Feeling exhausted and jaded from life’s ups and downs, writer Emma Coxon spends four days at a new bijou retreat in the Kent countr yside to reconnect with herself and rediscover her zest for life.
THE LAST DECADE HAS BEEN A rollercoaster to say the least. Losing twin boys at 20 weeks pregnant tore my world apart at the age of 41, which then saw periods of debilitating anxiety and issues with binge eating. I lost a much-loved aunt and uncle to cancer, and my dad became seriously ill during Covid. But alongside the tough times, there were joyous moments including the birth of my beautiful daughter.
But, despite my resilience, I was left feeling exhausted both mentally and physically. The creative, fun-loving and adventurous woman I once was had gotten lost along the way.
So, when I had the opportunity to stay at The Nest, on their Healing Heart retreat, I knew this was a serendipitous call for some clarity and calm. It’s a four-day, three-night, fully catered yet solo escape, designed to fit your individual needs, offering deep relaxation and tools to heal and rebalance.
Moya Slade, founder of The Nest, picks me up from the local train station; I immediately feel at ease as we arrive at the venue and am struck by the peace that envelopes me. Situated in the heart of the Kent countryside, The Nest really is a haven of tranquillity.
I’m led to what I can only describe as a little slice of heaven. A shepherd’s hut sits, secluded, overlooking fields with its own garden of wildflowers. Inside the hut is the cosiest-looking bed I have ever seen, complete with sumptuous blankets and pillows – it literally looks like a nest, inviting me to jump in and curl up.
A calming scent fills the space, and I spot a wood stove in one corner and a wonderful selection of books overhead. From the sheepskin rugs and subtle lighting to the wooden table overlooking the garden, the space has been thoughtfully designed and feels like a warm embrace.
Moya leaves me to settle in and I sit for a while, soaking up the silence that is unfamiliar but washes over me like a life-affirming tonic I’ve needed for so long.
A SUPPORTIVE SPACE
After I’ve settled in and enjoyed a light lunch, I’m introduced to mindfulness coach Susie Asli (amindful-life.co.uk). We take a stroll to the local woods and find a quiet spot to settle under the trees. Susie leads me in an exercise that grounds me in the moment and wakes up my senses to the nature all around. Th
