Take time out for you, 56 courses to launch your 2025 goals
The slate is wiped clean and January is all about you? To kickstart your New Year, new start, Muddy has the lowdown of the best courses – from creative writing, cookery and willow weaving to wellness retreats in Costa Rica.
BEDFORDSHIRE BERKSHIRE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE CAMBRIDGESHIRE CHESHIRE CORNWALL DERBYSHIRE DEVON DORSET ESSEX GLOUCESTERSHIRE HAMPSHIRE HERTFORDSHIRE KENT LEICESTERSHIRE LONDON NORFOLK NORTHAMPTONSHIRE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE OXFORDSHIRE RUTLAND SOMERSET SUFFOLK SUSSEX WARWICKSHIRE WEST MIDLANDS WILTSHIRE WORCESTERSHIRE YORKSHIRE
Curtis Brown Creative writing courses, online and London
If the goal is to finally write that bestseller trapped deep inside, we’re here to help you nail that burning ambition. Grab the storyline by the horns and book yourself on one of Curtis Brown Creative’s incredible writing courses. The CBC school works closely with acclaimed authors, literary agents and top publishers to offer a huge range of practical and inspiring writing courses. If you’re looking for a place to start, join their new Writing Your First Page course (£125) for an intensive day of Zoom teaching from award-winning author Kirsty Logan. By the end of the day, you’ll have crafted a strong opening and found the confidence to keep moving forward with your story. For flexible online study, join their bestselling six-week Starting to Write Your Novel course (£230). Explore all of their courses designed to get you writing here, prices start from just £40.
BEDFORDSHIRE
Quartz + BLOOM, Aspley Guise
Want to glow inside and out in 2025? Head straight to skin wellness studio Quartz + BLOOM based in Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire. The studio offers a full range of treatments, from facials to sculpting body treatments, that are designed to enhance your skin and also restore balance and harmony to your life. We like her Lifestyle + Wellbeing coaching service, a 90 min tailored coaching session aimed at empowering you with the knowledge and tools to improve your health, happiness and skin radiance in 2025.
BERKSHIRE
The Woodspeen Cookery School, nr Newbury
Hop on a The Woodspeen cookery class and you’ll practically leave a Michelin starred chef. Well, almost. It’s a pretty legendary restaurant around the Berkshire neck of the woods – renowned for the quality of its food and homegrown, locally-sourced produce. Think you’ve got what it takes? Don the whites at one of several of the courses on offer. There’s Woodspeen Classics, All Things Fish, Steak Night, Introduction to Bread and Enriched Dough, and Home Butchery just to name a few. Sessions run all year around in their state-of-the-art kitchen with prices starting at £115 pp.
Limitless Potential Hypnotherapy, Wokingham
Hypnotherapy is the buzzword in health and wellbeing right now – an empowering means of reclaiming your life, managing pain, and creating long-lasting change. Really, it’s that good. If there’s any clinical hypnotherapist you’ll want to get on speed dial it’s renowned clinical hypnotherapist and transformational coach Tracy Stone from Limitless Potential. With 30 years’ experience under her belt, she offers workshops, training, and coaching events with a focus on helping women to deal with overwhelm, self-doubt and relationship difficulties. The best part? It can all be done from the comfort of your own home.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
URBAN OM Costa Rica yoga retreat, Costa Rica
Beat the January blues by planning a retreat in paradise. Okay you won’t be jetting off to Costa Rica until July, but there’s a lot to look forward to at this luxury yoga retreat run by Bucks studio URBAN OM. The yoga centre is nestled on a stunning hillside location overlooking the Cañafistula Valley with tropical gardens, a huge infinity pool where you can gaze across to the mountains, and accommodation in tropical chalets (all with equally scenic views). And how’s this for a daily to-do list? Yoga classes with URBAN OM founder Sarah Kassam in the outdoor shala (that’s Sanskrit for ‘home’ or ‘house’), a spot of meditation, excursions into the Costa Rican countryside, and ‘deep-dive’ workshops to connect with your inner Zen (we know it’s in there somewhere). Or just unplug in one of the hammocks dotted around the garden – the retreat is recommended for anyone needing to recover from a long period of work or relationship stress, but frankly these days we could all do with a bit of tlc. It runs from Sun 20 – Sun 27 July and it costs from £895pp for six nights’ accommodation, flights from Heathrow are additional. Namaste.
