Wellness•28 June 2021
The Best Wellness Retreats In The UK
Feeling stressed or burnt out? Check yourself into our edit of the ultimate UK retreats to rest and reset
By Rhea Cartwright
T
o say it’s been a testing year would be something of an understatement and while the Calm app most certainly helps to ease mild stress, we’re all searching for the best UK wellness retreats to truly rest and reset.
While there are untold benefits of a holiday, there’s nothing like a dedicated R&R getaway to tap into your path and purpose with professionals on hand to guide and support you. Whether your definition of wellness involves a 10-day silent meditation, a few nights in the wilderness or perhaps just a good nights sleep, we’ve found the best UK wellness retreats to help get your mind back on track.
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The Arrigo Programme, based in rural Somerset offers a holistic approach to therapy.
Best Wellness Retreat for Healing Trauma - The Arrigo Programme
Where: Rural Somerset
What: Founded by renowned biodynamic psychotheraphis and healer Fiona Arrigo, her eponymous programme is centered on deep replenishment to reconnect with your own journey. Her holistic approach to therapy almagates body treatments with coaching, psychotherapy and mentoring. With both individual or group retreats available, you’ll be guided by expert retreat leaders through breathwork, acupuncture and intense reflection to unpack everything from grief, ancestral baggage or limiting belief.
How much: Individual retreats are priced by appointment only. Group retreats start at £1,870 pp to include four nights, all meals and all activities.
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Oakley Court's stellar renovation and short drive from London is reason alone to make a visit. Image courtesy of Claire Menary
Best Wellness Retreat for a Boujee Break - Oakley Court
Where: In Windor, just an hours drive from London.
What: The Victorian Gothic country house has recently had an upgrade thanks to the high priestess of design, creativity and curation, Alex Eagle. Sprawled across 35 acres, you’ll find 118 bedrooms, tennis courts, self-drive boats and riverside dining. With no request out of reach, expect access to private chefs, personal trainers, and al-fresco pilates.
How much: A one-night’s stay starts at £262. We’d recommend a long weekend full of nature walks, boating and copious amounts of bathtub reading.
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Get ready to spend hours on end in Vipassana's meditation hall
Best Wellness Retreat for Mental Awareness - Vipassana
Where: Various location across the UK, including Herefordshire, Suffolk and Cumbria
What: No yoga, no spa treatments, just silent meditation, Vipassana is a truly testing experience of mental grit. Based on ancient Buddhist principles, days begin at 4am and end at 9.30pm of which the entire stay is in silence. Relinquishing your phone, any music or anything to read, it's essentially bootcamp for your brain. After 12 hours a day of meditation, the aim is to understand that sensations and experiences, like the rest of life are all impermanent - all we have is the present moment and ourselves. It's tough but life-changing for those that can hack it.
How much: Free. Vipassana centres are run by volunteers.
Visit: https://uk.dhamma.org/
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The Sharpham Trust extends across 550 acres of British countryside.
Best Wellness Retreat for Nature Lovers - The Sharpham Trust
Where: 550 acres of beautiful countryside overlooking the River Dart in Devon.
What: The Sharpham Trust is in fact an educational charity that connects people with nature, mindfullness and well-being. Their women-only Woodland Retreat includes staying in a bell tent and involves cultivating moment to moment awareness in the outdoors through meditation, walks and yoga. If you're in need of something more intense, they have off-grid solitary retreats for self-sufficient rest with no electricity or running water!
How much: Prices start from £335 for 3 nights and differ according to the retreat and length of stay.
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Locke Living has four London locations and several more across the UK and Europe.
Best Wellness Retreats for Overnight London Stays - Locke Hotels
Where: Four hotels in London as well as locations in Cambridge, Dublin, Manchester and Edinburgh.
What: Sometimes the peak of wellness is simply getting out of the house and having a good rest. From the makers of The Birch, Locke Living provides all the essentials one needs for a stylish few days away. The affordable aparthotels each have a different visual identity in which to be comfortable and creative. Cook in your own kitchen, order Deliveroo or try a new restaurant opening in whichever location you choose. It may not be a silent retreat but you rarely bump into other guests so you can be as unsociable as you like.
How much: A one-nights stay starts at £79
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Kip Hideways curates the best boutique rentals across the UK.
Best Wellness Retreat for Unscheduled Joy - Kip Hideaways
Where: Locations all over the UK.
What: If a daily schedule of journalling, breathwork and therapy leaves you with sweaty palms, plan your own retreat with Kip Hideaways. Famous for curating the best boutique rentals the UK has to offer, enjoy some real TLC in a hand-picked property with soul. From Cornish cottages to secluded stays on Scottish Isles, you'll find your dream location to decompress.
How much: Become a Kip member to see prices.
The Short Stack
Take self-care one step further by booking a stay at the UK's best wellness retreats.
By Rhea Cartwright
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