Taking some much needed ‘me time’ out to rest, refresh and recharge is essential to maintaining our sense of equilibrium.
Combining nourishing food with stunning surrounds and all manner of zen-inducing activities including yoga and meditation, we can’t think of a better way to spend our leisure time than with one of these wellness and spa deals. These UK wellness retreats are not to be missed.
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Wellness retreats can have a rep of being expensive, but you don't need to break the bank, while banking on a staycation that will boost your health and wellbeing.
These are the best affordable wellness retreats across the UK
Sanctuary in the Sea
Where: Flat Holm Island, Wales
When: Check site for details
How much: £75 (Yes you read that right!)
What's included in a weekend stay?
- Return RIB boat trip
- Relaxing yoga, Reiki, reflexology and meditation sessions
- Vegan food and drink
- Basic shared dormitory, or camping accommodation
This amazing deal on a tiny island off the cost of Cardiff has, unsurprisingly, sold out for its September intake but you can register here for the 2020 retreat schedule – I did this in a flash – with dates yet to be confirmed.
Accommodation is basic - either camping or sharing a dorm - but what better way to get back to nature? You can choose between a basic shared, single-sex dormitory with bunk beds (you'll need to bring bring a sleeping bag or single duvet) or camping underneath the stars. Magical!
FIND OUT MORE: Flat Holm Island Retreat
Glass House Retreat
Where: Bulphan, Essex
When: Anytime
How much: £85 for a spa day, including a complete health MOT. 2 nights from £419, based on two people sharing.
What's included in a two-night stay?
- Stay from 3pm Friday to 4:30 pm Sunday
- Exclusive use of the facilities, daily fitness classes and three meals a day
- Luxury, modern and spacious bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms
- Three inclusive spa treatments, including Lifecube cryotherapy
It's a truly holistic experience at Glasshouse Spa and Retreat. Be warned, they're strict when it comes to achieving your health and fitness goals, but the results speak for themselves. Meals are specifically prepared by the in-house chef to flood your system with health-boosting nutrients.
It's an entirely plant-based menu, with foods kept as close to their natural state as possible. When you consider that a 2-night stay package includes all meals, three inclusive spa treatments, a daily morning country walk to fire up the metabolism and as many gym classes your stamina will allow, this is great value!
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All food plans are plant-based with three options; juice diet, weight loss diet and equilibrium diet. Food is kept as close to its natural state as possible to ensure it's full of nutrients. And there are daily classes and workshops to help you adopt a more healthy lifestyle once you leave, including meditation sessions, aromatherapy group sessions and vegan cooking demos.
A highlight is the chance to have a complete health MOT with one of the retreat's health experts, where not only will they reveal how your muscle and fat levels, but also talk through your personal goals and how to achieve them.
BOOK HERE: Glass House Retreat
Secret Warriors
Where: Peak District
When: Various dates throughout the year
How much: From £159
What's included in a two-night stay?
A typical stay includes...
- Prosecco / drinks and homemade treats on arrival
- Relaxing treatment of your choice
- Dinner and drinks, healthy breakfast
- Time to relax and unwind with a bubble bath, face masks
- Guided meditation
- Yoga or Pilates session
Personalised retreat weekends with Secret Warriors include all professionally prepared food, drink, yoga, a dedicated host, accommodation in a stunning venue in the Peaks, with retreats in other parts of the country coming soon.
FIND OUT MORE: Secret Warriors
The JOMO
Where: Apart-hotel chain Roomzzz. (currently being trialled in London and Manchester Corn Exchange venues)
When: Various dates
How much: from £249
What's included in a one-night stay?
- A special “box” for all devices to be deposited in to create a real-sense of distance and avoid temptation.
- Sleep inducing scents c/o Neals Yard Remedies, cosy socks and eye mask for ultimate relaxation.
- An in room guide to “switching off” and guiding you through the mini-retreat.
- Activities of the guests choice including;
- Yoga/exercise mat and subscription to Les Mills On Demand programmes including BodyBalance which is inspired from yoga, Tai chi and Pilates disciplines.
- Magazines
- In-room massage booked and scheduled
- Books of your favourite genre in the room
- Herbal Teas
- Stocked fridge with selected food and drink of their choice and some healthy, nutrient boosting goodies for a delicious supper (recipe provided in the guide)
The Joy Of Missing Out sounds pretty good to us! Maximise your time with plenty of relaxing classes and an in-room treatment to unwind.
FIND OUT MORE: Roomzzz JOMO Retreat
Kite Adventures
Where: Brown Rigg Lodges, Bellingham, Northumberland
When: Various dates
How much: Early booker tickets available from £175pp, Shared female room - £225pp, Shared male room - £225pp
Staying on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, with calming waterfalls and beautiful woods on the doorstep, guests on this trip can expect a weekend of reflection, mindfulness and meditation.
Trained counsellor, Fleur, will use a variety of outdoor therapeutic techniques to help you to unwind, relax and rediscover your inner peace. The focus of this weekend is on well-being, rather than walking, although guests will take a walk on their journey into nature.
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Prices include two nights luxury accommodation, full weekend of well-being therapeutic techniques, strategies and exercises and freshly produced food, prepared on site.
BOOK HERE: Kite Adventures
Meditate in Brighton
Where: Brighton
When: Various meditation weekends throughout the year
How much: From £88
What's included in a two-night stay?
- Meditation sessions
- Workshops on Buddhism
- Walks along the seafront
- Vegetarian food and snacks
I’ve tried and tested one of these meditation retreats myself, and found it really relaxing. Based at the Bodhisattva Kadampa Meditation Centre, there is a thread of Buddhist teachings throughout the weekend, which often have core themes such as ‘Overcoming Anxiety’.
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There are several meditation sessions/talks throughout the day, but also pockets of free time to chat with other retreat attendees, walk along the Brighton seafront and enjoy some delicious vegetarian food and snacks.
FIND OUT MORE:Meditate Brighton & Hove
Do any of the above appeal to you?
