My Wootton Park Wellness Retreat Experience – I’m Rebecca, Fitness and Yoga Teacher. Acupuncturist. Holistic Therapist and Mindfulness Coach. I had been lucky enough to receive a complimentary invite to experience the new Wootton Park Wellness Retreats.
Working in this area myself, it’s always wonderful to be able to step away and actually take some out time for me – making sure that I “practice what I preach”. The retreat took place a couple of weeks before lockdown commenced due to coronavirus. How time flies since I threw my belongings into the back of my trustworthy old jeep and headed into the Warwickshire countryside.
After a busy week at work, I was looking forward to the opportunity to spend the weekend at Wootton Park. Driving into the picturesque village of Wootton Wawen in the late afternoon, I already began to feel a relaxing sensation, surrounded by all the wooded landscape.
Saturday – Day 1
Upon arrival, I was greeted with a warm and friendly reception. I was shown to my spacious room; the Bruges 
bedroom. Each of the eight luxurious, ensuite rooms are named after a city that means something to the owners, which I thought was a lovely idea. I have fond memories of Bruges myself, so the name made me smile as I entered the very clean, comfortable room. The views out of the window of my room were beautiful, sprawling fields that kept geese, chickens, goats and even alpacas.
After settling into my room, I had the chance to meet the other guests and staff over tea, a wonderful homemade carrot cake and some other homemade delicious delights.
Our weekend full of activities began that evening with a Pilates class, hmmm maybe I shouldn’t have had the delicious carrot cake so soon before the class! It did feel good to stretch off at the end of the day though and our small group of mixed abilities was very well catered for by the teacher.
After time to shower and change, we all met again for a tasty vegetarian dinner, Thai curry and more fabulous desserts, I have to say I am not usually a pudding person and yet here I was indulging for the second time that day.
Due to the windy, cold weather, the evening dip in the hot tub didn’t happen but we all wrapped up and huddled around the open fire pit for a while. We even tried a spot of stargazing and although the sky wasn’t really playing ball that night, it was still lots of fun.
I was more than happy and ready to settle down for an early night feeling very relaxed and full.
Sunday – Day 2
Waking early the following morning to the sounds of gongs, we met for morning meditation followed by yoga. This is a routine that I make a priority to fit into my daily life so I was happy this was part of the programme.
Following a delicious breakfast and with our bodies stimulated and our minds awakened it was time to head outside to feed the animals before venturing into the Warwickshire countryside for the mindful, silent walk and Forest Bathing.
It seems that you are never too old to feel a sense of happiness and joy collecting eggs and feeding the goats and alpacas. A grounding experience and one that we all seemed to enjoy, despite the wet weather. Armed with boots and brollies we headed towards the woods in silence.
A slow mindfulness walk, allowing our senses to take in our surroundings. Pheasants, a variety of birds, a rabbit running across the fields at such an amazingly fast speed, noticing the rain fall on my face the smell of the grass and hedges the squelch of my boots in the muddy puddles. The British weather all adding to the experience.
To top this off, I got the chance to make a wish while holding on to a dove, lifting my arms releasing the beautiful bird, watching it head back home.
All this followed by a delicious lunch and yes of course more legendary homemade cakes.
A final gathering brought us together for a class of laughter yoga, which really lived up to its name and was a very enjoyable first for me. I will be using these techniques in my own yoga classes in the future.
The Verdict!
The Wootton Park Self Care Sunday programme was a lovely escape away, especially with all the health concerns happening in the world right now.
No mobile phones, no outside world, a complete break. Amazing time spent with a lovely family of people, who made me feel comfortable, welcomed, fabulously fed and recharged.
To find out more about a Wootton Park Self-Care or 4 Elements Day Retreat or a 24 Recharge, please contact us here, call 01564 330350 (option 2) or email hello@woottonparkwellness.co.uk.