings curled up beside the fire – a timeless retreat where every detail whispers relaxation.

→ Discover Nest Cottage here

A bright, modern kitchen with light grey cabinets, wooden countertops, a built-in microwave, and a small dining nook by the window.

Grooms Cottage

Lyminster

Once part of a historic estate, Grooms Cottage offers elegance and privacy in equal measure. Its refined interiors and peaceful setting create the perfect backdrop for a restorative few nights away. Stroll through the nearby town of Arundel bursting with autumn colour, indulge in leisurely suppers, and return to the calm of your private retreat where luxury and tranquillity meet.

Autumn brings the chance to reconnect over crackling fires, share stories late into the night, or savour the quiet contentment of a slow morning with coffee and a book. This is where you rediscover one another – not just as parents, but as partners.

→ Experience Grooms Cottage here

A sun-lit, stone flint cottage annexe with an outdoor swimming pool in the background.

The Annexe at Marble Bridge Farm

Chichester

Across the courtyard from the main house, sits a separate annexe complete with private king bedroom, in addition to its own bathroom with both a bath and shower. The annexe has its own kitchen and living space, perfect for cooking cosy meals together. Enjoy the properties outdoor swimming pool (available until mid-October) and hot tub, all year round.

After a summer of organising, entertaining, and endless energy, this annexe becomes your sanctuary for slowing down. Imagine walking through golden woodland, returning to cosy evenings with comfort food, laughter over a favourite film, or simply enjoying the rare quiet of being together.

→ Stay at Marble Bridge Farm Annexe here

A sun-lit table in a courtyard with a vase of flowers, a bottle of wine, wine glasses and a newspaper.

OWH Studio

Arundel

Step into a piece of Arundel’s rich history with this Grade II listed studio, once the Wheatsheaf Inn and now a lovingly restored retreat just moments from Arundel Castle, the River Arun, and the town’s many independent shops, pubs, and cafés.

After months of juggling school holidays and family commitments, here you can return to what matters most: each other. Cosy up indoors on a rainy afternoon, take time to talk and laugh without interruption, or wander through autumn leaves side by side. This is a retreat for rediscovering intimacy, calm, and the quiet beauty of shared moments.

→ Retreat to OWH Studio here

A sunny patio area with a grey rattan outdoor sofa. On the table is a small round barbecue, a bottle of wine with an orange label, two wine glasses and a fruit bowl.

Shoreline Studio

Lancing

This charming 1-bedroom annexe in Lancing, West Sussex, combines modern living with coastal tranquility, offering a bright and airy living space.

Lancing, located on the coast of West Sussex, is a quiet village offering a mix of seaside and countryside living. It features a long pebble beach with views of the English Channel, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities like walking and cycling. Allowing you space and time to reconnect on a deeper level this cosy season.

→ Breathe in the sea air at Shoreline Studio, here

Choose The Butler Collection for your Autumn reset

Whether it’s the countryside charm of Nest Cottage, the refined elegance of Grooms Cottage, the rural tranquillity of Marble Bridge Farm Annexe, the historic character of OWH Studio in Arundel or the coastal views of Shoreline Hideaway, each of our one-bedroom retreats offers the perfect luxury staycation in the UK.

So while the kids are busy with lessons, lectures, or late-night study sessions, you can enjoy your own chapter of calm. Autumn escapes for couples filled with long woodland walks, cosy pub evenings, rainy days indoors with books and old films, and the simple joy of being together. These are more than just romantic cottage breaks; they’re short but soul-restoring moments designed to help parents reset, recharge, and reconnect.

Back to school for them. Staycation for you.