Top Weekend Break to Change Your Life - Guardian July 2011

Testimonials

 WORK 

"Absolutely first class"

 I visited Witherdens Hall to review the spa and retreat workspace as I was planning a Fear of Public Speaking Retreat there. The facilities are superb, spotless and extremely peaceful. The workspace and the accommodation are to the highest specification and I thoroughly recommend it to anybody considering spending time there, or if you're considering some form of holistic retreat  Vince Stevenson - The College of Public Speaking

(Vince has now booked his 5th fear of Public Speaking Course for December 2011!)

"Tranquility at its best" 

 If you are looking for somewhere tranquil with space to reflect and rejuvinate then this is the place to go. From the minute you arrive the lovely Louise and her family will go out of their way to ensure you have the kind of stay you are looking for. We didn't want to leave and can't wait to go back. 2011

Breakthrough Business Retreat guest:

The week went well, thanks in a large part to the focus and calm that I derived from my time at Witherdens Hall - must write an online review and blog post recommending The Retreat.(N.B. Director New Social Media Company, Nov 2009 - has revisted twice with another planned!)

REST

"Perfect for rest, relaxation and recharging." 

Just loved going back to the Retreat a second time. It was even more enjoyable this time.....this time did manage to go the lovely farm shop nearby within perfect walking distance-just refreshing!
It was just what I wanted after an exhausting but life changing personal development course- time and space to sleep and eat healthily. And Louise and Craig are such an amazing, thoughtful couple!
I'm so glad to have found a haven so close to London, where I know I'll find peace and quiet every time. If you must visit one retreat this year, make it Witherdens Hall!

"Unreserved recommendation" 

My sister and I stayed 3 nights at Witherdens Hall and had some therapies during our stay. Could not fault The Retreat in any way. Louise and Craig delightful, warm, friendly hosts. Breakfasts and house speciality of Pea Soup were scrumptious. Accommodation luxuriously comfortable, no skimping here. Beautiful bed linen, towelling robes. Two enormous vases of very high quality lovely flowers. Therapists are booked directly with the people involved (not through Louise) and were also really, really good. I will definitely be returning to The Retreat and shall encourage friends to try its charms as well. I have not tried any of the courses on offer, but they look very interesting.

"Like a home from home"

This was my second trip to Witherdens - one year on from the last. This time I also availed myself of some of Louise's business strategy consulting, and some treatments.
It really felt like coming home, with the same palpable but indefinable sense of peace. The flowers, this time roses, had filled the Retreat with perfume every time I walked back in. But also something new - the mini spa. I partcularly recommend the infra-red sauna... a sauna you can sit and read in!!
A great balance between relaxing, recharging, and building up energy and purpose for the year ahead. I can see this becoming an annual tradition.

"Relaxing, restoratative and really special"

We arrived pretty pooped after way too many hours/weeks hard at work on various projects to find that our every whim had been catered for. We were met with genuine warmth and abundance of Organics goodies. Not only that, the sense of calm that claims you is quite unique. We defy anyone not to leave fully rejuvenated, ready to tackle anything that life might throw your way.

"Perfect"

I recently stayed at The Retreat and I was so pleased with the ambience, outlook and quality of the accomodation. Every detail had been considered, allowing us to relax and enjoy the break in the glorious kent countryside. In a word; perfect.

"Perfect tranquility in a beautiful setting"

We found The Retreat quite by chance as we were trawling the web to find somewhere suitable for children, close to Howletts zoo and also a lovely standard for the adults! The Retreat was just perfect in every way. Beautifully clean and ready for our arrival with organic local produce in the fridge all we had to do was unpack our weekend bags! The kids rushed off to meet the pigs and chickens and check (frequently!!!) for fresh eggs as we instantly relaxed from our hectic London lives. Craig and Louise were perfect hosts and made us feel that we were old friends coming to stay and at the same time left us to get on with things. It was our son's 4th birthday (hence the zoo visit) and when the grandparents came back for birthday cake they too were impressed with the set up. Feeling rather exhausted from the travel down I slept on the crystal bed and think it was the best night's sleep since before I had children! Small touches such as beautiful bed linen and bath salts make you feel pampered and special. It just goes to show that is is possible to stay away with small children and also feel like adults. Weather was on our side for the whole weekend- the kids were outdoors and slept like babies in the car on the way home. A big bonus!

"Rested and Refreshed"

We stayed 3 nights at Witherdens Hall and I would like to say I will definitely be going back soon.
Louise and Craig were amazing hosts and Marilyn's reiki treatment is something not to be missed. It felt welcoming, homely to be here and utterfly peaceful.
We were among the first people to make use of the 'mini spa' facilities on site i.e. infra red sauna and steam bath (only 1 person use at a time) - not my cup of tea personally, but nice to have none the less.
Just few miles from here is a splendid, authentic Ayurvedic Spa for serious spa goers - check out tor spa.
The retreat place is thouroughly organic from the foodstuff to shower gels and dishwashing liquid, leaving you feeling quite nourished mentally and physcially.

Older Recommendations:

Thank you so much - I have had the most wonderful and relaxing couple of days imaginable. The Retreat is a glorious haven of peace. Looking forward to seeing you again soon. I will be back! With much love to you and your family.

C. Peters - Consultant (April 2008)

Back in Brighton now, missing the peace and tranquility of The Retreat. I can't thank you enough for looking after me and making me feel so cared for, well fed, comfortable and nurtured. It was truly the 'Relax Boot-camp' that I needed. It was lovely to meet Gary,Marilyn and Lucy too and receive such powerful and supportive treatments. It was incredible to be surrounded by such special people. Witherdens Hall is truly blessed. My husband and I would very much like to return together in April.We are looking forward to enjoying a healing, restful break together and Witherdens has everything we need. Hope you are all well and thriving.

T. Jones - Director (March 2007)

Louise and Craig. Thank you for the best weeks rest and holiday ever. I feel like a new person. Thank you for looking after me so well - the facials from Marilyn were bliss. Love and thanks. (Rose P,July 2008)

For a rejuvenating break - away from the stresses of family life, there can be nothing better than an overnight stay with you! (Julie G,May 2008)

The best night's sleep I have had for years (JC)

Way beyond our expectations.(AD)

 We felt so cossetted and relaxed.(JC and JM)

We arrived feeling frazzled and left feeling fabulous. (VF & CS)

Read more reviews from TripAdvisor

PLAY

Just a note to say 'THANK YOU'....for all your help with my Basic SRT course last weekend. I really appreciate your love, warmth, encouragement and support. Thanks for providing your beautiful retreat space to study and relax which made the course a wonderful experience. I would also like to thank you for your generosity, care and attention to all the small details like food, flowers etc. You do a wonderful job. Keep up the good work! (SV, Feb 2011)