Scent, Stillness and the Written Word

An immersive weekend of luxury across 3 nights, this retreat offers a gentle pause from daily life in a peaceful riverside setting, where the outside world seems to soften and slow. Designed around the therapeutic power of journaling, the experience brings together writing, aromatherapy, and sound baths to support emotional clarity, physical ease, and a deeper sense of vitality.

Created for both individuals seeking a meaningful reset and practitioners looking for practical tools to share with clients, the retreat explores journaling techniques that go beyond reflection alone. The focus is on real-life challenges such as chronic stress, burnout, emotional blockages, and the physical tension that often accompanies them. Through guided writing, guests can discover how expressing the inner world on paper may support better sleep, a more balanced immune system, reduced cortisol, and a stronger sense of self.

A key part of the weekend is a private, immersive workshop: Introduction to Aromatherapy for Journaling. Here, guests will learn about the history of aromatherapy, how essential oils work, and how to use them safely and effectively in everyday life. With journaling as a wellbeing practice at the center, the session highlights the relationship between scent, emotion, and self-reflection. Participants will explore how grounding oils can encourage stillness, while uplifting aromas may support creativity, focus, and mental clarity.

The experience concludes with each guest creating a personalized pulse point roll-on blend to take home, offering a lasting aromatic reminder of the calm and insight discovered during the retreat. The intention is simple: to show how the act of writing, supported by the science of scent, can nurture wellbeing from within.

Fresh, nourishing meals are prepared by private chef Emily, who draws on local, seasonal produce to make sure dinner is one less thing to think about.

Deb, the retreat host, life coach, and in-house creative, invites guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and turn inward. Through coaching and carefully curated retreats, she offers supportive spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, rediscover their inner voice, and realign with what matters most.

With a background in counselling, Deb brings a grounded and compassionate approach to her work, creating environments where guests feel genuinely seen and heard. Her retreats are shaped by the belief that gentle, nurturing spaces can help people pause, come home to themselves, and find clarity and calm again.

Qualifications include:

• Diploma in Coaching (CMA)
• Diploma in Counselling Skills and Studies (The Kings Trust)
• Advanced Counsellor and Psychotherapist (ACCPH)
• Certificates in Counselling Studies and Skills (CPCAB)
• Diplomas in Therapeutic Journalling and Sound Therapy (CMA)
• BA(Hons), PGCE, SMACCPH

Each day includes two interactive journaling technique workshops, with time set aside to continue exploring them in your room, by the riverside, or in one of the communal spaces. On Saturday morning, guests will take part in the Introduction to Aromatherapy for Journaling workshop. Evenings end with social time and a soothing sound bath designed to support sleep.

Optional 1:1 coaching is available for those seeking deeper self-awareness, at an additional fee.