7-Day Ayurveda and Mindfulness Wellness Retreat in Herefordshire

Plantation Villa at Ruxton Farm is the UK branch of a well-established retreat centre in Sri Lanka that has been operating since 2012 and has won multiple international awards as one of the best holistic wellness retreats in Asia. The Herefordshire property is a rustic 17th-century farmhouse with 14 acres of land, including a veggie garden, orchard, flower patches, and meadows, with the River Wye running along its doorstep.

The retreat programme is structured around a typical Ayurvedic lifestyle. Each day opens with Buddhist chanting in the Buddha Hall, followed by meditation (covering techniques like breath meditation and loving-kindness), and then a yoga class. The team's background is visible throughout: Laura is a certified yoga teacher trained in Vinyasa Krama in the Krishnamacharya lineage, Liz has 20 years of practice in the same tradition and is also an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant, and Kirti is a Yoga Alliance-certified instructor with over a decade of teaching experience. There's also Dr. Pooja Amin, a qualified Ayurvedic doctor who specialises in traditional therapies and Panchakarma treatments.

A notable feature is the resident monk, Ven. Bhante, who has been a monk for over 40 years and holds a Master's in Buddhist Philosophy. He's in residence two to three times a year, and if you want to meet him during your stay, you can contact the centre in advance for his dates. When he's present, he gives talks on the Buddha's philosophy as a practical way to live a fulfilling life.

The location itself is a big part of the experience. The farmhouse is just off the A49, about 10 minutes south of Hereford and 15 minutes north of Ross-on-Wye. It's in the Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you're surrounded by rolling countryside, woodland, and the river. The retreat is a social enterprise—over 50% of its surplus goes to The Metta Trust, which supports underprivileged communities in Sri Lanka through education, medical care, and nature preservation. Guests can get involved in the charity projects if they like.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in a beautiful farmhouse - 3 daily delicious and nutritious Ayurvedic meals - Start the day with Buddhist chanting in the peaceful Buddha Hall - Personal life coaching session - Daily meditation classes (breath meditation, loving-kindness, and other guided practices) - Daily afternoon activities: cookery classes, walking meditation in nature, Ayurveda talks, Buddhist talks - Daily evening activities: Yoga Nidra, guided meditation, sound bath - Access to 14 acres of land: veggie garden, orchard, flower patches, meadows - Free bike rental and luggage storage - On-site parking - Wifi connection - Cosy lounge and library space - Support of online team after the retreat

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights - Travel insurance - Additional treatments (e.g., Ayurveda massage, doctor consultation) - Extra life coaching sessions