By Firelight Morocco retreat, Morocco
If a week of wellness in Morocco is what you seek, Bucks biz By Firelight, which hosts fab events in its Tipi at Lopemede Farm in Long Crendon, is spreading its wings and escaping the UK’s dank drizzle for the sun-drenched slopes of the Atlas Mountains. Led by Firelight’s founders Jess and Greg, the retreat at Taghazout in northern Morocco is billed as five days and six nights of pure relaxation, with a daily schedule that starts with sunrise yoga, ends with a fire circle, and fits in meditation, breath work, more yoga and authentic Moroccan food in between. Afternoons are free for ocean swims, surfing and shopping in the souk – or alternatively you can just laze by the pool (no judgement, you’re here to chill). Think you can handle that? By Firelight is running two retreats, from Tue 25 Feb – Sun 2 Mar and from Tue 4 – Sun 9 Mar, starting at £745 for a sharing room. Book your spot here.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
Wellbeing Wander, Nene Park, Peterborough
Rekindle your connection with nature on a free guided Wellbeing Wander through the beautiful trails of Nene Park, happening on the Tue 7 and Wed 22 Jan. It’s the perfect way to clear your mind and embrace the crisp January air. This gentle walk focuses on mindfulness and the simple joys of being outdoors, with a few handy tips on bringing more balance and calm into your daily routine. Sometimes, all it takes is a peaceful stroll and a breath of fresh air to leave you feeling completely rejuvenated.
Make a Bird Buffet, Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Tap into your inner nature lover at this hands-on workshop at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. You’ll get creative making bird feeders using natural and recycled materials, all while picking up helpful tips on how to support local wildlife through the winter months. The workshop runs from 10am – 1pm on Sat 4 Jan, and is the perfect way to connect with nature in a fun, wholesome way. Plus, your feathered friends will be forever grateful for your efforts!
CHESHIRE
Elemental Exploration Retreat, Peak District
For a thorough reset (and by god, we all need it), there are still a couple of spaces left on the Elemental Exploration Retreat – a yoga and wellness-led escape pitched in the Peak District. Led by Charlotte Montgomery whose at the helm of Knutsford-based Satya Sanctuary and Monique Quereshi of Apya Yoga, it’ll be a reviving mash-mash of yoga, guided meditations and reiki healing sessions, as well as shamanic drumming and a massage workshop. All whilst staying in plush surroundings in a 13-bed country pile with immaculately made beds, log burners and cosy nooks. Fri 31 Jan – Sun 2 Feb.
Soulful sessions, Pickmere
Ever since The Farm Club opened on Pickmere’s shores, it’s spawned a loyal following of Dry Robe-wearing devotees who come to lie in its outdoor (heated) teepee for deep breath work sessions and dips in the icy cold lake. For something you might not have tried that’ll pull you truly out of comfort zone, is its ecstatic dance experience. And there’s one on Fri 7 Feb at 6.30pm. Go open-minded, embrace your free spirit (she’s in there), expect to giggle (a lot) and don’t even think about trying to smuggle in a couple of tinnies to shake off your self-consciousness. Once the music’s ramped up, you’ll find yourself throwing shapes over your yoga mat, as if you were 23 and five drinks in. Truly liberating.
CORNWALL
Cornwall Wild Swimming Break, St Michaels Resort, Falmouth
Invigorate the senses, improve technique and become immersed in the benefits of sea swimming to mind, body and soul. St Michaels swim coach Salim will guide you through the 3-day swim retreat which includes both pool and sea swims, spa sessions and yoga, as well as all meals and luxury accommodation(Fri 9 – Mon 12 May and Fri 3 – Mon 6 Oct). No prior open water swimming is necessary, but is an advantage, and you should be able to swim 400m without stopping. This can be a mix of strokes though some should be front crawl. St Michaels also hosts other wellness specialist retreats including yoga, Wim Hof and Stand Up Paddleboarding.
