It's 2019 and our love for all things wellness-related is only expected to grow. This year you can expect to hear lots more about reiki, hiking and nootropics.
For many, self-care has become less of a treat and more of a way of life, so it's natural that this now also extends to where and how we holiday. As a result, wellness retreats are becoming more and more popular.
If you're in need of a break from the world and want some time to focus on your mind and body for a few days, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best retreats in the UK this year below.
1. Pure Yoga: Yoga immersion weekend, Anglesey, Wales
For people of all yoga abilities, the Pure yoga retreat by The Zest Life will allow you to immerse yourself in all things yoga. Located at Plas Cadnan on the Isle of Anglesey, you'll be treated to in-depth yoga classes, workshops, guided mediation and gong baths all while staying in luxury accommodation and enjoying delicious meals.
With two dates to choose from in February, this is the perfect weekend break.
Date: February 1-3 or 15-17, 2019
Price: £405 - £595 thezestlife.co.uk/
2. Our Retreat, Somerset
Set in a stunning secluded 11-bedroom farmhouse in the Somerset countryside, Our Retreat offers mindful morning yoga classes, guided meditation sessions, restorative barre and relaxing evening yin yoga, alongside wellness workshops and guided hikes through the local woodland. Meanwhile private chefs prepare plant-based, balanced meals for retreaters. Make the most of the chilled vibe, take some downtime to relax by the fire or read a book in the gardens before joining classes when it suits you.
Date: June 21 - 24, July 5 - 8 or 19 - 22, November 15-18, December 13-16, 2019
Price: Prices start from £550 per person Ourretreat.co.uk
3. Mindfulness for Wellbeing Weekend, Norfolk
Escape the city for a weekend in rural Norfolk with this retreat located within 21 acres of woodland. The weekend focusses on meditation with gentle yoga classes and is designed for both total beginners to mindfulness, as well as those with an established practice, seeking a refresher. Enjoy delicious, wholesome food while you switch off your phone for the weekend.
Date: April 5-8, 2019
Price: £449 - £799 satvada-retreats.co.uk
4. Tresco Yoga Retreats, Tresco Island, Cornwall
Located in the Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall, Tresco Yoga Retreats is offering two retreats this year. The first is a spring retreat and the second will be held in late summer.
Included in the retreat is five nights of luxury accommodation with breakfast and a three-course dinner, six yoga classes with Lucy Aldridge, inter-island transfers between St. Mary's airport and the New Inn on Tresco, a 60-minute massage, full access to spa facilities and a bike to use during your stay. Sounds idyllic.
Date: May 18 to 23 and August 31 to September 5, 2019
Price: £750 per person. Non-participating partners are welcome for a cost of £624 per person (yoga classes and spa treatment not included). A single supplement of £130 per person applies.
tresco.co.uk/staying-on-tresco
5. Women and Water retreat, Cornwall
Woman and water by Wild and Free Adventures is a yoga retreat with a difference, in that it also includes surfing in the gorgeous Cornish waters. This four-day retreat is located in Yurt Village at The Park, Mawgan Porth, surrounded by lush greenery and just a short walk to the golden beaches of Cornwall.
A private chef will cook your meals during your stay and you’ll start off each morning with guided meditation, followed by a Vinyasa flow yoga class and then a surf lesson from professional surfer, Alan Stokes. It doesn’t matter if you have never done yoga or surfed before, this retreat is perfect for beginners and the days will end with a restorative yoga class before bed.
During your free time, don’t forget to enjoy swims in the indoor heated pool or the outdoor pool, warm up in the sauna and steam room or enjoy a glass of wine in your private Jacuzzi. There’s also plenty of Cornish coast to see with a bike ride or walk along the beach.
Date: June 7-10 or 14-17 and September 20-23 or 27-30, 2019
Price: £480 - £995 wildandfreeadventures.co.uk/cornwallwomenandwater
6. Mindfulness for Women, Devon
If you are looking for some peace and quiet away from the world, Mindfulness for Women by The Sharpham Trust is the retreat for you. Set in the Grade 1-listed Sharpham House in Devon, this Georgian mansion acts as the perfect base for your five day retreat.
During the retreat your days will consist of guided meditation and yoga sessions in the morning, free time after lunch where you can go for long walks through the country before more meditation in the evenings. All meals are provided.
Date: June 3 - 7, 2019
Price: £385 - £495 sharphamtrust.org/calendar/retreat/
7. Healthy Gut Retreat, Malvern, Worcestershire
If you’re constantly feeling groggy and bloated then this Healthy Gut Rereat by The Clover Mill may be for you. This food-based retreat is for anyone with gluten-intolerance, stress, anxiety, depression, stiff aching joints, digestive issues, chronic tiredness, skin conditions, sugar cravings or wanting to lose weight.
The retreat aims to re-set your gut bacteria and tackles this with yoga classes, meditation, massages and meals made with seasonal ingredients and probiotics.
Dates: March 28-April 2, May 23-28, July 18-23 and October 18-23, 2019
Price: £1,721 sharing, £2,145 single occupancy theclovermill.com/microbiome
8. Yoga and Relaxation Weekend, North Yorkshire
Set in tranquil surroundings, this two-night break by Raw Horizons combines Kundalini yoga with meditation to help you take a break and unwind.
Guests can enjoy morning and mid-afternoon yoga classes, as well as meditation sessions, massages and gourmet raw meals.
Date: February 15-17, March 1-3 or 22-24, April 26-8, May 17-19, 2019
Price: £370-£540 rawhorizons.co.uk/yoga-relaxation/
9. Writers retreat, Shropshire
For all of you aspiring writers out there, this is the perfect opportunity to shut out the noise and focus on writing for your choice of four to six days. Located in the Shropshire Hills, you will get your own apartment with all meals provided.
Spend your days writing, taking in the 26 acres of woodland and sharing your triumphs with other writers over dinner.
Date: Various retreats held throughout the year
Price: £470 - £750 arvon.org/retreats/writers-retreats/
10. Love Your Body Detox Retreat, Scotland
If you’re looking for something truly special, head up to Lendrick Lodge. Located in the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, this retreat will let you reconnect with nature.
During this weekend you will enjoy a massage, yoga sessions, a hydrotherapy session and meditation, for an ultimate reboot.
Date: February 8-10, 2019
Price: £230 (plus food) and accommodation from £120 lendricklodge.com/course/
11. Walking retreats, Devon
Staying at Sharpham House on the banks of the River Dart, this retreat marries mindfulness with activity as you’ll be walking up to seven or eight miles per day along the gorgeous Devon countryside.
A typical day at this retreat begins with morning meditation followed by breakfast before setting off on your walk. You'll also enjoy a guided meditation after dinner. Delightful.
Dates: Multiple dates from May until September
Price: £385 - £495 sharphamtrust.org/calendar/retreat/
