Rockwater Village has made its mark in Branksome since its arrival in Autumn 2022 by leading the charge to combine dining, drinking and entertainment with a holistic wellness offering in response to the evolving needs of customers in Dorset.

Rockwater’s new, multi-faceted hospitality concept seeks to reinvigorate the industry in Dorset, while offering the local community increased access to wellbeing initiatives and events. This innovative approach to hospitality has also proven successful at Rockwater’s first venue in Hove, which opened in 2020.

During the day, visitors enjoy relaxing yoga, fitness classes, catch-ups over coffee, and inspiring spots to work from, with high-quality dining from breakfast to evening from Michelin-trained chefs. At night, an elevated events programme, which has already featured intimate gigs from high-profile names such as Fatboy Slim and James Bay moves the relaxed daytime vibe up a gear, creating inspirational social experiences for the Rockwater community.

Rockwater’s fresh approach to hospitality services and wellness initiatives has proved immensely popular in Poole, with hundreds of people every month taking part in a variety of wellbeing-focused events at Branksome. The venue’s winter timetable of classes includes several Pilates and yoga sessions upon Rockwater’s roof terrace each week, as well as early morning swim clubs for those seeking to seize the day. A partnership with Bournemouth-based Who Dares Gyms, has brought bootcamps and run clubs to the seafront too.

Fitness is but one aspect of Rockwater’s mission to provide opportunities for patrons to prioritise their health and wellness. As part of its investment into wellbeing in Poole, Rockwater has selected local experts who run regular workshops and classes for both Open Water members and the public on a ticketed basis. Cassey Lee is a Poole-based personal trainer who leads Rockwater classes including her popular ‘Reset and Detox’ afternoon which provides attendees with a reset for mind and body.

Other local practioners, Ellie Loves and Joe Aston, facilitate one of Rockwater’s most popular events; ‘So Talk’. Taking place on a weekly basis at Branksome’s roof terrace, ‘So Talk’ is a safe space for attendees to chat and listen with no boundaries, themes, or judgment.

The brand’s mission to make wellness initiatives core to its hospitality offering is spearheaded by the business’ leaders who front a dedicated wellness initiative team, known as ‘Rockwater Life’.

Rockwater’s CEO, Luke Davis, said: “Having been around the hospitality industry for many years, I’ve seen first-hand how venues can become a hub for the community and a second home for many patrons. There are plenty of night-time venues that provide a luxury dining and social atmosphere for customers, and plenty of coffee shops and social clubs that are great places to unwind during the daytime.

“At Rockwater, we are doing something new and different by providing all these things and more to customers, all packaged into one scenic setting where groups can truly connect and enjoy together from dusk till dawn.”

Luke continued: “We’re setting a new trend in hospitality by creating a space where our guests can pursue their personal ambitions, whether those are wellbeing led, socially, or from a working perspective, so it’s great to see so many customers already embracing the Rockwater Life. We want to take things even further in 2024, so we will be investing at least £250,000 into Rockwater’s wellness initiatives over the course of the year.”

A key aspect of Rockwater is its Open Water Membership offering, which provides members with priority access to a host of exclusive and nurturing workshops, classes, and events. As Rockwater moves into 2024, its founder believes that its formula will prove not only inspirational for customers, but for other business owners, too.

Luke said: “Through Rockwater, I set out to create a luxurious environment that captured the spirit of a private members’ club, but which was accessible to and inclusive for the whole community. Wellness is at the heart of the beachside lifestyle, and by creating a welcoming concept which brings together people to eat, drink, connect, play, and be inspired, we’ve set a clear benchmark for the future of the industry.”

A third Rockwater site in Sandbanks is due to open later this year. More information on Rockwater Village and Open Water Membership can be found at https://rockwater.uk/.