A Transformational Experience: The Wellness Retreat at Estelle Manor
This summer, Estelle Manor – the opulent Oxfordshire hotel and country club – collaborated with the esteemed Kamalaya health sanctuary from Koh Samui to host its inaugural wellness retreat. This four-day program took place in the manor’s astonishing 3,000-square-meter Roman-inspired spa, known as Eynsham Baths. Practitioners and therapists traveled from Thailand to lead a series of workshops, classes, and treatments designed around the theme of “Cultivating Resilience.” I had the distinct privilege to partake in this transformative experience.
Pre-Retreat Preparation
The retreat commenced even before my arrival at the manor, beginning with an illuminating questionnaire sent via email. This was not just the usual health and preference inquiries; it was a thoughtful exploration of my daily stressors, energy levels, and personal aspirations. This preparatory stage hinted at the tailored nature of the retreat— a personalized program aimed at strengthening the mind, body, and spirit.
Day One: Introduction to the Retreat
Upon my arrival, facilitated by an Estelle Manor Land Rover from the local station, I was welcomed with warmth and hospitality. My accommodation—a cozy yet spacious Stable Suite—was complemented by a welcome package featuring a soothing Tibetan sorig tea and slices of Ayurvedic turmeric loaf, meant to ease the mind and body.
The day unfolded with introductions to fellow guests, many of whom had traveled from far-flung places like Berlin and California. We shared afternoon tea while overlooking the serene tepidarium hall of Eynsham Baths. Our first workshop—chakra meditation—was both engaging and enlightening. Guided chanting and energy flow activities set the tone for the retreat, quickly alleviating my initial stress levels.
Dinner at The Glasshouse was a charming affair, featuring a specially curated sharing menu crafted by the Kamalaya team. We indulged in delectable summer vegetable crudités, fresh scallops, and whole branzino wrapped in banana leaves, stimulating warm conversations among participants.
Courtesy of Estelle Manor
Day Two: Mindfulness and Movement
Our first full day began with a brisk walking meditation led by Sujay Seshadri, a former monk turned life-enhancement mentor at Kamalaya. This session encouraged me to focus on both my physical movement and the beauty of the surroundings, proving to be a beneficial practice for calming a racing mind.
Following this, our group ventured into the Shala for a gentle yoga class designed to instill a sense of strength and tranquility. After breakfast, featuring delicious Ayurvedic delights, I treated myself to a ‘Warrior Massage.’ This signature treatment combined deep massage techniques, stretching, and joint mobilization aimed at releasing habitual tension stored in the body. I emerged feeling lighter, both physically and mentally.
Free afternoons allowed for reflection and relaxation. I engaged in the baths’ renowned thermal journey, which featured therapies promoting immune system stimulation and metabolic rates. Later, our group convened for a life-coaching workshop titled ‘Building a Resilient Mind,’ where we discussed practical tools for navigating anxiety and fostering calmness.
Courtesy of Estelle Manor
Day Three: The Mind-Body Connection
Day three commenced with Pranayama, an ancient breathing technique that helped us balance our energy and set intentions for the day. This practice taught me how breath can serve as a powerful tool for managing stress and enhancing mental clarity.
Another yoga session followed, where I realized my movements flowed more seamlessly, indicating an improvement due to the previous day’s teachings. I then indulged in the ‘Three Treasures’ treatment—a signature massage from Kamalaya. This 90-minute experience combined massage, reiki, and crystal healing to harmonize the body’s main energy centers, resulting in profound physical and emotional release.
The afternoon featured an Ayurvedic workshop with Vipul Rana, who educated us about this ancient holistic health system. Insights into our individual Ayurvedic body types enriched my understanding of personal wellness, equipping me with knowledge to apply at home.
Courtesy of Kamalaya
Day Four: A Calming Conclusion
We gathered for one last time in the Shala for a farewell session that began with Vipassana meditation—a practice aimed at cultivating self-awareness and inner peace. This reflective session wove together the lessons from our journey, inviting us to observe our thoughts without judgement.
To conclude the retreat, we experienced a therapeutic sound bath. The soothing chimes, gongs, and singing bowls resonated through the space, guiding participants into a state of tranquility. Laughter, shared stories, and even tears marked the end of our community experience, leaving us equipped with resilience tools and fond memories to carry home.
Courtesy of Estelle Manor
For those interested, Estelle Manor and Eynsham Baths are planning their next wellness retreat for June 2026. For more details, visit estellemanor.com.