Luxurious retreats reflect the rise in creative tourism …
Defined by some as a “soft reset” holiday, many travellers are swapping busy itineraries for intimate, all-inclusive experiences in niche locations where relaxation, mindfulness and learning new skills, or sharing similar passions, are on the agenda.
The Art Of Living Spaces, France
This visual storytelling experience in Provence, led by Ruth Ribeaucourt, editor of the quarterly magazine, Faire, focuses on interiors and the home as a form of self-portrait. Ruth has been running creative retreats since 2018. Since then she has noticed a significant surge in demand, and a marked increase in solo female travellers, “from younger, career-focused creatives to older, newly independent women (who might be separated/divorced) to those in happy partnerships who have recognised the value of carving out time for themselves”, Ruth explains. “For many, attending a retreat once or twice a year has become an intentional ritual rather than a one-off indulgence.”
During Ruth’s all-inclusive retreats, attendees stay in a storied villa full of art and antiques (the dream!). They explore other exceptional homes across Provence, and learn from photographers, stylists, interiors writers and editors what it takes to capture and craft a truly compelling story of a space. “Th e retreats allow me to share the places and people that have shaped my own creative journey, while also giving me a deep sense of fulfi lment – knowing I’m contributing something meaningful and positive to the world.” Prices start from €4,000 for a shared room for six nights. @faire.press
“Attending a retreat once or twice a year has become an intentional ritual rather than a one-off indulgence.”
Surrenne, The Maybourne Riviera, France
Fashionistas will know the former model Rose Ferguson as one of the defining faces of the 1990s, an original Miu Miu cool girl. Since then, she’s trained as a nutritionist and functional medicine practitioner, and is the founder of The 5 Day Plan. “My mission evolved into the ‘Queen of the Reset’ – a label earned through transformative plans that demonstrate the balance of enjoying food, feeling great and achieving health goals in just five days,” she explains. In addition to contributing to Vogue, Ferguson is one of the specialists at Surrenne, a London-based wellness and longevity club at the posh Emory Hotel which is now offering four-day full-board retreats (€4,500) in the serene surroundings of The Maybourne Riviera.
The hotel already organises informative experiences for guests such as hiking the Corbusier trail from Roquebrune-Cap-Martin to Monaco taking in iconic architecture along the way. The collaboration with Surrenne goes far beyond the remit of a traditional spa. “Ground, recharge and regenerate” are the retreat goals. Participants have one-to-one nutritional consultations with Ferguson, supplemented with cold water immersion, lympathic therapy, yoga Nidra, Lagree Pilates sessions, breath work and meditation, among other activities. A special anti-inflammatory menu is served throughout to optimise gut health. A recent spring retreat included astrologer Belinda Matwali, who plotted guests’ astrological charts “to help tune into opportunities and intentions for the year”. @surrenne
Arniano Painting School, Greece
Feasting, good company, a relaxed atmosphere and plein air painting is the successful recipe of the Arniano Painting School, not far from Siena, Italy, which was co-founded in 2014 by author and cook Amber Guinness and painter William Roper-Curzon. The school has expanded due to guest feedback, says Amber. “We decided to branch out, first to William’s family home, Pylewell Park on the south coast of England (from June 14 to 19) and to other locations in Lazio, Veneto and the south of France. The location always has to be as nice, if not nicer, than Arniano and the views and gardens have to be spectacular.”
The Ilias retreat in Mani, Greece, surpasses this brief and takes place from July 4 to 9. A 30-minute drive from Kalamata airport, the house has stunning views of the Taygetus Mountains, the sea, and a garden designed by Tania Compton. Guests have the option to stay in the main house and guest house as well as rooms in other buildings, each with their own terrace overlooking the sea and pool. The cost varies according to room type, from £6,600stg, and includes accommodation, tuition by William, meals cooked under Amber’s guidance using menus from her three books, drinks and art materials (excluding brushes and paints).@arnianopaintingschool
Write and Savour Retreats, Spain
“I work with women who are hungry for more in their life – whether that is adventure, career change, relationships or new friendships. I also help them create a nourishing relationship with food, without dieting,” explains Joanna Burke, a Dublin-based intuitive eating coach. She has partnered with journalist Elaine Kingett to host regular Write and Savour retreats at Finca Buenvino, a hideaway in the Andalusian hills near Seville. The next runs from August 29 to September 5. “It will be a week of hikes, swims in the pool, morning meditation, writing workshops, massage, siestas and beautiful meals – a chance to slow down. No writing experience is needed. It’s not about technique, or getting published; it’s more about you and the written expression of your delight in the world.” @elainekingett
Fleuropean, Belgium
Château de Wodémont, a secluded estate in rural Belgium, is the setting for Emily Avenson’s Fleuropean retreats celebrating flowers and friendship. The former Californian native describes herself as a farmer-florist, outdoor enthusiast and plant-dyed silk ribbon maker. She caters to flower lovers looking to learn new techniques. “We have summer and autumn residencies (August 10 to 15 and September 28 to October 3) which coincide with bloom times for nasturtiums, zinnias, pansies, poppies, dahlias, roses, late summer fruits and amazing annuals like cosmos, phlox, sunflowers and scabiosa.”
Guests can expect an action-packed few days with demonstrations each morning (on foam-free centrepieces, bridal bouquets, large still-life arrangements in urns, botanical dyes) followed by free time for hiking, yoga, or as Emily says, “flowering away to your heart’s delight”. In addition to catered gourmet meals each day, a professional photographer accompanies the group; each participant receives an album of activities from dinners to flower picking and creating in the studio. The cost, €3,500, includes accommodation in the château with access to a fully stocked kitchen, social spaces, studio and gardens, as well as daily demonstrations and exercises. Transportation from the local train station Liège-Guillemins is also provided. @fleuropean
Daylesford, The Cotswolds, UK
Education is central to the ethos of Daylesford – the 2,500-acre organic farm and estate in the Cotswolds founded by Carole Bamford, and where a year-round programme of workshops spans breadmaking, patisserie and cookery, as well as floristry sessions. Guests stay in one of Daylesford’s stone cottages or farmhouses, or at country pubs with rooms in neighbouring villages. @daylesfordstays
