Days at Hye House follow a simple pattern. Mornings start with movement, either a fitness class, yoga or Pilates. Then there's a fresh juice or a light meal, followed by an accompanied walk through the Sussex countryside around Crowhurst. Afternoons bring another class or two, plus time for a massage or beauty treatment if you've booked one. Evenings are quiet, with soup, an early night and no screens.

What sets this place apart from a regular spa break is the food. Slimmeria runs a fasting-based detox menu of freshly prepared raw vegetables, juices and soups, made with locally sourced produce. It's designed to help you lose weight quickly without going to extremes. It's not a gourmet spa menu and it isn't trying to be. Pair that with the ban on caffeine and alcohol and it's a proper reset, closer to a boot camp than a pampering weekend, though the house and treatments keep it comfortable.

The team is made up of fitness and yoga instructors, personal trainers, and massage and beauty therapists. They lead the walks and classes and adjust the intensity to suit each guest, so you don't need to be fit to come. Beginners and people who haven't exercised in years take part alongside regulars.

The house itself is a Grade II* listed Georgian building that has been fully renovated as a small spa-hotel style retreat. It sits in a secluded spot with wide views over open countryside. It's in the area known as 1066 Country, close to Battle, where the Battle of Hastings was fought, so the walking routes take in historic rural East Sussex rather than manicured gardens.

Retreats come in two lengths: a 4/5-day option and a 7-day option, both with a private en-suite room. Start dates on the current schedule run weekly through January and February, from the 10th of January to the 21st of February, under a 'New Year New You' banner. Walks, fitness, yoga and Pilates classes are all included in the price.

One thing to be clear on: Slimmeria states plainly that it is not a medical facility and not a drug or alcohol rehabilitation centre. It's a residential weight loss and fitness retreat for healthy adults who want structure, simple food and lots of fresh air.

What's included

- Accommodation in a private en-suite room at Hye House - Detox menu of raw vegetables, fresh juices and soups - Accompanied countryside walks - Fitness classes - Yoga classes - Pilates classes - Guidance from fitness instructors and personal trainers

What's not included

- Travel to and from Crowhurst - Massage and beauty treatments (unless stated in your package) - Travel insurance - Personal expenses