Ride on Retreats, around Cornwall
Have fun in the waves – surfing or body boarding – under the supervision of highly qualified professional surf instructors. Relax with daily yoga sessions in a private studio in the house. Soak in the hot tub in the landscaped gardens. Eat highly nutritious, delicious food prepared by a private chef. Flop into a comfy bed at the end of the day. Then repeat. Suitable for all abilities. Coming up: three-night Surf & Yoga retreats Fri 30 May – Mon 2 June and Fri 6 – Mon 9 June. £650–£950pp.
DERBYSHIRE
Grounded@Wildhive, Ashbourne
Gather the gang and head into the woods for the ultimate back-to-nature grounding retreat. in the idyllic grounds of Wildhive Callow Hall, this intimate package for 4-8 people is a delicious (and unusual) combo of ballet-inspired Barre, sound journey, meditation and firepit ceremony designed to root and anchor the body and mind. Wrap it all up in the nurturing nature-rich experience of woodland walks and bedding down in a luxe treehouse, and it sounds pretty perfect to us. Costs £235pp, accommodation extra.
Weleda Wellness Retreat, Longnor
Holistic skincare, morning yoga and connecting with nature is what it’s all about at this nourishing Peak District retreat. Natural wellness pioneers Weleda (based in Derbyshire) lead this lovely long weekend of rebalancing treatments, immersive nature experiences and revitalising yoga. Seasonal, vibrant veggie meals add to the holistic bliss. From Fri 7 – Mon 10 Mar, £1,050pp.
DEVON
Train to be a yoga teacher, Tavistock
Fancy swapping your desk for a yoga mat in 2025? Gem Yoga Teacher Training’s Yoga Alliance 200hr foundational course will qualify you to teach anywhere in the world. With 13 years as a teacher under her yoga belt, Gem’s course is based in a beautiful barn near Tavistock. It runs on monthly weekends spread over eight months, providing you with all the skills you need, including Gem’s bespoke illustrated manual, plus advice on lesson planning and business building. Ideally you’ll have practised yoga for a year or two, otherwise it’s open to all, regardless of age, gender, or if you just want to go deeper into yoga for yourself. From £2,795 (or £2,995 with payment plan).
Learn to fly fish, Lifton
Grab your waders and head to The Arundell Arms, Devon’s 1920s fly fishing hotel, where you can learn to fly fish along their 22 pristine miles of the River Tamar. After a day out with the ghillies, you can kick back with a cocktail on an ancient leather sofa in country house hotel style. Enjoy the crackling fire, read the paper, then plan the next day’s jaunt, whether it’s a stomp, cycle or canter on Dartmoor, or simply enjoying a soak in the tub with scented Florist toiletries.
Seaside Menopause Retreat, Lynmouth
Hot chocolate, chai and sunsets are all on the agenda at this spring wellness weekend (Fri 7 – Mon 10 Mar). Based on the North Devon coast in the pretty harbour town of Lynmouth, it’s designed to relax, educate and empower, and his osted by the famous menopause experts, Womenkind Collective. Your 3-nighter includes daily yoga and workshops with menopause and image experts and includes time to wander the local riverside walks or have a dip sea on Exmoor’s stunning coastline, along with optional massage, reflexology and Ayurvedic treatments. Meals and accommodation at The Rock House or the Muddy Award-winning Destination Pub, The Rising Sun, are all included. £745pp
DORSET
The Body Retreat, nr Dorchester
Spa-health-fitness combos, these women-only wellbeing and weight loss retreats at a luxury country house in the Dorset countryside are designed to have long-lasting effects on your whole life rather than a quick fix. Women’s wellness coach Juls Abernethy and semi-pro sportswoman turned strength and conditioning coach Julie Brealy and their team of experts run six retreats – Weight Loss, Menopause, Sugar-Detox, Stress Re-set, Conscious Cook and Tone, and Healthy Holiday – throughout the year costing from £1,650pp. Read our review.
ESSEX
Glass House Retreat Reform Break, Bulphan
Jan’s time for a fresh start, well here’s where you need to head. Located in Bulphan, Glass House Retreat’s Reform one night stay will see 2025 start off right (as in laying off the booze and laying off the couch). Enjoy a night of quality zzz in a Superior Glass House Room, plus a 55 min bespoke facial and full use of all facilities. There are also daily exercise and mindfulness classes, vegan chef demos and a 100% plant-based dinner and breakfast’s included. From £288pp.
