Slimmeria Retreat | Ilfracombe, Devon

This week I found myself staying a while at the new Slimmeria retreat in Ilfracombe, Devon.  It's the latest addition to their growing collection of retreats, along with Hye House in East Sussex.  You may recognise the name from recent mentions in the press (including appearing on Channel 4 last night!), with a focus on the founder's crack-the-whip methods to help guests achieve their goals.  The luxury slimming, detox, spa and weight loss retreat offers a programme that may be too extreme for some due to its drastic measures, and equally may be ideal for others!  Personally, the time I spent at the retreat was with health, fitness and wellbeing in mind, rather than weight loss.  So, what do I make of the hilltop retreat?  And what were the highlights of the experience?!

Above all else, I've been completely blown away by the views.  Why did nobody tell me just how breathtakingly beautiful Ilfracombe was?!  When the sun comes out it feels as though you could be anywhere along the coast, and still when it's pouring with rain it somehow feels like an adventure.  The retreat is located up a steep hill with panoramic views looking out over the seaside resort from all angles; it's the ideal place to unwind with a book in one of the various cosy nooks around every turn.  Speaking of which, nearly every moment of the 6-day programme sees your time filled with activities, although when you have a spare moment the retreat is indescribably calming, making it ideal for stretching out on a lounger in the white room with a notebook and pen in hand, or perhaps to take a seat outside on the large, pebbled patio area.

So, back to the programme.  Each day starts at 7.30am to the sound of a bell ringing through the house and ends at 9pm when you're advised to turn your lights out and catch some z's.  The food is very minimal in a bid to help those looking to lose weight and fast - so do keep that in mind and check with your GP beforehand that this would be okay for you!

It's amazing how quickly a group can bond on retreats, particularly when you each have something in common - the desire for personal development, in whichever way that may be.  Like I said, my main interest was fitness and wellbeing related and I was very pleased to find plenty of walking was included in the programme on a daily basis.  Each walk sees you venture outdoors to explore Ilfracombe's most special beauty spots, via the harbour, down by the beach and far up hills.  Believe me when I say the views are worth the hikes. Walks are often followed by fitness classes involving weights and a very motivating coach; don't worry, there's no shouting!  I found that one of the most refreshing elements of the Slimmeria retreat was how there was no sense of competition; a shared group mentality means everyone is supported by one another.  Although, perhaps the same can't be said for yoga because I will stretch and strain until I'm congratulated on my Tree Pose!

For this getaway I was dressed by Coco Bay, one of my favourite online destinations for fabulous activewear.  There's nothing quite so motivating as a fresh set of activewear to see you through your latest fitness challenges, right?!  I'm forever split between loving darker, black/grey activewear and dressing in colourful, bold in-your-face prints.  The all-grey look shown earlier in this post is now one of my favourite looks for working out, especially thanks to the flattering fit of the long-sleeve top.  Plus, the contrasting mesh inserts and lightweight, moisture wicking breathable fabric are a total dream when working up a sweat!

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Long-sleeve Top - Body Glove Joshua Tree Top

Crop Top - Seafolly Sahara Nights Bralette

Leggings - Seafolly Sahara Nights Leggings

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All activewear c/o Coco Bay 

Onto the more colourful of the two outfits, the Aztec printed bralette and legging set is new in from Seafolly Active and available to purchase via Coco Bay.  I always get so excited when Seafolly release new sets, because they're a brand that fits well and have proven time and time again to be comfortable to workout in!  The hot pink and ice blue colour combination gets a thumbs up from me and the high neckline of the tank top adds a refreshing twist to most activewear bralettes.

The question is, how can we bring elements of retreats like this back into our lives at home?  To start with, the range of fitness activities at Slimmeria can really help you determine whether there are any types of exercises you'd like to continue doing once you've checked out.  One member of our group had vowed to take up a specific type of yoga we were introduced to, and although I'm already a gym fanatic, I picked up some brilliant new weighted exercises to add to my workouts!

Something I'm really going to miss over time is the views looking out over Ilfracombe, a recurring theme when leaving a beautiful landscape and something nudging me towards covering my walls in jungle wallpaper from Wallsauce; an online destination providing custom wall murals for your home to make you feel as though you could be anywhere else in the world!  Another way of bringing elements of a Slimmeria retreat back home with you, include taking out time occasionally for yourself without any distractions; reading, writing and giving some thought to what direction you'd like to head in.  It's going to be tough to find a masseuse that compares to the fabulous one available at the Slimmeria retreat in Devon (opt for the back massage, you won't regret it!), but you can bet I'll be trying! Oh, and aromatherapy candles never hurt...

My time spent at the Slimmeria retreat was such an interesting experience; one that's increased my passion for working out and introduced me to a whole other host of interesting health and wellbeing tips.  Like I mentioned before, this programme is extreme when it comes to nutrition, which may or may not be too drastic for you - but there's only one way to find out!  How is your fitness journey going right now?  Do you like the look of this retreat?  As always, I'm really looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments below!

Slimmeria
Merlin Court
Granville Road
Ilfracombe
Devon
EX34 8AY

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With love,

Gabrielle x

Thank you to Slimmeria for hosting me throughout this retreat!