The Garlic Farm: A Serendipitous Escape to Finding Wellness

I’ll be the first to admit—’The Garlic Farm‘ are not three words that spring to mind when thinking about wellness, escape, or the wilderness. But as I found out, incredible ideas can become things of beauty when born from passion and commitment.

My accidental escape was born from indecision. I confess, I was a little muddled—and maybe a little lost—about where my future was heading. Moving house, work, relationships…When you can’t see the wood for the trees, something has to give. That moment came when I said to myself:

Just get outside. Go somewhere. Just jump on the motorbike and see where you end up.

The Unexpected Escape: How A Motorbike Journey Led Me to The Garlic Farm

I’ve always loved motorcycles and road trips. And for years, I’d been thinking, I must return to the Isle of Wight. My parents used to take us four very boisterous boys to explore the island. We’d ride bikes, swim, climb, and let our imaginations run wild. It was like our very own Swiss Family Robinson adventure.

So, after more than 30 years, I decided to go back. No plan—just follow my nose and see what happens.

After a seamless, calm 30-minute ferry crossing from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight, I watched with anticipation as the island gently came into view. Tiny sailing boats peppered the sea as we approached. A quiet excitement began to stir. Hands on the handlebars, I twisted the throttle and pulled away from the lumbering steel ferry. Instantly, the memories came flooding back.

Exploring The Isle of Wight: Ventnor and Beyond

I headed to my second port of call—the charming village of Ventnor. I’d overheard some enthusiastic passengers on the ferry talking about its amazing seafood shacks, idyllic places to stay, and panoramic views of the English Channel and, on a good day, even the western shores of France.

Turns out, Ventnor is popular. I couldn’t find a bed for the night. But a kind local joyfully told me about The Garlic Farm, a family run, organic farm that’s been around for over 50 years. A certified B Corp, they’re passionate about the environment and sustainable living. It sounded idyllic and I really love garlic. So I gave them a call. They said they had a yurt available, Perfect.

A Unique Stay at The Garlic Farm: Glamping in Yurts

I jumped on the bike and headed inland toward the heart of the island. As I got closer, the landscape softened tiny winding lanes, thatched cottages, and lush green fields. I felt compelled to pull over and just take it all in. The silence was simply magical, the trees shimmered in the wind and the wildlife seemed to exist without a care in the world

Arriving at the farm, I was greeted by a cluster of barns housing a bustling farm shop offering every garlic concoction you could imagine, two restaurants and a scattering of traditional English cottages. My home for the night was a little more rustic: a glamping yurt, tucked in a field just beyond the hive of activity.

Once settled, I slid into the hammock outside my yurt and breathed in deeply. As the sun disappeared behind the trees, a profound sense of calm came over me. I felt truly content. There are five yurts, thoughtfully spaced across the field two with hot tubs. I was particularly drawn to the communal outdoor kitchen, complete with a pizza oven, stove, and all the essentials for al fresco dining.

As evening settled in, guests gravitated to the kitchen. People casually introduced themselves, shared island tips, and made conversation. A lovely family kindly invited me to join them for dinner. They were on a staycation—and, it turns out, they own the Crab Shack, a local must visit spot!

The Tranquil Atmosphere of The Garlic Farm: Finding Calm in Nature

The Garlic Farm isn’t a retreat, and it doesn’t pretend to be. But it became a retreat from myself. There was a genuine sense of community. A warm, simple energy. A tangible calm. With no stimulation or structured encouragement, I found myself organically slowing down. My mind stopped racing. I felt unattached to everything, yet open to anything.

I wandered the land in quiet wonder. I watched cows almost too clean to be real, contentedly meandering through vibrant green pastures.

Generosity and Kindness: The Unexpected Acts That Made My Stay Special

And then an unexpected act of kindness. One of the owners, a delightful French woman and wife of the farm’s founder, showed me a generosity I won’t forget. I’d arrived on the motorbike under sunny skies, but of course, British weather had other ideas. A downpour. And I hadn’t packed rain gear.

“Do you have anything spare I could borrow?” I asked.

“Unfortunately not,” she replied. “But I’m heading into town—I’ll get you some!”

And she did. She bought the rain gear herself, delivered it to my yurt with a beaming smile. No fuss. Just kindness. It was simply who she was.

You may be wondering: what does all this have to do with wellness?

In the formulaic sense, perhaps nothing. But in the human sense I feel, everything.

My stay at The Garlic Farm, though accidental, had a profound and lasting effect on my well-being. Not through yoga, treatments, or juice cleanses. But through the feeling it gave me.

I felt a sense of belonging. Of being gently encouraged to be still. And in a world that never tells us it’s okay to be still—that’s a rare and powerful thing.

If you’re looking to escape the madness of modern life, I can’t recommend a solo stay at The Garlic Farm enough. With a sauna, cold plunge, wonderful walks, and incredible organic food, you might just find your own little utopia, just like I did.

Discover: thegarlicfarm.co.uk