If your idea of a perfect holiday involves relaxation and rejuvenation, wellness retreats might be just what you’re looking for. More and more UK travellers are trading busy itineraries for wellness retreats designed to reset the body and mind, and one trend continues to grow in popularity: saunas and cold-water therapy.
From hot tubs and steam to icy plunges or showers, this hot-cold blend is making waves across the UK. Best of all, you don’t need to check into a luxury resort to experience this trend; cosy cottages with wellness amenities are becoming increasingly available, making them perfect for couples and groups alike.
What is a Wellness Retreat?
A wellness retreat is all about carving out the time to relax, reset, and focus on your wellbeing. No spreadsheets, no alarms; just you, a peaceful setting, and some time for yourself.
In the past, retreats often meant strict schedules and early morning yoga classes, but today’s wellness retreats offer a much more flexible approach. Think countryside cottages with hot tubs, private saunas, and pamper packages you can enjoy at your own pace. It’s a DIY kind of wellness that we’re all about supporting.
Why Saunas Are the Ultimate Holiday Upgrade
Saunas have been a wellness staple in Scandinavia for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. Just 10-15 minutes in a sauna can provide numerous benefits for your wellbeing:
- Soothe tired muscles
- Improve circulationSupport detoxification
- Help you sleep better
- Calm the nervous system
Whether it’s after a long walk in the countryside or just because you fancy a little ‘me’ time, a sauna session is the ultimate switch-off ritual that adds a touch of spa luxury to your wellness retreat.
The Cold Water Buzz: What’s the Fuss?
Cold water therapy, once primarily used by athletes, is now popular among everyday individuals seeking wellness benefits. Dousing yourself in icy water may sound intense, but the benefits are backed by science – and legions of wild swimmers!
Cold exposure can help:
- Boost energy and mood
- Reduce inflammation
- Strengthen the immune system
- Improve mental resilience
- Give you a rush of endorphins
Some holiday cottages offer plunge pools, cold water showers, or even access to natural swimming spots, such as lakes and rivers. Paired with a sauna, the hot-cold cycle can leave you feeling refreshed, revived, and ready for a nap (or a glass of something nice in the hot tub).
Spa Vibes Without the Schedule: Wellness Retreat Perks at Walnut Barn Estate
You don’t need a 5-star spa to feel pampered. We’ve curated the perfect amenities and partnerships to provide a high-end wellness retreat experience in a relaxed, private setting right here at your holiday cottage.
Wellness Highlights For Large Groups – The Old Dairy and Big Oak Barn
- Fantastic for family celebrations, hen parties, reunions, and anniversaries
- Large hot tubs
- Barrel cedar saunas and cold-water bucket showers
- Arctic cabins
- The Old Dairy has a games room with karaoke, a dartboard, TV, and sound system & pool table
- The Big Oak Barn has a pool tables an arcade game machine, and a TV with surround sound & an outdoor cold shower
- Private gardens and plenty of space to hang out or book a private pampering session or yoga class
Luxury Holiday Cottages With Wellness in Mind – Olivia’s Roost, Lottie’s Lodge and the Cider Barn
- Ideal for couples, small families, or your core friend group
- Private hot tubs with Olivia’s Roost and Lottie’s Lodge
- A luxurious copper double-ended bath in Olivia’s Roost
- Indoor wood burners
- Secluded gardens
- Space for couples’ massages or pamper sessions
Glamping Retreats – Lady’s Well Shepherd’s Hut and Orchard View Yurt
- Perfect for couples or some solo wellness time
- Secluded hot tubs
- Private gardens
- Indoor wood burners and logs
- Outdoor firepits
Wellness and Beauty Treatments from Love Pamper Company
Add some indulgence to your wellness holiday with a nice treat from Love Pamper Company. Create a bespoke beauty treatment program and step into serenity with heated beds, luxurious products, deep tissue massages, revitalising facials, and more. They also offer group pamper parties and yoga sessions!
Whether you’re planning a romantic break or group retreat, you can tailor a luxurious experience to your preferences. Most of our accommodation is dog-friendly, so your furry friend can come along too!
DIY Wellness Retreat: Your Stay, Your Way
Want to go full spa mode? Here are a few tips to build your own wellness retreat experience on holiday:
Pick a theme: Decide what you would like to prioritise on your retreat. Physical activity? Personal reflection? Time in nature? Choose a theme that you can apply to a few hours, a day or even your whole stay, and plan your activities and meals around it.
Think about your itinerary: Sort your wellness itinerary before you arrive so you can pack appropriately and immediately step into a relaxing experience. Let yourself flow from one activity to another, and allow yourself to be flexible – after all, it’s your holiday!
Book a little indulgence: A full body massage or a relaxing facial are wonderful ways to celebrate your wellness retreat. Walnut Barn Estate has partnered with Love Pamper Company to offer luxurious beauty therapy treatments in the private comfort of your holiday cottage.
Plan a few meals: Whether your focus is healthy eating or carefree indulgence, stock up on snacks and meals and pick a few local food spots. Holiday cottages with kitchens provide the ultimate flexibility for wellness retreats, where you can eat at your own pace and enjoy fabulous local produce.
Bring some analogue activities: Give yourself a break from the devices and prepare for easy mornings – linger over breakfast with a good book, challenge your partner to a board or card game, or take some time for writing and drawing.
DIY Wellness Retreat Themes
Having trouble picking a theme? Here are some ideas to get you started:
Digital detox: Pop your phone on silent for a while and try some analogue activities like reading, writing, drawing or meditating. Other digital detox activities include:
Pure pampering: Put your wellness front and centre with a relaxing massage or a full program of beauty therapy treatments from top to toe.
Stretch it out: Try a little gentle movement in the mornings, like yoga or stretching. You can follow along with videos online or book a private group yoga session right here in your holiday cottage (where space allows).
Sauna and cold water therapy: Cleanse your system with three rounds of sauna and cold water therapy each day of your stay. Luxuriate in a steamy cedar sauna for up to 15 minutes, then nip outside for a revitalising cold shower – and repeat! Combine with nature walks and meditation for a holistic wellness experience.
Top tip: If you’ve just eaten a meal, give yourself at least half an hour before starting your hot-cold therapy, and keep a water bottle handy to help stay hydrated.
Ready to Reset?
If you’re craving a break that’s peaceful, purposeful and just a little bit indulgent, then a wellness retreat with saunas and cold water therapy might be the escape you’re looking for. And with a growing number of holiday cottages offering private wellness touches, you don’t need to go far to feel amazing!