Finding genuine peace of mind amidst the rolling hills of Somerset has become a reality for many overworked professional women through a dedicated wellness programme. The Body Retreat, nestled in a serene pocket of the Somerset countryside, offers a four-night Stress Re-Set retreat specifically designed to help women unwind, recharge, and develop healthier habits.
A Sanctuary for Slowing Down
The experience begins with immediate immersion into relaxation. Guests find themselves in an attractive clapboard house, surrounded by delicious silence, with calming ensuite bedrooms featuring under-floor heating, white waffle dressing gowns, and complimentary Mio skincare products. The atmosphere is perfectly tailored to the retreat's typical attendees: professionals aged 35 to 65 who share the common burden of feeling significantly stressed.
Why Women-Only Works
This retreat, like all programmes run by The Body Retreat, is exclusively for women. Co-founder Juls Abernethy explains this deliberate choice stems from biological and psychological differences. "By tailoring our retreats specifically to deal with women's bodies and how they deal with sleep, stress and nutrition, we can make them more effective," she states. This creates a comfortable environment where participants can fully relax in the sauna or lounge on sofas without self-consciousness.
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
The retreat's structure is meticulously planned to help guests slow down, relax, cleanse their bodies, and clear their minds. A key aim is to shed "stress fat"—a side effect of constant tension—and equip women with tools to better manage pressures upon returning home.
The daily schedule incorporates a diverse range of activities:
- Gentle morning countryside walks and qigong sessions, a Chinese practice using breath and movement to cultivate energy.
- Body brushing, hot lemon-water drinks, and sauna sessions for detoxification.
- Nutritional guidance from expert Kate Delmar-Morgan to foster better eating habits.
- Therapeutic treatments, including massage and reflexology, to address physical tension from modern life.
- A mix of pilates and weight workouts for gentle fitness.
The Power of Mindfulness
A standout element is the retreat's practical focus on mindfulness, described as "learning to be alive to every moment." Dr. Miranda Bevis, a former GP turned mindfulness teacher, leads sessions explaining how the mind works and guides practices like focusing on a vase of lilies or a raisin in the palm. Juls Abernethy reinforces this at every meal, encouraging mindful eating: smelling food first, eating slowly, putting forks down between mouthfuls, and even leaving a morsel on the plate—a surprisingly challenging but enlightening exercise aimed at distinguishing physical hunger from emotional need.
Nourishment for Body and Soul
The culinary experience, with all meals prepared by Juls, complements the wellness journey. Cleansing yet flavourful dishes include clever alternatives like warmed shredded cauliflower mimicking rice, tasty carrot burgers, an immune-boosting chicken, lemon and tarragon soup, "green eggs" scrambled with seaweed and greens, and celery sandwiches with cashew nut butter. The simplicity and nourishment support the physical reset many guests experience, with some reporting noticeable changes like losing inches from their waist without intense effort.
Between structured sessions, the retreat offers ample space for personal downtime. Guests can enjoy the indoor pool, soak in the outdoor hot tub, or simply curl up with a book and a cup of chamomile tea. The ultimate sign of success is the companionable silence that descends during the final evening meal, as women enjoy pesto-crusted salmon in a state of contented, mutual dishevelment—a testament to the deep relaxation achieved.
While a four-night retreat cannot solve all of life's tensions, it provides a powerful reset. Participants leave feeling infinitely more rested and equipped with practical strategies, putting them firmly on the right track towards sustained relaxation and better stress management in their demanding daily lives.
