Energise your body and soul with a stay at one of the finest sanctuaries Britain has to offer
1. Sharpham House
We all know learning to live in the moment can give you renewed energy and clarity, but it can be hard to do when you live life in the fast lane. This mindfulness retreat in a listed Georgian mansion on a sprawling 550-acre in Devon teaches Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) along with yoga, walking, singing or creative writing. Our tip? Come alone and stay in one of the comfy woodland bell-tents.
Contact at: 01803 732542 www.sharphamtrust.org
2. Gaia House
A Silent Meditation Retreat might sound impossible (as you’d expect, chatting is strictly prohibited) but in this sanctuary of contemplative calm in the gentle hills of South Devon, you’ll savour the peace. Popular in Buddhism, keeping silent for full days while meditating is an opportunity to explore and develop serenity, wisdom and compassion. Come as part of a group or solo and prepare to have your psychological, physical, and spiritual health enhanced.
Contact at: 01626 333 613 www.gaiahouse.co.uk
3. The Clover Mill
The 5,000 year old Ayurvedic system is thought by many to be the source of true health wisdom. This retreat in a beautifully renovated 17th century water mill in the Malvern Hills is run former scientist turned Ayurvedic chef Julie Dent. With daily yoga, a menu of healing, tasty food and a full health consultation, you’ll feel rejuvenated, raring to go and ready to make that lifestyle change. Go. You won’t regret it.
Contact at: 01886 880859, www.theclovermill.com
4. Grayshott Spa
This is a truly indulgently luxurious place to hole up for a relaxing spa stay or a more intense health programme. A manor house with a modern extension set in 47 acres, it boasts 700 acres of National Trust land and facilities include an indoor and outdoor pool, male and female spas with a steam room, sauna and plunge pool, and a huge treatment list. We recommend the full Body MOT with a health consultation and blood and body-composition analysis.
Contact at: 01428 602020, grayshottspa.com
5. Yeotown
Not just a retreat but a potential life changer. the Yeotox health and fitness retreat gets results but also makes the process pleasurable. There are long hikes along the North Devon coastline and over the Exmoor hills, forest cycle rides, yoga, tough core work and nutritional advice sessions – but there’s also a hot tub in the grounds, a decent sauna, extremely good massages (a different kind each night) and some of the best vegan cuisine you’ll ever try.
Contact at: 01271 343 803, www.yeotown.com
6. The Break-Up Recovery Retreat
Some retreats are designed with a specific focus, and Sara Davison’s Break-Up Recovery Retreat is shining light in this field. Designed to offer a relaxed and safe environment for learning how to cope better with the end of a relationship and move on, it runs across two days and is held at different locations around the UK throughout the year. It’s a wonderful opportunity for those struggling to meet other people going through similar experiences and to learn together how to move through this period of difficulty.
Contact at: 01344 596021, www.saradavison.com/break-up-recovery-retreat