Essex Climate Action Commission
If you’re on a 2025 sustainability mission – recycle more, cut down on food waste and compost at home – to put a significant dent in your carbon footprint, this is for you. Set up by Essex County Council to advise on how to tackle climate challenge and become a net zero emissions county, this is your call to help plant trees in your area. So far they’ve planted 139,000 trees and 51,000 hedgerows for wildlife alone, but they need your help, so sign up and glow in your greenness. Full info here.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Kate Bishop Coaching, Cheltenham
What would you give to make your Mondays feel like Fridays? Manifest no more, because Career and Confidence Coach Kate Bishop, your fairy godmother of the grind, is on hand to help. An expert in helping frustrated professionals rediscover their spark, regain confidence and own their working week. Whether you’d love to re-balance the job you’re in, or drop it all and start again, or just work on your self-belief, contact Kate for bespoke 1:1 coaching, or book in for a free 60min Foundation Session call.
HAMPSHIRE
Wild Wanderings Retreat at Lime Wood, New Forest
Take time out in the beautiful New Forest and enjoy a blissful dip in The Times’ Spa of the Year 2024. Lime Wood hotel’s ReWild Yourself Retreats are all about getting back to nature and making the most of the outdoors. A one-day Spring (Wed 12 Mar) or Autumn (Wed 17 Sep) Wild Wanderings retreat at the luxe hotel includes a forest immersion walk, sound healing sessions, time in the Herb House spa and healthy, seasonal food.
Cooking Masterclasses with MasterChef: The Professionals winner, Tom Hamblet, Lainston House, Winchester
Take your cooking skills up a notch – and really impress at your next dinner party. Head Chef at the newly refurbished The Avenue at Lainston House near Winchester, the 2023 MasterChef: The Professionals champion Tom Hamblet is leading a leading a series of expert masterclasses at the hotel’s Season Cookery School. Learn to make dishes inspired by Tom’s time on the show, join in the Q&A, then scoff what you’ve cooked – a two-course menu including a halibut main and banana and peanut dessert (Sat 8 Feb, Sat 26 Apr, Sat 7 June) or lamb followed by a peppercorn tart (Sat 8 Mar, Sat 3 May).
Women’s Luxury Countryside Wellness Retreat, Gambledown Farm, Romsey
This end of summer retreat could be just what you need if you’ve experienced trauma or emotional pain. This 3-night retreat has been designed specifically for women who are seeking profound transformation. Jade Danielle – aka @xcosmiccoachx – is a trauma-informed healer, shadow work guide, and quantum energy coach. She helps women uncover the root causes of their emotional pain and reconnect with their true selves. The luxury retreat takes place at Gambledown Farm in Hampshire. During the retreat, you’ll take part in somatic healing practices, transformative breathwork sessions and quantum healing experiences as well as nature walks and floral workshops. You’ll also be eating so much better with nourishing plant-based meals and drinks. And there are pampering treatments from soothing massage to rejuvenating facials. Leave a new woman. Fri 5 – Mon 8 Sep. From £805pp.
HERTFORDSHIRE
lluminating New Year Full Day Retreat, Hatfield
If you want to start off your year as you mean to go on, with a bit of relaxation and re-setting, book into the Illuminating New Year Full Day Retreat (Sun 12 Jan) at the stunning Oak House Studio. Located within the grounds of Hatfield House, the day is led by Louise Neicho, a yoga and mindfulness teacher, and includes yoga, meditation, a nature walk, and a plant-based nutritious lunch. £115pp or £199 for two.
Inexhale, Hitchin
Harriette Wight is a breathing coach based in Hitchin, and runs online and in-person breathwork classes. A qualified Yoga and Buteyko Breathing Instructor, she can help you if you suffer from shortness of breath and shallow breathing. Book her 8-week programme in 2025 and receive 1:1 coaching calls with Harriette and the techniques and practises to help you regulate your breathing, open your airways and soothe your stress.
