When you come on holiday to the Isle of Wight and stay at The Royal Hotel, you are not just visiting one of England’s most beautiful coastal spots. You are stepping into a globally recognised area of natural and cultural importance. The Isle of Wight was awarded UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 2019, joining a small group of just seven places in the UK to have received this honour.
So, what exactly is a Biosphere Reserve?
In simple terms, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a place where nature and people live and work in harmony. It is not a nature reserve where access is restricted. Instead, it is a vibrant, living environment that celebrates both the protection of natural habitats and the involvement of local communities. It is about creating a better, more sustainable way of life while protecting the things that make a place so special.
The Isle of Wight’s Biosphere covers the entire island and even stretches into the waters around it. From quiet woodlands and chalky downs to hidden coves and colourful wildflower meadows, the landscapes here are incredibly varied and full of life. The island is home to rare species such as red squirrels, dormice, and the Glanville fritillary butterfly, along with a rich mix of birdlife, coastal plants, and ancient woodlands. In Ventnor, our micro-climate makes the perfect environment for subtropical planting and exotic wildlife such as wall-climbing lizards and dolphins off our coast.
The Biosphere status is not just about wildlife. It also recognises the way the Island’s people live, farm, build, create, and welcome visitors. It celebrates local traditions, innovation, and efforts to live more lightly on the land. From food producers and artists to farmers and hoteliers, the Isle of Wight is a community working together to protect its surroundings while providing a wonderful place for people to enjoy and explore.
For our guests at The Royal Hotel, this means you can enjoy a holiday that feels good in every sense. You are surrounded by fresh sea air, open views, and a slower pace of life. You can enjoy food made with seasonal island-grown produce, take part in local events and festivals, and support independent shops and businesses that care about the island’s future. When you walk along the coast path, take a dip in the sea, or sip tea in our garden terrace, you are enjoying the benefits of a place that is looked after with great pride and purpose.
If you're travelling to us from a busy city, the difference is noticeable as soon as you arrive. There is a sense of space. The light is softer, the air is cleaner, and time feels like it stretches just a little longer. Whether you are here for a short break or a longer stay, the Isle of Wight Biosphere offers a chance to switch off, slow down, and reconnect with nature and yourself.
At The Royal, we are proud to be part of this unique setting. Our team is passionate about celebrating the island’s natural beauty and local character. We work with island suppliers, minimise our environmental impact where we can, and strive to make your stay feel effortless and memorable.
A visit to the Isle of Wight is always a treat. But knowing you are holidaying in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve adds something even more special. It is a place of wellness, beauty and balance, where nature is part of everyday life and where visitors are warmly welcomed into the rhythm of the island.
We look forward to sharing it with you.
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