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Original poster

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
Cheerfulcharlie · 15/11/2025 08:03

I have not been but this place in Cornwall sounds ideal for you: thenestlife.co.uk/

whereisit1 · 15/11/2025 08:03

I've only been able to afford a day at Ragdale, but it is incredible

Liondoesntsleepatnight · 15/11/2025 08:14

Champney’s Forest Mere

OliviaBonas · 15/11/2025 08:25

Barkleyspaubles · 15/11/2025 03:37

Ragdale Hall was crowded and noisy when I went in August. Standards were not great compared to previous visits. It's now in the hands of an American hospitality group rather than the private owners.

Yes the cracks are beginning to show. It’s only going to go one way…

squashyhat · 15/11/2025 08:25

TryingAgainAgainAgain · 14/11/2025 21:38

These might be the kind of place you mean. Haven't stayed at either, but been recommended (admittedly ages ago):

www.middlepiccadilly.com/

www.eastcottbarn.co.uk/

I'm glad to see Middle Piccadilly is still going. I went years ago and it was brilliant. Food really good, so quiet at night and the stars were wonderful.

Ilovemyshed · 15/11/2025 08:49

Ohwhatfuckeryitistoride · 14/11/2025 22:58

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.

Show quote history

You’ve just given me a great idea. I could offer this!

If you were my houseguest you would get comfy, private quiet bedroom with access to the garden and separate bathroom. Very quiet house in a rural hamlet, near an amazing vegan coffee shop, close to a lovely village with traditional tea room, beautiful church, decent pub and near a stunning little town. Excellent food which could be bespoked to tastes.

Wonder if there is a market for it.

Arraminta · 15/11/2025 08:54

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

Was just about to suggest this. Have been to Ragdale many times and it's always a fabulous experience. They are very good at controlling numbers so it never feels crowded or busy.

DarkRootsBlue · 15/11/2025 09:14

I fancy the Charlotte Church place. I don’t drive though and it’s an hour by taxi from the nearest station. You’d think for what they are charging they could organise a group pick-up from the station if needed.

Also the shared room, not sure how well I would get on with that. PP saying her sister went to a retreat and drew her curtain around her bed and didn’t speak, I think that’s an bit unfair on her roommate. How awkward having someone silently enshrined in their curtained area.

awaynboilyurheid · 15/11/2025 09:15

If it’s neared the summer you are thinking about , then like a few others I’d plan a cruise, it’s the ONLY time in my life I get up and everything is done for me, no shopping , no washing , no cleaning no looking after anybody else.
Food all prepared and you can lounge on a lounger, watch the sea all day or get off for short stroll or sightseeing new places without packing , get back on greeted with cold drinks.
Evening entertainment or not up to you see a show have a cocktail saunter back to your tidied room it’s heaven!

OrangesCinammonIvy · 15/11/2025 09:16

Hospital when DH accidently burned me
Stayed over night it was bliss

Rocknrollstar · 15/11/2025 09:19

awaynboilyurheid · 15/11/2025 09:15

If it’s neared the summer you are thinking about , then like a few others I’d plan a cruise, it’s the ONLY time in my life I get up and everything is done for me, no shopping , no washing , no cleaning no looking after anybody else.
Food all prepared and you can lounge on a lounger, watch the sea all day or get off for short stroll or sightseeing new places without packing , get back on greeted with cold drinks.
Evening entertainment or not up to you see a show have a cocktail saunter back to your tidied room it’s heaven!

This sounds like my favourite hotel Tui Blue Suite Princess on Gran Canaria. All inclusive and adults only and it’s on the beach so you can see the sea. Cheaper than a cruise too.

Ohwhatfuckeryitistoride · 15/11/2025 09:34

Ilovemyshed · 15/11/2025 08:49

You’ve just given me a great idea. I could offer this!

If you were my houseguest you would get comfy, private quiet bedroom with access to the garden and separate bathroom. Very quiet house in a rural hamlet, near an amazing vegan coffee shop, close to a lovely village with traditional tea room, beautiful church, decent pub and near a stunning little town. Excellent food which could be bespoked to tastes.

Wonder if there is a market for it.

Show quote history

It could be an idealised version of "Going home to mum" (my mum would have provided the meals and bed but huffed at me and told me to sort myself out) If you had space and could partner up with a masseuse even nicer. Nice walks, a friendly but unobtrusive host. Maybe in the evenings play cards or scrabble if you want. A reading nook.

Inextremis · 15/11/2025 09:35

LemograssLollipop · 14/11/2025 22:13

@Inextremis I've checked out the website and really like the sound of this. Have you been here? Any idea of prices?

