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10 top retreats

Where to relax after the adventure

by Martin Guttridge-Hewitt

23.08.2009

So you’ve tracked lions in the Serengeti, driven through rural Russia and trekked like an Inca through South America. It’s probably about time you got some rest. Here’s a selection of top international retreats - WideWorld style.

The English stately home

The Boar’s Head Hotel & Ripley Castle Estate, North Yorkshire, England

From £105 per night for single standard room

www.ripleycastle.co.uk

As a guest of Lady Ingilby you will find yourself in one of the 25 individually decorated, luxury rooms in the hotel. Famed for its comfort and the delicious, chiefly local food served throughout the year it’s a little slice of the olde worlde in one of England’s most beautiful counties. Those looking for something more exciting than merely walking in the stunning surroundings or exploring the quaint village of Ripley can opt to head to the castle estate where regular game shoots are on offer. Then you can return with your catch and continue living the life of the aristocracy.

The Mediterranean holiday village

Les Jardins de Saint Benoit, Languedoc, France

From £966 per house per night

www.garrigaeresorts.com

Accommodation comes in the shape of 171 houses, of which 23 are villas with private pools and gardens. The idea is that visitors literally become villagers in a hamlet designed to look quintessentially French-med, with the central outdoor heated pool and terrace bar adding some Riviera decadence to the whole affair.

Adventure-seekers incapable of taking a real break can take trips climbing waterfalls, fishing or even boar hunting, whilst those looking for a long-term commitment can buy into the vineyard and olive groves. Visit enough times and you will find yourself pressing and bottling your very own vintage.

The tropical spa

Chiva Som, Hui Hin, Thailand

From £1100 per twin for 3 nights with your choice of retreat package

www.chivasom.com

The perfect stop-off for those returning home via Bangkok after months exploring the Far East. Relaxation is a serious thing at Chiva Som, and as such there is a complete ban on children, mobile phones and computers. Once you have effectively cut yourself off from the world outside, the lush, beachfront gardens of this paradise locale you will have very little to do other than get pampered and get well. Non-invasive medical diagnosis, sound-bath therapy and an exhaustive list of water-based treatments are all offered. Outside the spa you can learn traditional tai chi, the art of Thai flower arrangement or brush up on your yoga.

The North American wilderness

Blue Deer Centre, New York, USA

19-22 October; $1850 per person for Healing Camp with Eliot Cowan

www.bluedeer.org

Under the watchful eyes of the Catskills mountain range sits the Blue Deer retreat. Run by Huichol Indian Shaman Eliot Cowan - noted for his work with plant-based medicines - it offers a chance to get back to nature, reflect and relax. Regular visiting speakers are invited to share the teachings of cultures from regions such as the South Pacific, Africa and Central America and the Bhutanese policy of ‘Gross National Happiness’ is something the Blue Deer claims to wear on its sleeve. If this does appeal it might be worth booking onto the Healing Camp - a five-day comprehensive wellness weekend.

The communal retreat

Findhorn Foundation Spiritual Village, Findhorn, Scotland; The Isle of Iona, Scotland; Isle of Erraid, Scotland

From £325 per person (income assessed) for 7 days Experience Week

www.findhorn.org

Really three places in one entry, the Findhorn Foundation offer retreats in its main ‘Park’ area, or on two islands, Iona - apparently one of the most sacred and spiritual places on Earth - and Erraid. Castaway living can be found on Erraid - fully communal and as close to self-sufficient as you could ask for, your weeks spent here will offer plenty of time to explore and unwind. Acceptance onto the two islands requires participation in one of the central programmes.

The personal touch

Ashwin Retreat Centre, Argyll, Scotland

From £41 per night for flat alone

www.ashwhin.com

A unique take on the retreat, there is one flat available that sleeps one or two and all activities are one-on-one. Whilst here you will undergo as much or as little therapy and counselling as you choose within countryside littered with relics of Scotland’s past. There are plenty of walks to get your teeth into, and those looking for complete solace can opt to be left alone for as long as they want. Like a hermit re-awakened, you’ll be going home with a new found perspective on life, or at least less signs of exhaustion.

The detox

Homefield Grange De-Tox Retreat, Northamptonshire, England

Mon-Sat; From £1049 per person for 5 night Ultimate De-Tox

www.homefieldgrangeretreat.co.uk

With programmes such as the ‘pure liquid fast’ the Grange is not joking when it comes to the detox, but those intimidated by the idea of completely giving up solids can rest assured the food will be organic and local. Colonics, various facials and massages are all available, along with some slightly more unusual treatments. Live Blood Analysis is one such offering, whereby you are shown a live feed of your blood content. Throw in Magnetic Resonance Therapy and the infra-red sauna and you begin to realise that this is extreme wellbeing – 21st Century style.

The champagne weekend

Grape Escapes Adventure Champagne Tasting, Remes/Epernay, France

23-25 October; £325 per person for 2 night Adventure Champagne Weekend

www.grapeescapes.net

If you have ever wanted to spend a couple of days sipping the finest of fine tipples with a dash of excitement thrown in then this is for you. After arriving in the local B&B of your choice on Friday, Saturday will see you touring three fizzy houses in the area, sampling their wears. Along the way you will have the opportunity to abseil 100ft into their cellars before getting stuck into the booze. As if that wasn’t enough, you can learn the greatest party piece on the planet, Sabrage- the Napoleonic practice of opening a bottle of Champagne with a sword!

Escape to ‘the other side’

Fountains Court Holistic Health Hotel, North Yorkshire, England

£195 per person for 2 night bespoke programme

www.fountainscourt.com

You’ll find a plethora of treatments here for the mind, body and soul but those after that little extra can opt for Past Life Therapy and Clairvoyancy. The latter comes in two-hour sessions and is all about remembering previous experiences in order to make sense of what’s going on now. Focusing on letting your conscious loose to do its thing, this is certainly not something you’re going to find on your average retreat. The terrace hot tub and Zen garden should chill you out afterwards, but be warned- all noise, including laughter and closing doors must be kept to a minimum so as not to spook anyone.

The British campsite

Orchard Campsite, Suffolk, England

25- 26 Sept; From £60 for Alien Encounter Weekend/ Various dates; From £40 for 2 night Star Party

www.orchardcampsite.co.uk

Rediscover the joys of the countryside by spending a few days under canvas close to the picturesque Suffolk coastline. The real attraction here comes in the shape of the specialist events that are offered from autumn through winter, kicking off with an Alien Encounter Weekend in September. Over the three days campers are taken, in convoy, to a ‘alien-landing’ site before returning to Orchard HQ for an evening of eating and dressing up. There are also Star Parties until December. These cosmic weekends come complete with telescopic monitors for those who forgot their astronomical instruments. Electrical hook-ups are available for those who remembered their kit!

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