Our Retreat Editor, founder of Queen of Retreats Caroline Sylger Jones, reintroduces the joy of travel with breaks that cast a glow of renewed vitality and optimism

Caroline Sylger Jones

IT’S BEEN CALLED ‘the great retreat’ and ‘the great realisation’… for you, it might have been ‘the worst year ever’. Whatever your view or experience of the pandemic that has rocked the world, joyful retreating has never been more powerful or relevant to help you live your best life.

What’s more, the UK is upping its game - so, whether you want to rest and recover at a holistic wellbeing retreat, get guidance on your career or relationships on a life-coaching break, step away from your life to tap into your creativity, and more, there are increasing numbers of options closer to home if you don’t want to travel too far. Here, you’ll find some of my UK favourites, with a few short- and long-haul treats to look forward to and plan.

Don’t want to travel at all? Many retreats that haven’t been able to operate in 2020 are offering carefully thought through virtual retreats instead, so you can dive deep while being expertly hand-held in the comfort of your own home. Or, do as some of my friends have done and book a gorgeous, private self-catering studio near your home for a few days, so you can check-in online in total peace and privacy.

BEST OF THE BEST ON THE RIVER’S EDGE

Revive your spirit and rediscover your strength with caring guidance

Retreat of the year

The Sharpham Trust, Devon

A superior venue with an unrivalled range of breaks centred on mindfulness and nature

THIS IMPRESSIVELY ETHICAL charity that aims to connect people with nature and foster mindfulness is located on an inspiring 550-acre estate bordering the River Dart near Totnes in Devon. It offers a rare treat: a Palladian mansion, strewn with colourful oil paintings, that hosts affordable and secular mindfulness and meditation retreats on set dates throughout the year. Take your pick from mindfulness for beginners to breaks that mix meditation with walking, creativity and other activities. The stupendous views of the bend in the river and dramatic cascade of grounding oak trees from the house and terraces will energise even the weariest heart, whichever retreat you choose.

“When our world is spinning out of control, our bodies can be our refuge”