KENT
Green Farm, Shadoxhurst
Set in the idyllic Shadoxhurst conservation area and surrounded by 12,500 acres of ancient woodland and traditional pastures, Green Farm is a place where you can completely switch off. Inspired by nature and Green Farm’s beautiful grounds – with a sauna and two outdoor hot-tubs – the boutique spa has everything you need to relax and revive. Choose from either Day Retreats, Mid-week Retreats or Weekend Retreats, that focus on either Yoga, Pilates, Couples Connectivity or Nature, and all make the most of the spa facilities and beautiful countryside setting. From muscle-releasing deep tissue massages to brightening facial therapies, Green Farm’s friendly and knowledgeable staff will guide you through the ESPA treatment menu. Book your stay in one of individually-designed bedrooms in the 15th century farmhouse or, if you’re part of a larger group, the beautifully restored listed barn offers luxury self-catering accommodation for 12-14 people.
The Ceramic Studio, Brenchley
Pottery is the ideal antidote to the digital world and the perfect tactile pastime, allowing you to slow down, focus on one artistic activity – and come away with a real sense of achievement. And we’ve found a gorgeous place where you can join classes, book to attend with friends – or take your children to learn. Set in a converted barn on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, The Ceramic Studio is easily accessible from Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Paddock Wood. The pottery classes are run by experienced, dedicated tutors and class sizes are small to ensure everyone’s needs are met (and complete novices are welcomed with open arms!). Yes, there’s lots of potter’s wheels, but they also have sculpture, porcelain and other art mediums. There’s something for everyone – and if you’re not sure just try an Adult Taster or Family Taster Sessions (last Saturday of every month).
FLOW Yoga, Tunbridge Wells
If you over-indulged a little and now want to feel all cleansed, balanced and revived, look no further than the popular FLOW studio, in Tunbridge Wells. This award-winning centre for yoga, osteopathy, counselling and coaching offers a lively and varied selection of regular workshops and courses to keep your curiosity alive, your body moving, and your interest peaked throughout the year. Take a look here for more information and live updates over the next few weeks.
LEICESTERSHIRE
Imbolc Wellbeing Workshop – Meditation, Yoga & Sound Bath, Optimum You Yoga, Market Harborough
Ever dived into the Gaelic tradition of Imbolc? Mark the shift of the seasons towards spring on Sat 8 Feb, with guided meditation, yoga, a sound bath and time to reflect in a small group of 16 under the expert tutelage the team at Optimum You Yoga. Embrace new beginnings as nature starts to wake up and plant the seeds of what you want this year to bring. Allow yourself the space and time to focus on your vision for the year ahead and nurture the growth of your new beginnings.
LONDON
Studio Pottery London, Victoria
If you used to throw shapes but are now more interested in throwing clay, it’s time to book a pottery class. Learn from the best at this serene studio in the heart of London’s Victoria. There are plenty of options for 2025 – book a taster course if you’re new to the game, but if you’ve tired before and want to get better book the five-session foundation course (£275) to cultivate your knowledge of throwing and master your centring, trimming and glazing. Farewell wonky hand pots.
Beginner Yoga Course, Triyoga, Camden
This is it. The year you finally commit to getting on your mat and perfecting your downward dog. Even if you’ve dabbled in yoga before, it’s a good idea to book a course to perfect the basics and Susannah Hoffman’s 6-week beginner course (£90, Wed 8 Jan – Wed 12 Feb) at Triyoga is unbeatable – she taught Muddy and we’re now bendier than a pretzel (maybe).
NORFOLK
The Norfolk Hygge Experience, nr Reepham
The Norfolk Hygge Experience is a unique therapeutic treatment geared towards combatting the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and to relieve the aches and pains brought on by the colder months. Available from September through to March every year, The Norfolk Hygge Experience is part of the VIP treatment offering from Harley Street trained practitioner, Kate Smith. With over 25 years in the wellness game, Kate combines a myriad of therapies into her massage treatments – we’re talking deep tissue, Thai, Swedish and Indian head massage, acupressure, mindful meditation – with the ‘there there’ escapism of the Norfolk countryside. In other words Kate, and her Norfolk Hygge Experience, are guaranteed to set you on the right path for the rest of 2025.
