A Recovery Haven for Mind, Body & Spirit

As a retreat host and wellness practitioner specialising in yoga, sound healing, breathwork, and crystal therapy, I’ve always believed in practising what I preach. Experiencing other retreats not only nourishes my own body and spirit but also deepens my professional insight. So, when the opportunity arose to visit The Glass House Retreat, nestled deep in the serene Essex countryside, I couldn’t resist.

A pristine white and soft grey beacon amidst open farmland, The Glass House feels both inviting and quietly impressive. Passing through its elegant gates and stepping into the light-filled glass entrance, I felt an immediate wave of calm. Guests in cosy white robes drifted through the space, radiating contentment. I was welcomed with a warm smile and a zesty ginger shot before being shown to my room – one of only 21, ensuring an intimate, personal feel.

The restaurant’s bright, open-plan design blends communal tables with intimate seating. True to its ethos as the UK’s first purpose-built, eco-friendly wellness retreat, food is treated as a pillar of wellbeing. The menus fall into three categories: the “equilibrium” menu with wholesome, balanced meals; “lighter choices” at around 600 calories; and the “pure juicing” menu of nutrient-rich shakes, juices, and soups.

As a food lover, I mostly chose from the equilibrium menu, though I couldn’t resist a smoothie or two. The “De-Stress” blend – blueberries, avocado, and Ashwagandha – was as nourishing as it was delicious.

My first scheduled activity was a private group aerial yoga session. Being both a yogi and an adrenaline seeker, I was excited – albeit with a flicker of first-timer nerves. We began with gentle stretches & yoga poses using silks before progressing to exhilarating inversions like Spiderman and Inverted Pigeon. Once I’d mastered flipping upside down, I was hooked. Beyond the fun, inversions boost circulation and mental clarity – a winning combination.

My second-floor room was light, spacious, and airy, with views stretching to the fields. The colour palette mirrored the retreat’s calming aesthetic – whites, greys, and soft blues. All rooms feature king or double beds, walk-in showers or baths, and a design that nurtures harmony.

In the lounge, plush sofas envelop you with relaxation. But everything runs like clockwork here, so be sure not to fully snooze off! This is where I noticed the crystal-infused water dispensers all around – a detail close to my own heart as someone who works with crystals daily. Journaling here was effortless; the atmosphere is as conducive to reflection as it is to conversation.

Collected from the lounge by the spa therapist Shauna, we wandered down the dimly lit hall with the most divine scents whirling all around. The “Tension Tamer” massage, delivered just what it promised, a deeply restorative back, neck & shoulder release. Attentions to detail including the heated beds, oversized towels, and warm oils were lovely enriching touches.

From there, it was straight to breathwork with the charismatic Justin, designed to prepare us for the ice bath. I’d never tried one before, though I knew its benefits particularly for athletes to optimise recovery & promote circulation. The three icy minutes were intense but left me feeling strangely accomplished.

Evening meals are pre-ordered earlier in the day, so you know exactly what to anticipate. Most guests dined in robes; some opted for leisurewear – comfort is clearly encouraged. My dinner began with beetroot burrata, followed by perfectly cooked seabass fillet with a pesto glaze. Dessert – blueberry chia pudding with coconut yoghurt – was so moreish I wished the bowl were bottomless.

For a nightcap, I brewed chamomile from the self-serve tea station before heading to a candlelit sound bath in the fitness studio. Wrapped in blankets & comforted with bolsters and cushions, I sank into the vibrations of crystal singing bowls and Koshi chimes. Afterwards, sleep came easily in my sumptuous teal textured bed.

Rising early, I started in the gym, which opens at 7am. Flooded with natural light through dual aspect glass walls, it’s well-equipped for cardio, strength work, and stretching. At 9am sharp, I joined the scheduled country walk – a gentle, flat route through golden fields. The fresh air and relaxed pace sparked conversation among fellow retreaters, making it a surprisingly social experience. All the scheduled activities are displayed the day before so you can plan ahead.

I had most certainly worked up an appetite. Breakfast commenced with a gut-balancing smoothie of kale, pineapple, ginger, and banana, alongside poached eggs and smashed avocado on gluten-free toast. Holistic wellbeing from inside out is a clear focus here, all the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced. All dietary needs are fully catered for.

Our next stop was the Glass Dome – a stunning structure designed to catch the morning sun. Sinking into beanbags, we followed a guided musical meditation that felt both grounding and expansive. The Dome itself radiates peace; it’s a place you could happily linger for hours.

Curious about cryotherapy, it certainly brings a futuristic era to wellness! It is known to sooth muscular injuries, supercharge energy & reduce inflammation. Rather tentatively I stepped into the preparation chamber at -26°C for 2 minutes, then into the main chamber at a bracing -116°C. Dressed in protective clogs, gloves, and a face mask, and with Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor” playing in my ears, I danced my way through the 3 minutes. Surprisingly, the dry cold felt less harsh than the ice bath, and I emerged feeling energised and uplifted.

Post-cryo, I retreated to “The Hideaway,” an exclusive space for overnight guests. Minimalist, white, sleek and blissfully quiet, it’s perfect for journaling, meditating, or simply sinking into oversized relaxation chairs. Its private secluded garden adds another layer of serenity too.

With my body temperature back to equilibrium, my next session – Aqua – took place in the bright, spacious pool area. Set to upbeat music, it was a fun-filled full-on workout, complete with resistance weights. Already wet & in ‘water mode’, I ventured into the natural pond, known for reducing stress hormones & stimulating blood flow. Surrounded by reeds and lily pads, and watched by four resident frogs, you feel that connection with nature, the cool water swim felt cleansing and deeply restorative – easily one of my top three experiences here.

The Glass House Retreat is more than just a beautiful space; it’s a carefully curated environment for recovery & renewal. Every element – from nutrition and movement to hot and cold therapies – is designed to help the body repair, reset, and perform at its best.

As someone who has competed in tennis and horse riding, and now supports athletes through yoga and breathwork, I know the importance of recovery for peak performance. Whether you’re an athlete, a wellness enthusiast, or simply in need of a reset, The Glass House Retreat offers the perfect blend of structure, nurture, and inspiration.

DISCOVER: glasshouseretreat.co.uk

Written By Camilla Sheeley