om travel
I
f you’re a TV home makeover show enthusiast you may recall
Green Farm in an episode of ‘Homes Under the Hammer’ (and
if not, check out the footage on YouTube). In 2008, with the
help of expert craftsmen, MaryAnn and Martin Richmond-
Coggan restored a neglected Grade II listed house and its
surrounding buildings, transforming it into an immaculate yoga, spa
and wellbeing retreat in the Shadoxhurst conservation area of Kent.
On my journey from the train station to the retreat, Maryann
tells me that the surrounding 12,500 acres of ancient, conserved
woodland and pastures is home to deer, bats, owls and nightingales
which nest and sing in the springtime. She takes me on a guided tour
of the former Kent Hall House where historical quirks and character
blend perfectly with contemporary upgrades. Expect fifteenth-
century feather panelling, curious, winding staircases and antique
doors which open into guest rooms charmingly named ‘The Snug’,
‘Village View’, ‘Topsy Turvy’ and ‘T Total’.
My home-from-home is ‘The Snug’, a cosy beam-ceilinged room,
nuzzled between two passageways, with latticed windows and views
of vibrant roses decorating the barn house wall. I’ve timed my visit
well. It’s one of those idyllic English summer evenings: the birds are
chirping, the lambs are bounding about in the adjoining field, the sun
is setting, and with a cool drink of cucumber-infused water and the
aroma of delicious dinner to follow, all is well.
Over a delicious vegetarian risotto (the squeeze of lemon really
enhances the flavour) I learn that when an unfortunate leg injury left
Martin unable to carry out his usual work he tried his expertise in
the kitchen, to great success. His culinary repertoire is exquisite as
he conjures up meals that are satisfying, delicious and nutritious –
essentially the name of the game for our weekend retreat.Yoga and spa indulgences
We’re seven on the retreat, all here to focus on healthy living
and de-stressing with a timetable of morning and evening yoga,
interspersed by dips in the hot tub (complete with stunning views
over the fields), walks in the meadows and woodlands, a nutritional
health workshop, combined with an alluring array of on-site Espa
massage, beauty and holistic treatments.
On Saturday morning we meet our yoga instructor, Caelia
Butcher, who teaches at the Yoga Barn on Saturday and Monday
mornings. We’re joined by several local yogis in the purpose-built
shala with floor-to-ceiling windows boasting tranquil views of the
pond and gardens.
Initially, Maryann and Martin offered health and fitness weekends,
but with their shared passion for yoga and the growing need for
wellness holidays, they decided to recruit two (very different)
teachers to help launch a series of yoga and wellbeing retreats.
Caelia expertly leads us through a hatha flow sequence, which
feels both appropriate for newbies (there are some complete
beginners on the retreat), offering modifications and asanaSarah Dawson retreats to Green Farm Estate in the Kent countryside
for a delicious yoga and spa weekend
Down
at the
farmalternatives, as well as higher level options for regular practitioners.
It’s the perfect start to the day.
After class I learn that Caelia specialises in therapeutic and seated
yoga for those with disability and chronic illness. Her recognition,
empathy and understanding of the fact that we each have unique
bodies – and therefore a unique yoga experience – is at the core of
her teaching style.
Yoga and spa treatments are the perfect complement and the on-
site spa, with its dedicated professionals delivering Espa treatments
is exceptional. I choose an Optimal Skin Profacial with therapist
Helen, which is thoroughly enjoyable and results in a great glow
all weekend – and in my becoming a fan of all things Espa, in
particular, the Regenerating Face Treatment Oil and Naturally
Radiant Tinted Moisturiser.Naturopathic remedies
After a hearty, healthy breakfast it’s time for our nutritional
health workshop with Alice Yeates, a London-based naturopathic
nutritionist. Following her introduction, she asks the group: “Tell me,
what does good health mean to you?” Unanimously, we agree it’s
good energy, being pain-free, balanced and calm.
In the week preceding the retreat, we each completed a food diary
and it’s time now to reflect on the results and consider what might
be affecting (positively and negatively) our goals. A common factor
seems that we probably aren’t drinking the correct amount of water.
There’s a mixed opinion about how much is enough, but Alice’s tip
is to drink a glass of water every time we boil the kettle for a cup
of tea or coffee. Often, when we’re thirsty we’re drawn to caffeine,
but she suggests drinking a cup of water first and we might not want
the coffee.