Yoga Spa Day, Hethersett, nr Norwich
Combining a morning of yoga, meditation, crystal healing, reiki and tarot with an afternoon spent in a lush spa sauna-ing, steam-ing, hot tub-ing and relaxing, this Yoga Spa Day is the only way to kick off 2025! Hosted by Yoga With Lucy, a passionate and experienced yoga instructor, reiki master, crystal healer, tarot reader and all round wellness wonder woman – this is a treat like no other. The day runs from 10am-5pm at Park Farm Hotel & Leisure on Sat 2 Feb (£141pp), but Lucy hosts all manner of retreats around the county, check them out here and start plotting your year of self care.
Learn the relaxing art of needlecraft, North Creake
Needlework is good for the soul! It’s a great way to relax and you get to create something fabulous at the same time. Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or don’t know one end of a crochet hook from another, all abilities, genders and ages are welcome at The Little School of Needlecraft. The gorgeous school in picture perfect North Creake provides all manner of needlework classes, workshops and retreats. Choose from crochet and knitting to embroidery, upcycling and fabric dyeing to name a few. Classes run year round in founder Jolanda Rocklin’s gorgeous workshop and garden with prices starting from £80pp. Not local, The Little School of Needlecraft also offers longer retreats too so you can always make a weekend of it.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Ultimate New You Retreat, Homefield Grange
It’s self-care season, so be one of only 23 like-minded guests to stay at Homefield Grange, nestled in the Northamptonshire countryside. It’s a luxurious home-from-home health retreat offering residential health packages that aim to get great results with weight loss, detox, or just as a break from everyday life. The 7-day Ultimate New You Retreat is a complete lifestyle overhaul to have you break old habits and leave feeling renewed, restored and resilient.
Willow Weaving Workshop, Stanwick Lakes
Something a bit different but ticks the mindful box, how about learning a traditional craft at one of the Stanwick Lakes’ heritage workshops? They offer courses all year rouns, from blacksmithing to spoon carving. We reckon this one-day course on 12 Apr, where talented weaver and artist Jane Roberts will teach you how to weave your own willow basket, might be the most relaxing way to spend a day whilst learning a new skill at the same time. Plus, of course, you’ll head home with a beautiful handmade basket on your arm.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Mindful baking, Welbeck Estate, Sherwood Forest
What could be more meditative and satisfying than kneading, shaping and baking your own dough? Well this weekend of mindful making aims to maximise all that by teaching mindfulness and breathing, and combining it with a spot of ‘breaducation’ at the School of Artisan Food. The Mindful Bread workshop (£95pp) takes place on Sat 17 May with a Therapeutic Baking workshop (£195pp) that delves into strategies for positive mental health, on Sun 18 May.
OXFORDSHIRE
MOI’s SUP School Paddle Pool Clinics, Witney
January might not seem like the obvious time to try SUP – that’s stand-up paddleboarding, obvs. But don’t let the chilly conditions put you off. While open-river SUP won’t start until the Spring, you can hone your skills indoors in the meantime at the Winter Pool Clinics run by Oxfordshire’s MOI’s SUP School, which has an HQ on a stretch of the Thames near Witney. The winter clinics are held at local (heated!) indoor swimming pools, so you won’t have to go all Wim Hof, and you’ll learn safety-first self-rescue techniques while improving your footwork and balance – it’s all about having a strong core *gulp*. The pool classes (18+) run weekly until April in Didcot, Carterton, Thame and Chipping Norton, and cost £45 per class. Book here.
RUTLAND
Reset, Recharge, Reboot & Regroup: A Mindful Start to 2025, Rutland Nursery, Oakham
If you feel you need a little helping hand to set your 2025 goals (and seeing them through), head to the fabulous Rutland Nursery in Oakham on Sat 18 Jan for an immersive 5hr workshop in a lovely setting, dedicated to nourishing mind, body, and soul and embrace the new year with renewed focus and vitality, through yoga, meaningful conversation, breath work, guided meditation and healthy foods.
