There comes a time in life when our systems get sluggish, our minds cluttered and we’re in need of a good detox. For anyone resonating with this notion right now, there’s a brand spanking new spa and detox retreat ready to welcome your stress and refined carb cluttered bodies – and it’s not too far from London Town.

Glass House Retreat is the UK’s first purpose-built spa, detox and weight loss retreat set in the heart of the Essex countryside, less than an hour from Central London. Offering a unique programme of wellness, fitness and nutrition led by their team of expert therapists, instructors and coaches, Glass House Retreat is the go-to destination for those seeking the ultimate wellness experience.

A visionary project created by the Jarvis Development Group, Glass House Retreat offers the latest treatments designed to champion wellness, detox and weight loss. Offering twenty-one rooms, the interiors of Glass House Retreat were designed by owner Joy Jarvis to create a calming aesthetic using a soft grey pallet combined with splashes of colour to establish a relaxing ambience for guests.

For those wanting a truly tranquil experience, guests can relax and unwind in the sauna, twelve-metre indoor heated swimming pool and enjoy treatments from expert therapists using Elemis products.

I was treated to the Elemis precision peel facial which involved the application of fruit enzyme-rich serums and masks as I relaxed on a delightfully heated treatment bed. I left the chic treatment room with a glowing complexion and a sense of much needed serenity.

For those wanting to rejuvenate and lose weight, the retreat’s state-of-the-art panoramic gym featuring world-class equipment by Matrix is available to guests to work out independently, in groups or with one of the retreat’s personal trainers. Nutrition is at the heart of the retreat and bucking the norm of flavourless retreat cuisine, Glass House Retreat champions raw plant-based cuisine crafted into culinary creations that ensure guests enjoy every element of their experience. A cookery school led by head chef Miguel Gouveia is also available to enable guests to learn the art of nutrition and make delicious meals to ensure that their wellness journey can continue back at home.

I opted for the Equilibrium diet – a balanced, plant based menu to detoxify and energise. Dishes included quinoa with roasted vegetables, brightly-hued superfood soups and a delicious avocado and tomato tower delicately wrapped in thinly-sliced courgette, nestled on a bed of crushed nuts.

Glass House Retreat features the latest technology to aid weight loss and recovery including a cryotherapy chamber; offered to every guest, cryotherapy is designed to aid weight loss, combat the signs of ageing and improve overall wellness. Following the Arctic temperatures of the cryotherapy chamber, the retreat’s Himalayan Salt Block Sauna awaits guests before they step into one of the eleven treatment rooms for an Elemis pamper. Glass House Retreat champions detox, therefore, the menu does not offer caffeine or alcohol. In addition, for those wanting some time away from the noise of the world, each room has a digital detox safe encouraging guests to put digital devices away and fully immerse in their wellness experience.

A weekly programme filled with yoga, fitness classes, walks for guests to immerse themselves in nature, cookery classes and mindfulness workshops ensure that every guest at the retreat is given an itinerary and meal plan that perfectly suits their needs, whether they are visiting for a day spa or a week-long retreat. The expert team of therapists and coaches are on-hand to ensure that each guest gets the best results possible no matter the duration of their time at the retreat.

My favourite staff member at the retreat by far was Micheal, who taught a rejuvenating yoga class, gave an enlightening post dinner talk on managing stress levels and treated me to a one on one mindful meditation session which banished any residual city stresses lingering in my mind.

Raw food pioneer and Head Chef at Glass House Retreat, Miguel Gouveia, is on-hand to educate guests about their diet during their stay, giving advice on nutrition, best practices and meal structures.

Using only the finest organic produce, Miguel has created an innovative menu serving only raw plant-based dishes that perfectly balance nutrition and flavour.

Glass House Retreat focuses on the wellness of their guests and also the environment by ensuring that the modern design of the building includes solar panels, a ground-source heat pump and rainwater recycling. Offering day spas and five different packages for guests to choose from, Glass House Retreat offers the ultimate wellness experience, providing the perfect way to maximise health in advance of the long winter months.

Take your favourite person, a good book and prepare to indulge in some much needed escapism.

Day rates start from £85 per person

Retreat prices start from £463 based on double occupancy and a minimum 2 night stay.

Special Offer:

The Glass House Retreat are offering a 20% discount on all two, five, or seven day packages between 20th October and 17th November 2019. Discount applies only to bookings of room packages and excludes extra treatments added at point of booking. Terms and conditions apply.