Reconnect in the Sussex wild with South Lodge

This Autumn, South Lodge encourages guests to recharge and reconnect with a series of expert-led holistic wellbeing retreats in the heart of the Sussex countryside. From 14-15 October, guests are invited to Reset, Recover and Realign with Olympic silver medallist Keri-anne Payne for wild swimming and cold-water exposure; a sound bath and energy healing journey; Vinyasa yoga and breathwork. The following weekend, forest bathing expert Helena Skoog leads a traditional Japanese awareness meditation and immersive experience in South Lodge’s 93-acre estate, inviting guests to reconnect with the natural world.

New for October, South Lodge’s inaugural weekend wellness break in partnership with holistic wellbeing agency Oyogo launches from 14-15 October. Reset, Recover and Realign brings together experts in their respective fields to offer a programme that allows guests to switch off and reconnect with guided wellness sessions and Q&A talks.  Double open water swimming 10km champion and British silver Olympic medallist, Keri-anne Payne leads a series of wild swimming and cold-water exposure training, focussing on breathing techniques, body position and sighting tips. Guests will be provided with tools to help build a stronger mindset, more resilience and adapt to the stressors of everyday life. Using hot and cold-water exposure to improve blood flow, circulation and decrease inflammation, guests will leave feeling stronger and relaxed.

In the afternoon, Hackney-based husband and wife duo Bianca and James Stephenson of Really Nice Sounds, invite guests on a personal journey of healing by blending guided meditation, intention, sound and music. Utilising the tools of the ancient therapy of sound healing, guests are exposed to deep and soothing frequencies to help synchronise brain cells, cuing the body to heal itself. The following day, Heather Hearts leads an energising morning Vinyasa yoga flow class to enhance overall wellbeing and reset the body. Heather’s restorative stretch and breathwork class is designed to slow the body down and de-stress.

From 21-22 October, guests are invited to join forest bathing expert Helena Skoog, who has lived for over nine years off-grid amongst ancient forestry, for a morning of Qi-gong and breathwork to open the senses to the natural world. A gentle forest walk enables guests to experience the healing powers of Shinrin-Yoku – a traditional Japanese awareness meditation, whereby the forest languages of renewal, growth, change and impermanence become experiential second nature and have proven to be a profound antidote to anxiety, tension and stress.

Complementing the wellness experiences, and feeding the senses, South Lodge’s health-focused Botanica restaurant serves a Mediterranean menu overseen by Head Chef Jonathan Spiers. Drawing on the South Downs as a larder for fresh and seasonal ingredients, Botanica offers a dairy free and zero waste menu with a plethora of plant-based dishes.

The October wellness retreats enhance South Lodge’s already extensive 44,000 sq.ft spa and wellbeing facilities. Participants will have access to the spa’s state-of-the-art gym and spin studio; indoor pool; outdoor hydrotherapy pool and wild swimming pool; thermal suites; as well as the Ridgeview Beauty Bar, from manicures and pedicures to beauty treatments, all paired with a glass of Ridgeview’s sparkling wine on tap.

The Reset, Recover and Realign Retreat with Oyogo starts from £665 for solo guests and £975 for two when sharing a room. Price includes all expert sessions and Q&A talks, overnight accommodation at South Lodge, breakfast, lunch on both days and full spa access. Please find more details and the full schedule at www.exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge/experiences/nature-immersion-spa-experience

The Nature Immersion Retreat with Helena Skoog starts from £599 for solo guests and £799 for two when sharing a room. Price includes all activity sessions with Helena, overnight accommodation at South Lodge, breakfast, lunch and full spa access.

Also available for the day from 10am for morning wellness activity, lunch, afternoon wellness activity. Priced at £150 per person. Please find more details and the full schedule at www.exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge/experiences/nature-immersion-spa-experience