SOMERSET
Orchardleigh Wellness Retreats, nr Frome and Bath
Relax, reflect and rejuvenate on a three-day yoga retreat in the tranquil and beautiful grounds of the 500-acre Orchardleigh Estate. Experienced yoga instructors will lead both beginners and advanced practitioners through Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin yoga but you can enjoy meditation, mindfulness, a cacao ceremony, a soundbath and sauna with c-c-c-c-cold plunge – eek – too. You stay in cute little period cottages and the plant-based food is absolutely delicious – we know, we’ve been on one of their retreats. Price from £399, and you get a 20% discount off this and all the other Orchardleigh retreats until end of April 2025 using the code MUDDYSTILETTOS2025.
SUFFOLK
New Year, New Radiance, The Gainsborough Spa, Sudbury
Kickstart the year with a glowing new you at The Gainsborough with their ‘New Year, New Radiance’ spa package. Available throughout January, this indulgent experience starts with a soothing mineral-rich scrub to exfoliate and refresh your skin. Next, enjoy a detoxifying warm mud mask for your back and legs, leaving you feeling hydrated and purified. The experience wraps up with a deeply relaxing leg and back massage to melt away tension and restore balance. Finish your day with some well-deserved downtime in the serene thermal waters. And at under £100, it’s the perfect way to treat yourself without breaking the bank.
Beat the Blues Afternoon Tea, Retreat East, Hemingstone
Wave goodbye to the January blues and escape to Suffolk at Retreat East. Imagine settling into your gorgeous Elements Barn, complete with a dreamy outdoor bathtub, a cosy wood burner, and a grand four-poster bed. The spacious, open-plan living area sets the perfect mood for relaxation or a catch-up with friends. Enjoy complimentary access to the spa, where you can unwind in the steam room, sauna, and outdoor hot tub, or energise yourself with an ice bucket experience. And because no retreat is complete without a treat, indulge in a complimentary afternoon tea at The Great Barn.
SUSSEX
Rejuvenation Retreat, The Star, Alfriston
And breeeeeeathe. This 4-day yoga retreat has been curated around growth but perhaps more importantly, renewal. Roughly translated that means you’ll let go of stress and come returned revived. How can that be achieved we hear you ask? This charming hotel in a Sussex village has enlisted the expertise of yoga expert Jean Hall to host somatic vinyasa flow, reflective yin and meditative practices. Over the course of the restart (Mon 5 – Fri 9 May) you’ll also go on guided walks of the South Downs, enjoy a sound bath and the healing powers of a sea swim and sauna session. A vegetarian menu will be served and you’ll get to spend four nights at the hotel. From £2,012.
Women’s health check, The McIndoe Centre, East Grinstead
We spring clean our homes and put our car through an MOT but when it comes to our health it’s rare we do the same for our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. This is why this private hospital have launched a specialist health check for women taking an intricate and holistic approach. It’s an in-depth but not intrusive preventative look into things – the test ticks off blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol, diabetes, and cardiovascular risk as well as doing a urine analysis, bowel cancer screening and address the risk of Type 2 diabetes, anaemia and thyroid function as well as checking how your liver and kidneys are functioning. Before giving you a treatment plan to put you on the path to improved health. £699.
Weekly pottery classes, Clay Studios, Herons Ghyll, Mid Sussex
Current Muddy Award winner, The Clay Studios know a thing or two about flexing your creative skills and they help you do so in stunning surroundings. The venue sits on the edge of the Ashdown Forest and has views of the South Downs which you can look out to when you’re not sitting down to some pottery. This year you’ll want to sign up to their hand-building and throwing pottery classes happening weekly throughout the studio’s terms. Every ability (even first timers) will be looked after and you’ll learn and develop in all the key techniques. £480 for a 12-week course.
WARWICKSHIRE
Weekend book retreat, Ettington Park
Need a digital detox? Then this weekend book retreat at luxury Ettington Park could be just your thing. Curl up with a good book (or 10) during a 2-night stay, add in all meals catered for and you’ve got pretty much the perfect bookish break. Topped only by a chill in the spa, author talks, wine tasting and pilates sessions.
