The private wellness retreats to book now
AWAY FROM THE MADDENING SPA CROWDS
The ambiguous day spa package: let’s face it, there's nothing worse when visiting an oversized wellness palace that, thanks to its size and ethos, treats you a little like cattle.
You know the ones; with the dizzying amount of guests, shuffling around in their robes, frog-marched to a treatment room, banging elbows and more in the hot tub and squished into the sauna like sardines.
The ultimate indulgence right now is where everything is arranged at your own pace, in your own private space. Imagine: You can rise and shine in your own time whether that's a 6am sun salutation or a lazier 10am stretch and tone overlooking manicured gardens or wild countryside vistas. Have light lunches and healthy sustenance prepared by a private chef.
There are brilliant places to get the heart pumping. From wild swimming experiences and bike rides, to playing tennis and laps of a pool and personal training. Or relax by creating your very own yoga retreat, meditation space and spa with help from the visiting professionals. Plus, some also have all the mod cons of a five-star hotel like hot tub, sauna, Jacuzzi, and 24/7 concierge for all your staycation needs.
These offer the space and fresh air, away from city life to indulge in uninterrupted me-time. It's your plan, your way – whether you want to expand your mind or shrink your waistline.
So if you're looking for a couples' escape, a restful retreat with your mother, or a pampering experience for a girlfriend or two – then these are the most stylish and secluded private wellness retreats and boltholes to book now.
Head over Hills | West Sussex
USP: The property is a modern-meets rustic bolthole in the middle of the rolling hills of the South Downs with 360-degree views of the flora, fauna, rare birds, and vistas of Amberley Wildbrooks reserve.
Wellness options: A meditation pod, sundeck, wellness retreat packages, including yoga, Pilates, meditation and sound baths; bookable cookery courses, and a wood-burning hot tub makes your stay a healthy and happy one.
Country Modern | Cotswolds
USP: Just up the road from Soho Farmhouse, this contemporary farmhouse has plenty of private land to run wild in and all the luxury amenities of a five-star hotel.
Wellness options: There are 10 acres of land, a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and natural ponds, and you can also arrange a private chef for your desired sustenance.
The Little House | Stroud
USP: This merges old and new and has a fresh farmhouse feel. Luxuriate in the roll-top bath with your sheet mask and walk through the miles of countryside and nature reserves.
Wellness options: Meditate in the tipi, walk through the magical gardens or hang out in the wood-fired hot tub – hitting reset never felt this good.
Sense & Sensibility | Suffolk
USP: Surround yourself with the grandeur of Georgian architecture and eclectic interiors. A place where you can swim laps in the outdoor pool, play tennis, ride a bicycle and consult with your in-house staff on creating the right kind of plan for your stay.
Wellness options: The house works with massage therapists, yoga teachers and meditation masters that are local to reduce carbon footprint, along with environmentally sustainable brands which use reusable packaging, organic and natural ingredients. There are bicycles, a full-size pool, tennis courts, manicured gardens, a gym, and the use of a private chef to create your desired menu.
All images courtesy of Plum Guide
WHAT TO PACK
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Manduka PRO Yoga Mat – Premium 6mm Thick Mat, Eco Friendly, from £93
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