10-Day Ayurvedic Panchakarma Cleansing and Wellness Retreat in Herefordshire, UK

The retreat is built around Panchakarma, the classic Ayurvedic cleansing program. Over the 10 days you get three full-body Abhyanga oil massages, three herbal steam baths, one Nasya treatment, two Basti (medicated enema) treatments, and a herbal body scrub and body pack. Before that, you have consultations with the in-house Ayurvedic doctor, Dr. Pooja Amin, who sets up your personalised plan and prescribes herbal medicines to take during and after the retreat.

The whole idea is to move toxins out of the body. Treatments like oil massage and steam bath are designed to shift ama (toxins) toward the digestive tract, where the Shodanas (cleansing methods) can flush them out. It's done under close supervision, and because your dosha is unique, your treatment plan is too. It's real Ayurveda, not a spa version of it.

Alongside the treatments, there's a full daily schedule. Mornings start with buddhist chanting in the Buddha Hall, then yoga and meditation. Afternoons have talks and workshops — Ayurveda and Buddhist talks, cookery classes, walking meditation in nature, sustainability workshops, and sharing circles. Evenings are for winding down with Yoga Nidra, guided meditation, or sound baths.

The people running it are the big draw. Ishara, the founder, has been practicing meditation for eight years. Laura, a 200-hour YTT graduate, blends Vinyasa Krama and sound healing. Liz Turner has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and trained in the Krishnamacharya tradition. Dr. Pooja is a qualified Ayurvedic doctor. And a senior Sri Lankan monk, Ven. Bhante, is in residence two or three times a year — if you want to meet him, you can arrange it in advance.

What's included

- 9 nights accommodation in a beautiful countryside farmhouse - 3 daily delicious and nutritious Ayurvedic meals - Start the day with buddhist chanting in the peaceful Buddha Hall - Ayurvedic doctor consultations at the beginning and end of the retreat - Personalised Ayurvedic herbal medicines - 3 full-body Abhyanga massages - 3 herbal steam baths - 1 Nasya treatment - 2 Basti (medicated enema) treatments - 1 herbal body scrub and body pack - Daily meditation classes (breath meditation, loving-kindness, guided practices) - Daily afternoon activities (cookery classes, walking meditation, Ayurveda talks, Buddhist talks) - Daily evening activities (Yoga Nidra, guided meditation, sound bath) - Cosy lounge and library space - 14 acres of gardens to explore - Free bike rental and luggage storage - On-site parking and wifi

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Transport - Additional treatments (e.g., life coaching, extra massages) - Optional paid doctor consultations