The start of a new year often spurs people into making health resolutions, and what better way to do so than at the exquisitely beautiful and relaxing Combe Grove Metabolic Health Retreat near Bath, Somerset, where ongoing health support is offered for the entire year. Alice Dogruyol pays a visit.
Words: Alice Dogruyol. Images: Combe Grove.
For most of my adult life I’ve struggled with weight, and I also found out in my early 40s that I have type-1 diabetes, which doesn’t help matters. As such, I’ve tried numerous diets and been to various health retreats, and while I come back feeling physically lighter, mentally rebalanced and brimming with good intentions, the problem is that, once home, all those good intentions fly out of the window.
So, when I come across a retreat in Somerset that promises to support you for an entire year afterwards, I book in immediately.
The founders of Combe Grove Metabolic Health Retreat, just outside Bath, understand that it’s not what you achieve in a week that will make a difference to your life, but what you consistently practice over time. They also believe that most health conditions are rooted in metabolic dysfunction, so their aim is to bring you back into a state of homeostasis, i.e. biological balance. Another big draw is that the programme is run by PhD dietitians and a GP who all specialise in metabolic health. The estate of Combe Grove is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, just 10 minutes away from the spa town of Bath, surrounded by 70 acres of lush countryside and woodland. Walking into the stunning Grade II-listed Georgian manor house feels like walking into the pages of a Jane Austen novel, with breathtaking views of rolling hills and wild meadows.
My room for the week is in the Barn Terrace, just a short walk from the main house. It has a calming, nature-inspired theme, with chalky walls, wooden accents and splashes of sage and bottle green. The bed is comfortable and king-sized, with luxurious Woolroom linen.
Based on my pre-consultation, I’d been recommended to use rosemary as my room scent to promote calm and balance. As such, I have a room diffuser with a bottle of rosemary essential oil, a rosemary-infused body oil, and a bag of fresh-dried rosemary.
The bathroom is beautifully appointed with natural amenities from Bramley, and there’s also a freestanding Japanese bathtub in the corner of the bedroom, complete with a fresh seaweed infusion bag and sa