Wootton Park Wellness, Henley-in-Arden
Burnt out over Christmas and craving some ‘me’ time? We hear ya. Wootton Park Wellness is the place to recharge both mind and body through a day or weekend retreat. Think healthy food and smoothies, mindful walking, pilates and even laughter yoga (yes, that’s a thing) in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside. Here’s our review for some more details.
WEST MIDLANDS
Spa break, New Hall Hotel, Sutton Coldfield
If you want to unwind with your other half then the 2-night spa break at New Hall Hotel should do it. It’s a historic hotel complete with it’s own moat and drawbridge, set in a lush 26 acres. In the manicured gardens you’ll find the spa, complete with treatment rooms, swimming and spa pools, sauna, steam rooms and gym. For outdoorsy types there’s the tennis courts and pitch and putt. So a stay, complete with dinner, breakfast and treatments pretty much ticks all the post-Christmas chill boxes.
Foodie escape, Hampton Manor, Hampton-in-Arden
Listen up foodies, this one’s for you! Spend a night at stunning Hampton Manor, which has won a glut of hotel, wine and restaurant awards – including a coveted Michelin star. Alongside 5 star luxury you can enjoy the Taste of the Estate menu, with dishes from across the estate’s restaurant. Book in the next day for a cookery class, and you don’t even have to worry about how to get to and from – there’s a direct train to Brum and London from the village station. Bon appetit!
WILTSHIRE
Winter Wellness Retreat, Paxcroft Farm
If you’re still trying to get over the festive frazzle, cocoon yourself in countryside bliss, at this Winter Wellness Retreat in Wilts (Sat 22 Feb). Run by coach and mentor Kate Oatley on her farm near Trowbridge, you’ll nourish your soul with breathwork, a refreshing welly walk, guided meditation and sound bath session. Tickets £75pp.
Bio-energy wellness retreat, Whatley Manor
Whatley Manor’s wellness weekend (21 Mar) promises to activate your life force, which sounds pretty good to us. It’s led by the pro, Parvati Devi, who will guide you through bio-energy meditation techniques, as well as shamanic healing rituals and breathwork. While you’re there, head to Aquarius Spa, which has a top-notch hydrotherapy pool and thermal suite. Intrigued? Contact Whatley direct for info on prices and booking.
WORCESTERSHIRE
Unwind & Rebalance Retreat, Malvern
Book an overnight stay on the Unwind & Rebalance Retreat at Malvern Spa for a 24hr head and body reset. This one does what it says on the tin. You get a 40 minute Life Saving Back Treatment, full Spa access from 3pm on the day or arrival to 11am day of departure, £30 towards dinner, breakfast, and a Natural Spa Factory Face Mask in your room – all for £165pp. The spa has a stunning indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool and is a Muddy favourite. Available exclusively from Mon to Thu until the end of Feb.
YORKSHIRE
Grantley Hall, Ripon
All the gain, and no pain! The uplifting news is that Grantley Hall near Ripon has just launched an exclusive new wellness residency, one that concentrates on anti-ageing without painful procedures. Bloom Longevity Labs, in collaboration with Dr Lubna Khan-Salim, is the first of its kind in Yorkshire. On the first Wednesday of each month, guests can select from a range of non-invasive treatments at Three Graces Spa, designed to reverse the signs of growing any older. We’re in.
Saltmoore, Sandsend
A new luxe wellness retreat in the secluded seaside resort of Sandsend has very recently launched. Saltmoore is a stylish sanctuary nestled a shell’s throw from Whitby between the wild North Sea and the heather-draped moors. Formerly known as Raithwaite Hall, this unique getaway offers two hotels – Saltmoore House and The Beach House, with a total of 72 rooms, a state-of-the-art spa by Wildsmith and three dining venues overseen by Michelin-starred Chef Consultant Tommy Banks. A choice of sumptuous suites and coastal classics – many pet-friendly – means even your pooch can get pampered.
The Mindful Organiser, York
Tidy out your house and de-stress in one fell swoop, The Mindful Organiser in York will help you to do just that. Whether you’re after a reorganisation or need extra hands for an upcoming move, Cher Casey will help everyone from students, solos, families and retirees to make living spaces liveable. Festive decs and clutter be gone – it’s time to turn the page on a whole fresh chapter. Spit spot.
