by Tracey Ellis
Waking up in a new place where the quiet stillness brings you the deepest sleep…
A nourishing and delicious breakfast awaiting you…
Walking through a charming village and sun-dappled forest to a still lake glimmering in the early morning sun…
A cold plunge that awakens your senses and shocks your body in the most glorious way…
A welcoming refuge nestled between the tall foothills that makes you feel safe in its enclosed landscape…
A flowered garden where soft sounds and gentle movement feels like you have slipped away to paradise…
A challenging hike up a stunning mountain that tests your grit and endurance and makes you feel alive at the top… Climbing a mountain that tests your strength – and rewards you at the summit.
A moment of pause and reflection, of gratitude and sharing, where bonds are made through tears and revelations…
Where time stands still and you are ever present in a peaceful moment, thinking of nothing else but being right here, right now…
These are just a few of the things I experienced at a wellness retreat recently in the heavenly Lake District, a four-day escape where I had no real expectations but came away completely blown away with the landscape, rejuvenated from the movement, and nourished in body and soul from the wholesome food consumed and genuine connections made.
Different to a weekend break or mini-holiday where you’re just looking to escape the daily grind, retreats take you to another realm of restoration and rejuvenation, challenging you to leave old habits behind and get outside yourself and your normality, something we all need far more than we realise.
Of course it depends on how open you’re willing to be. If you are a complete introvert and would be reluctant to participate in most activities, then a retreat may not be for you. Yet, there I was with five other ‘introverts’, all on the precipice of shyness but also somehow needing to try something new, meet someone new, be somewhere new. Once the niceties and small talk were out of the way, something magical happened; we all relaxed into ourselves, our true selves wearing no other hats, roles, or responsibilities, just there as individuals and enjoying each other’s company, effortlessly.
It is incredible the habitual ruts we can find ourselves in if we never change our routine, if we keep just running on that hamster wheel of life, trying to keep up and avoid falling off, ending with that inevitable crash and burn. This was the case for my fellow retreat’ers too; each person had their own challenge they were overcoming, some not realised until they were there, in a different environment, with a fresh slate and non-judgemental empathy from those around them.
Therein lies the beauty of strangers coming together to a place where someone else is doing the thinking for you (at least the practical mealtime and daily activity decisions), encouraging you to go inward whilst taking in the outdoors and the incredible healing Mother Nature provides. Encountering new scenes, challenges, and faces with fewer anxiety-inducing choices can do wonders for your nervous system, giving you the chance to focus on other things rather than the repetition of work/home/life issues.
Wellness Defined & Refined
Wellness encompasses a myriad of needs covering mind, body and spirit. Everyone has a different wellness journey and their own idea of what ‘feeling good’ means to them. Beyond physical and mental wellness, there can be times we know things just don’t feel right; we feel unmoored, unhinged, unsettled. Sometimes we just need a break from everyday life, a change of scene, a longing for a different type of connection, with oneself or with others. And sometimes we may need a deeper type of healing that we don’t realise is holding us back.
It’s when we reach a point of stagnation, a plateau of feeling a certain way that never seems to change, this is when a retreat can be the gamechanger in terms of wellness. But with so many retreats out there to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. It seems there is a retreat for every interest and hobby, including yoga, hiking, reading, writing, sometimes even combining them all which makes you wonder how much restorative time you will actually have!
But whether we want a busy or tranquil escape, what is essential is to make some kind of change to our daily life, whether it be a new activity, deep relaxation, or switching off the digital world completely. The key is to choose something different, even on the smallest scale, to jolt and jar your body and mind, to get it on another track to seeing, thinking, and feeling a new way.
Toni, founder of Define Wellness Retreats, believes there is power in protecting your physical and emotional wellness; “We need to give ourselves the time and space to improve health, harmony, and inner peace,” she says, “and we can’t do it alone.” She also recommends setting a challenge, however small, to get you a little outside of your comfort zone, as it can go a long way in turning a relaxing retreat into a transformative one.
An integral part of Toni’s retreats is connecting with nature and immersing yourself in it mindfully, whether it’s wild swimming, mountain hikes, or forest bathing, to bring you back to a natural state of mind. Once you do this, you are ready for the next connection; with yourself, with others, and one to one with the coach herself.
Toni’s professional coaching skills help guide you back to yourself, your inner truth, goals, and needs that you may have been ignoring in daily life. With Toni’s successful business background she can help you with any career challenge, but her skills also extend into personal coaching to give a holistic helping hand covering all bases of life.
Coaching & Kundalini – A Glimpse into a Define Wellness Retreat
Toni began by laying out a collection of postcards on the grass – each one depicting a different scene: a group in a team huddle, an airplane soaring through the sky, roller skates gliding along a boardwalk, a cluster of brightly coloured pencil crayons. Our task was to pick the card that resonated with us the most, not to overthink it, just choose, and then explain why in a circle discussion.