I live nearby. The prices are on the website - I think under the dates/prices tab on the right. They seem to start at €890 per retreat. If that's a bit steep, you could always look into a holiday rental, and just drink wheatgrass for a few days ;) It really is a lovely area!

Edited to change 'left' to 'right' - I'm only just awake!

MaggieFS · 15/11/2025 09:36

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

Edited

Sorry this is a bit vague but I’m typing on the hoof and haven’t been back to their website… do check on this one, I think they’ve changed things recently-ish and some of the accommodation options no longer include the wider access like they used to.

whirlyhead · 15/11/2025 09:38

My friend checked herself into the priory for a complete reset and found that really helpful. Her health insurance covered it.

Original poster
Burntout01 · 15/11/2025 09:44

vickylou78 · 15/11/2025 07:47

I was wondering whether you'd like to go on a cruise?.

I love a cruise, but my family would want to come with me! Something like a retreat or spa isn’t something they would be interested in x

OP posts:
Frenchfemme · 15/11/2025 09:56

HappyHedgehog247 · 14/11/2025 21:37

Sharpham? They have different levels of accommodation, may not be luxurious enough but is a retreat and total break.

I was going to suggest Sharpham Trust. I’ve never been (mobility issues and live in a different country) but have done a couple of on-line retreats with them. Very nurturing and a lot of focus on harmony with nature
. The accommodations look good but can’t comment personally on the degree of luxury. Hope you find what you’re looking for.

LunaTheCat · 15/11/2025 10:13

Ilovemyshed · 15/11/2025 08:49

You’ve just given me a great idea. I could offer this!

If you were my houseguest you would get comfy, private quiet bedroom with access to the garden and separate bathroom. Very quiet house in a rural hamlet, near an amazing vegan coffee shop, close to a lovely village with traditional tea room, beautiful church, decent pub and near a stunning little town. Excellent food which could be bespoked to tastes.

Wonder if there is a market for it.

Show quote history

Book me in …

LunaTheCat · 15/11/2025 10:16

The closest I got was when I had a hysterectomy in a private hospital.. my insurance covered it .. own room with ensuite, 3 meals and snacks and decent drugs 😃

BakedandBroken · 15/11/2025 10:20

whirlyhead · 15/11/2025 09:38

My friend checked herself into the priory for a complete reset and found that really helpful. Her health insurance covered it.

I find that quite bizarre. I’ve been in The Priory but I was very mentally unwell, as were all the other patients. It wasn’t a place to just reset. We saw our psychiatrists at least twice a week and the days were filled with group therapy sessions.
I wouldn’t recommend it as somewhere to relax and reset and the accommodation and food were OK but certainly not hotel standard, I think the other suggestions on this thread would suit the OP better.

FinallyHere · 15/11/2025 10:39

I’ve found the bigger spas quite , impersonal I think is the right word

Much preferred Julie and Juls’s much smaller scale retreat Of course, there is less flexibility over dates, but overall a simply lovely experience. Enjoy

https://www.thebodyretreat.co.uk/

BakedandBroken · 15/11/2025 10:52

FinallyHere · 15/11/2025 10:39

I’ve found the bigger spas quite , impersonal I think is the right word

Much preferred Julie and Juls’s much smaller scale retreat Of course, there is less flexibility over dates, but overall a simply lovely experience. Enjoy

https://www.thebodyretreat.co.uk/

Depends what OP is looking for. I’ve stayed at Champneys a few times and I agree that it is totally impersonal but I enjoy being anonymous and just pottering about without anyone noticing or bothering me.

Makingpeace · 15/11/2025 10:55

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

This sounds wonderful 😍

Yogateacherherehello · 15/11/2025 11:24

DarkRootsBlue · 15/11/2025 09:14

I fancy the Charlotte Church place. I don’t drive though and it’s an hour by taxi from the nearest station. You’d think for what they are charging they could organise a group pick-up from the station if needed.

Also the shared room, not sure how well I would get on with that. PP saying her sister went to a retreat and drew her curtain around her bed and didn’t speak, I think that’s an bit unfair on her roommate. How awkward having someone silently enshrined in their curtained area.

I like the look of The Dreaming but if I'm paying such a high price I'd want more privacy with it, not a girl guide camp type of sleeping arrangement. I watched the TV series about the renovation and honestly don't know what Charlotte Church was thinking by insisting on shared rooms while spending so much time and money to make the rest of it so luxurious.

I've stayed in a UK ashram on retreat with shared facilities and good facilities but no ensuites. That has been amazing and nuturing but a different experience to a spa break or The Dreaming (and nowhere near the cost).

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