The best virtual wellness retreats and programmes to book now
HOW TO HIT REFRESH
Feeling anxious, lethargic, or uninspired? Lost your usual buzz? You’re not alone. This year has thrown a lot at us and our usual routines have been turned upside down. Everything seems to have changed, but it’s our daily rituals that have really been knocked off kilter.
Exercise regimes have been relegated to park walks and we’ve swapped kale salads and sushi for cheese toasties and banana bread.
Even though there's talk of many of our favourite spas and destinations looking at reopening from May – there's still a little hesitation at packing up and going very far. So, we say: let the retreats, spas and experts come to us.
The Goop At-Home Summit is here for a second year, starting on Saturday 6 March – click here for tickets.
Expect all the usual Gwynnie-Goopy experiences, where you'll be guided through classes and workshops, and take part in conversations and Q&As.
Paltrow says, 'We've designed this experience to help you usher out the old and welcome in the new – whether that's a subtle shift, a balanced change, or a seismic overhaul.'
There's also other great initiatives from around the world.
A TCM session, alternative yoga classes and a wonderful Balinese retreat, so at least you might be able to emerge from this quarantine a little fresher, fitter and able to face the world.
Here are our favourite virtual wellness activities for you to enjoy at home.
BALINESE AYURVEDIC RETREAT AT HOME
We may not be able to physically get to a retreat in Bali right now, but your mind and body can still benefit from an ayurvedic escape.
Oneworld Ayurveda offers tailor-made programmes, from seven-day detoxes to online yoga and one-to-one sessions developed by the dedicated doctors, chefs and practitioners.
And while there might not be views of the paddy fields or tropical forests, you can create your Balinese temple at home.
Light one of Crabtree & Evelyn’s Bali-inspired incense sticks, luxuriate in Ayurvedic hair care brand Champo and delve into UMA's beautifully scented Indian-inspired oils.
Then, let the professionals take you through the ancient practice to trigger healing for the body and mind and offer good intentions that will stay with you way beyond the seven days.
AUYURVEDIC EDIT
UMA Oils Pure Calm Wellness Body Oil, £70 – buy here
Champo Haircare, from £18 – buy here
Crabtree & Evelyn Jasmine & Ylang Ylang Self-Massage Oil, £31.50 – buy here
Crabtree & Evelyn Nag Champa Incense, £21.50 – buy here
Crabtree & Evelyn Bali Coconut + Sandalwood Body Balm, £27 – buy here
A TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE VIRTUAL CONSULTATION
Founder of 001Skincare, Ada Ooi is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner trained in aromatherapy and aesthetics. She is also Certified in Auricular Acupuncture for Stress Management & Substance Misuse (NHS-approved protocol), a qualified member of the Acupuncture Society and the College of Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture.
She usually treats royalty and red-carpet celebrities, and her 360° lifestyle assessments are now available to you online.
A 30-minute virtual treatment aims 'to treat from within and realign any health concerns that can lead to depleted skin and mental health,' says Ada.
The session includes: TCM Wellness Diagnosis, skin and wellbeing consultation, and an evaluation of your current skincare and product regime, to help you choose the right products. There's also a step-by-step guide to using each product correctly, how and when and TCM wellbeing suggestions.
Ada Ooi | 001 Skincare Red Carpet At Home Facial Kit, £280
Everything you need to get glowing, lifted and relaxed skin.
Ada Ooi | 001 Skincare Red Carpet At Home Facial Kit, £280 – Buy here
ONLINE YOGA & ALTERNATIVE THERAPY RETREAT
From Soothe & Restore Yoga – an online, gentle morning yoga class (combining hatha, yin, slow vinyasa) – to the Full Moon ceremonies and meditations.
'As We Live and Breathe' has plenty of alternative therapies available and some brilliant practitioners to offer insight into the world around us, our mental wellbeing, and internal and external health.
Their mantra is: 'A daily programme of classes and events to create the conditions for you to thrive.'