It was a fascinating exercise of the subconscious. Everyone’s explanation came quickly and honestly, revealing personal insights even we hadn’t realised were waiting to surface. We repeated the exercise twice more during the retreat, and each time it felt just as revealing – the cards subtly charting the course of our personal journeys over those four powerful days.
But what truly set this retreat apart was the one-on-one time with Toni. It’s rare to have access to someone who not only inspires, but asks exactly the right questions – the ones you need to answer, even if you don’t realise it yet. Many of us were surprised by just how impactful those coaching sessions turned out to be.
There was a depth to those conversations that felt like therapy on holiday: gentle, intuitive, and transformative. You felt truly seen – and so taken care of, it was like having a therapist, mentor, and cheerleader in one – all within the relaxed, sun-soaked setting of a wellness retreat. As one participant said, “It felt like someone finally saw me. And not just that – they knew how to guide me forward.”
One of the most unexpectedly emotional experiences came during our Kundalini yoga session, a first for all of us. We settled onto mats in the spring sunshine, the grass warm beneath us, while Madeline – our calm, radiant teacher – introduced this ancient practice. She explained how Kundalini works on a neurological and energetic level, awakening the nervous system and heightening awareness through breath, movement, and sound.
Behind her, a golden gong shimmered in the breeze, catching the sunlight like something out of a dream. It felt like our own secret magic, hidden away in a private garden at the foot of the Coniston Water hills. Madeline spoke about the power of energy – how this practice, more than other forms of yoga, taps into something deeper through meditation and breathwork. She gently prepared us for the possibility of intense feelings rising up, encouraging us to welcome whatever surfaced rather than resist it.
The combination of sound healing and Kundalini was nothing short of extraordinary. As we moved and breathed in rhythm, something shifted. We left our minds, our bodies, and our worries behind, entering a rare space of deep inner stillness. The experience was both emotional and physical – for many of us, truly transformative – and stood out as the highlight of the retreat.
Alongside coaching, wild swimming, and yoga, we also hiked the stunning Old Man of Coniston – a challenging but exhilarating climb – enjoyed relaxing massages, and took part in informative sessions on topics like ultra-processed foods and circadian rhythms. (Everything we ate was whole, natural, and utterly delicious.) There was also time carved out for wandering, reading, and simple rest.
On our final morning, we gathered one last time for a closing circle, each choosing a final postcard to reflect our journey. I chose the rollerskates – a symbol of movement, renewed youth, and freedom. I felt a reset in my body, a desire to roll forward into a healthier future, lighter in mind, body, and soul. But more than that, it was a moment of reconnection – a reminder of who I was, who I am now, and what it feels like to be free.
A DEFINE WELLNESS Retreat is for you if…
✨ You’re ready to reconnect with your body through dynamic movement — from energising strength and conditioning sessions to grounding yoga, hikes, and refreshing sea swims. Every day brings a chance to move with purpose and feel stronger from the inside out.
🌿 You want to reset your routine with expert personal coaching that helps you reflect, refocus, and gain clarity on what wellness truly looks like for you, whether it’s a mindset shift, a goal you’ve been avoiding, or just needing someone to ask the right questions.
🌞 You’re craving time in nature, exploring the breathtaking beauty of Ibiza’s beaches, trails, and hidden corners, or the magic of The Lake District with its incredible climbs, wild swimming in the tarns, surrounded by wildlife.
🥗 You want to ditch the meal planning and instead be nourished by private chefs who serve up wholesome, vibrant, and seriously delicious food — all designed to support your body and elevate your energy.
👯♀️ You prefer intimate retreat settings. In smaller groups, you’ll feel part of something special, where connection happens naturally and everyone is seen and supported.
💆♀️ You just want to breathe out and let go of the to-do list. This is your time to rest, move, reflect, and reset — with everything (and everyone) you need, right here.
Upcoming DEFINE WELLNESS Retreats
☀️ Autumn in IBIZA
October 13–17, 2025
Soak up the last of the sunshine in a stunning Ibiza villa where laid-back luxury meets energising wellness. Enjoy sunrise and sunset yoga, refreshing sea swims, and access to a private gym for those who want to stay strong and active. The perfect escape to reset, move, and recharge – island style.
🌿 Spring in THE LAKE DISTRICT
May 4–7, 2026
Breathe deeply, slow down, and reconnect with yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Lake District. Designed for lovers of nature and stillness, this retreat combines fresh air, mountain views, lakeside walks, and soul-nourishing self-care. A chance to pause and rediscover your rhythm, surrounded by wild beauty.
To book your place or get more details contact:
toni.phoenixcoles@thedefinegroup.com
@definewellnessretreats