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Are there places women can go to have a break/ be looked after?

232 replies

Burntout01 · 14/11/2025 21:23

I have come to the realization that I need to have a complete and total break from my real life, it will only be possible for a week due to my responsibilities so it needs to be really good and restorative, can anyone suggest anywhere? South West of Uk ideally.
must be comfortable, ‘normal’ type atmosphere so not religious. Single rooms, goid quality ideally vegetation food ( not a health farm). Treatments, peace and quiet, that sort of thing.
Any suggestions?

OP posts:
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26
bringmelaughter · 14/11/2025 22:24

Another vote here for the dreaming: https://www.thedreaming.co.uk/

It is peaceful, the food is amazing, the rooms and indoor and outdoor space are beautiful and calming. You can take part in the offerings of gentle and soulful activities or not. There are generally other likeminded women there.

Every time I feel burnt out, the dreaming soothes me. It is wonderful.

The Dreaming

The Dreaming is an innovative and inspiring new healing retreat centre nestled in the heart of Wales. It is a place to rest, restore, be playful & connect with nature.

https://www.thedreaming.co.uk

SoftBalletShoes · 14/11/2025 22:26

Don't laugh, but a number of nunneries and monasteries offer retreats for clapped-out members of the public. This monastery near my hometown includes women, so perhaps others do, too.

https://worthabbey.net/come-on-retreat/

Mumtobabyhavoc · 14/11/2025 22:27

Allthatwegotisthispalebluedot · 14/11/2025 22:13

Ragdale hall IS lovely, but it is just a spa. A fairly expensive one too, so if you go in thinking you will have this super individualised experience in which staff will cater for your every whim and you won’t see another human until you leave you will be wildly disappointed. I had a gorgeous time but arrived late because I was coming after work and they REFUSED to give me a starter when I went for dinner. Bit tight, as it was only 8.30pm when I arrived. I wasn’t even the last person in the restaurant!

That's outrageous given the cost to stay there!

OliviaBonas · 14/11/2025 22:29

I also think Ragdale would meet you needs. It’s eye wateringly expensive and I would definitely recommend Sunday-Wednesday to avoid the busy times. The food is gorgeous and the rooms are lovely.

BakedandBroken · 14/11/2025 22:32

crazeekat · 14/11/2025 21:45

Pack books and go
up the Scottish highlands. Get a little cottage on a loch some food and wine and switch ur phone off listen to the rain and chill tf out

and wait for the mad axe-man to come a-knocking

66babe · 14/11/2025 22:33

beachreader · 14/11/2025 21:32

Ragdale Hall? It’s in Leicestershire, unlike a spa attached to a hotel it’s more of a retreat style spa. They park your car, check you in over a drink and you get breakfast in bed. Lovely grounds, treatments, spa area, classes/gym and meals are in a lovely dining room. Guests on their own can dine alone or choose to join a social table. Lots of places to relax, doze off with a book etc and they often have talks of an evening plus things like yoga/sound baths. Sounds exactly what you’re after. X

I agree with this , Ragdale Hall is top class for relaxation with a bit of being spoiled
Rooms are amazing , so nice to get that gentle knock “ breakfast , can I come in “
Treatments are wonderful , you can join in as much or as little as you choose .

SoftBalletShoes · 14/11/2025 22:35

SoftBalletShoes · 14/11/2025 22:26

Don't laugh, but a number of nunneries and monasteries offer retreats for clapped-out members of the public. This monastery near my hometown includes women, so perhaps others do, too.

https://worthabbey.net/come-on-retreat/

Ignore me; I failed to read your OP properly saying nowhere religious. Oh well, perhaps it'll help someone else!

mamagogo1 · 14/11/2025 22:39

dont completelyly dismiss one’s run by religion orgs, whilst some may be prescriptive over attend prayers etc others are not, completely optional. Generally they are significantly cheaper than most mentioned here (I paid £300 for the week last year, I did attend nightly evensong but not everyone did)

AlohaMoe · 14/11/2025 22:39

Apologies if it’s been mentioned as I haven’t read all responses.
Have you looked at Foxhill Manor? You can use facilities at Dormy House onsite and they’ll drop you there and back. Staff will look after you or leave you to it as you ask. Know it’s not quite South West as requested but not too far.
Wherever you choose, hope you have a blissful time! Would love to be able to do the same ❤️ xx

Steelasprey · 14/11/2025 22:43

Inextremis · 14/11/2025 21:35

I know you said not a health spa, and in the UK - but have a look at Cloona, here in the west of Ireland - you can fly to Knock from Bristol, I think - and then there's a bus to Westport. It's not what you'd think of as a health spa, it's in the middle of the most wonderful scenery/landscape, is never 'busy' and could be what you're looking for. Thought it was worth posting about because if it doesn't suit you, it might suit someone else who reads this :)

This is exactly where I thought of based on your requirements- it’s a really beautiful, restorative place, not particularly luxurious but simple and relaxing.

