How do you like to relax? Maybe it’s having a long bath, booking a massage, or simply sitting back and binge-watching your favourite Netflix show – we each have our own way of unwinding from life’s daily stressors. However, a particular spiritual wellness activity is becoming more and more popular, and Meghan Markle is said to be a fan. It is said to promote mental calm and relaxation.
As a regular reiki fan and someone interested in trying new healing techniques, I was given the chance to try one of the wellness sound bath weekend retreats at Down Hall Hotel, Spa and Estate in Essex.
For those unfamiliar with sound baths, there’s actually no water involved. Instead, participants lie back and watch the teacher play unique singing bowls, gongs, and chimes that, according to the mental health app Calm, “encourage the mind to relax and the body to release tension.”
Numerous health advantages of sound bathing have been reported, including reducing anxiety and reducing stress, relieving pain, facilitating better sleep, and reducing anxiety.
My sister and I escaped the hustle and bustle of London and headed to Down Hall for a well-being weekend with plenty of self-care opportunities.
What to anticipate from Down Hall’s Wellness Sound Bath Weekend Retreat?
Expect a schedule that is soul-wakeful for those who book in for the Wellness Sound Bath Weekend Retreat. After a 25-minute full-body massage in the hotel’s spa, Camilla Sheeley, Down Hall’s amazing wellness and holistic consultant, led us to a sensory sound bathing experience.
After squirming ourselves into blankets and putting our heads on a plump pillow, the sound waves and frequency vibrations caused us to go into a deep state of meditation. When we woke up, we were feeling incredibly calm and relaxed. Utter bliss!
We finished off the evening with a five-star meal in the hotel’s two-AA Rosette restaurant, Garden Room. In The Potting Shed, we had a delicious breakfast of freshly cooked eggs and pastries the following morning. This time, it was more of a revitalizing yoga session.
However, I have a confession to make: before the retreat, neither my sister nor I had ever tried yoga. I was apprehensive, what if all attendees were yoga pros? What if I was unable to carry the downward dog or plank without hitting my face?
However, Camilla quickly dissipated my worries, noting that she had classes for a wide range of people, including beginners, bendy yoga enthusiasts, and elderly women who had arthritis. As Camilla led the session, Camilla made it clear that everyone could participate in the weekend, with Camilla stating that “regular stretching and breathing exercises can greatly benefit the body and mind.” So if, like us, you’re new to certain wellness practices, don’t let this put you off booking onto this relaxing retreat.
About the hotel
Down Hall eludes sophistication and charm if all you’re looking for is a romantic weekend getaway. The 19th-century mansion sits on 110 acres and offers a peaceful retreat for couples, friends and dog owners. After recently completing a £1.5 million renovation project, the Grand Hall and cosy home-from-home bedrooms provide the perfect mix of comfort and style – a real treat, if, like me, that’s your staycation vibe. Featuring plush velvet sofas, artistic gallery walls and a vibrant colour palette, the boutique-style interiors are a modern contrast against the property’s historic features.
In between yoga sessions, we had a cup of tea in front of the open fire and went on a grounding woodland walk led by Camilla, another mood-boosting activity thought to improve mental health. Although we didn’t indulge on this occasion, afternoon tea also looked delicious, and is clearly popular.
The spa
The hotel’s Eden Spa is also the perfect place to unwind. I needed a facial to revitalize my dull, dry skin and get my skin glowing again for £70. The combination of targeted products, ice-cold gua sha crystal massage, and a combination of nourishing products and firmness and circulation promoted by the Active Nutrients Glow From Within facial ($70). Additionally, guests can choose from a variety of massages and body treatments, including pedis and exfoliating skin polishes.
How much does it cost?
The Wellness Sound Bath Weekend Retreat at Down Hall Hotel, Spa, and Estate costs £225 per person, including overnight accommodations in either a double or twin room. On Friday, March 28, the next retreat will be held.
Breathwork Weekend Retreats are offered at a cost of £225 per person and will begin on Friday, April 4.
For further room rates and to book your stay, visit Down Hall Hotel, Spa &, Estate AA Hotel of the Year 2025 – England. You can also check out upcoming events here.
Source: Mirror
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