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First Impressions

I've wanted to go on a retreat for many years now and looked into all different ones. From fitness retreats in Ibiza to wild swimming ones in Cornwall. However, when I stumbled across The Nest, something clicked, and I instantly knew this was the retreat for me.

The retreat has been created by women, for women and their mission is to 'support your emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing.' This instantly grabbed me as I loved that it was a bit of everything that's important to me, not just fitness. They host solo restorative retreats which means everything is one on one and you get the personal touch throughout. It was designed to help women reconnect with themselves and offers the opportunity to practice self-care in the truest sense. After reading all the pages on their website and selecting the Warrior Women Retreat, I couldn't wait to arrive and start my wellness journey.

The Room

During your stay, you have the most adorable shepherd hut to yourself to unwind in, named, The Old Sheepfold. It's tucked away from the owner's house, so you have your own space and privacy and even your own garden to relax in. The shepherd's hut comes with everything you will need for your retreat, which means you just need to bring yourself. There is a dining area for you to enjoy freshly prepared food, a kitchen area to make yourself a hot drink, and a cosy bed with a heated blanket and all the cushions you could ever need to get comfortable.

Outside in its own little barn, you will find the bathroom. It even comes with a stable door, so if you are feeling brave you can shower with the door open and enjoy the countryside views. There is also a fireplace inside the hut which I loved putting on in the morning and whilst eating my evening meal to warm up those colder day.

The Retreat

Depending on the retreat you select will determine the activities you encounter during your stay. As part of the Warrior Women package, I not only got to try out new mindfulness practices but also met the incredible women who guide you through them. I felt I could really open up and be honest to all the women I met as they all gave me such a warm welcome and it was so easy to connect with them.

When I first arrived, I met Tansy, who took me for a forest walk to get to know me and set my intentions for my stay. We then ended my retreat by taking the same walk and reflecting on everything that I had experienced. I loved trying out all the activities from multiple Yoga practices, meditation, forest bathing, a body scan, mindfulness, and creating my own mood board. One night I was also treated to the most energising full body aromatherapy massage and facial which was the perfect way to end my day and send me off to bed.

The Food

Forget about diets, fasting, or only having smoothies as this is a retreat where you will be served the most delicious, nourishing, home-cooked food from morning to night. Did I mention that there is also daily homemade cake on offer? Moya, the host was always on hand to provide anything I needed and every morning she would arrive with the most delicious hot chocolate and a breakfast hamper for me to devour. Lunch and dinner were always good, hearty meals but still healthy which meant pudding was always an easy yes. One night I was even treated to a glass of wine to wash my dinner down with which was such a lovely touch. Moya is an excellent chef and I have missed her meals since leaving, so trust me when I say you are in for a treat with just the food during your stay.

Overall Impression

When I arrived, I wasn't sure what to expect but I knew I needed some time to myself to recharge, unwind and connect back to me. By the time I left, I could tell I was glowing from the inside out, and once home people noticed that I was more energised and vibrant. I would 100% recommend this retreat to any women that need some time away from their busy lives to find themselves again. Everything from the shepherd hut, itinerary, activities and food were beyond perfect and made my time at The Nest that bit more special and memorable. It really is the perfect retreat for women to attend whatever their reason. I will definitely be returning when I need to switch off from the world and focus on the most important person, me.