PrettyParrot · 14/11/2025 22:44

caringcarer · 14/11/2025 21:57

That would be your Mum's.

I realise that this was probably an offhand comment, but it has the potential to make those of us without mums (raises hand) or those of who sadly don't have that kind of relationship with our mums (or didn't, in my case) feel really crappy. I imagine that if it were an option then the Op would not be asking her question.

Thatstheheatingon · 14/11/2025 22:46

bringmelaughter · 14/11/2025 22:24

Another vote here for the dreaming: https://www.thedreaming.co.uk/

It is peaceful, the food is amazing, the rooms and indoor and outdoor space are beautiful and calming. You can take part in the offerings of gentle and soulful activities or not. There are generally other likeminded women there.

Every time I feel burnt out, the dreaming soothes me. It is wonderful.

Edited

Have been reading the link and (unless you pay more) you are expected to share a room - that would not be on my list of ways to feel better at all!
(actually I see the OP has the budget to get her own room there)

Vodka1 · 14/11/2025 22:47

How about a small plane flight to Therme, Bucharest?

You can get day passes. It's super lovely there. You can b&b near by and eat out or order in at your own leisure and it would probably work out similar in price to anywhere in the UK but no pressure on rushing back home.

EnoughNowImDone · 14/11/2025 22:49

mamagogo1 · 14/11/2025 22:39

dont completelyly dismiss one’s run by religion orgs, whilst some may be prescriptive over attend prayers etc others are not, completely optional. Generally they are significantly cheaper than most mentioned here (I paid £300 for the week last year, I did attend nightly evensong but not everyone did)

Where did you go? Thanks

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 14/11/2025 22:52

bitterexwife · 14/11/2025 21:42

Have a look at the glasshouse in Essex although doesnt sound as nice as Leicester one

https://www.glasshouseretreat.co.uk/the-retreat

I'm placemarking this as I like the look of it and it's near-ish to me .
I was talking about going to a Spa with DD but only if it has the treatments I want .
Tx

Illegally18 · 14/11/2025 22:53

Inextremis · 14/11/2025 21:35

I know you said not a health spa, and in the UK - but have a look at Cloona, here in the west of Ireland - you can fly to Knock from Bristol, I think - and then there's a bus to Westport. It's not what you'd think of as a health spa, it's in the middle of the most wonderful scenery/landscape, is never 'busy' and could be what you're looking for. Thought it was worth posting about because if it doesn't suit you, it might suit someone else who reads this :)

Thank you!. have noted down.😘

Illegally18 · 14/11/2025 22:54

BreatheAndFocus · 14/11/2025 22:29

This is in Devon. I’ve never stayed there but a friend has done a couple of their courses:

https://www.zenjungle.org

.

thank you. have noted down. Am shattered.

AndreaMarvell · 14/11/2025 22:54

beachreader · 14/11/2025 21:32

Ragdale Hall? It’s in Leicestershire, unlike a spa attached to a hotel it’s more of a retreat style spa. They park your car, check you in over a drink and you get breakfast in bed. Lovely grounds, treatments, spa area, classes/gym and meals are in a lovely dining room. Guests on their own can dine alone or choose to join a social table. Lots of places to relax, doze off with a book etc and they often have talks of an evening plus things like yoga/sound baths. Sounds exactly what you’re after. X

Yes I would recommend this. It's fab.

Surelythistime · 14/11/2025 22:55

A solo cruise would be a cheap option for this

Ohwhatfuckeryitistoride · 14/11/2025 22:58

caringcarer · 14/11/2025 21:57

That would be your Mum's.

I know you're joking, but what an idea. You check in at a lovely comfy house. The housemum cooks you your favourite comfort meal. Makes you unlimited cups of tea, listens to your problems (doesntt judge). Lovely breakfasts any time you like. Have a run to town or whatever, get a spot of lunch. You can curl up with your favourite movie and a box of chocs. When you go, all your clothes are freshly washed and ironed. There's a box of freshly baked flapjack for the journey in your bag.
I'd go.

Arlanymor · 14/11/2025 22:59

I fancy The Dreaming - is that Charlotte Church and the old Laura Ashley place? She partnered with Bones this week on drag race and looked immense. (Biased: I am Welsh).

OrdinaryGirl · 14/11/2025 23:00

This is run by an awesome lady.
vivekagardens.com/retreats/

Cymbalsimba · 14/11/2025 23:00

School of Life run retreats if you want talking therapies.

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