Norfolk

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1055" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/SYDW-BARN0.jpg" alt="The Norfolk Hygge Experience from Slow You Down Wellbeing Norfolk" class="wp-image-62147" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/SYDW-BARN0.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/SYDW-BARN0-800x563.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/SYDW-BARN0-1000x703.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/SYDW-BARN0-768x540.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kate&#8217;s rural, Norfolk hideaway</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://slowyoudownwellbeing.co.uk/norfolk-hygge-experience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Norfolk Hygge Experience</a> is a bit of a find to be honest. Both geographically &#8211; you are in the middle of nowhere at a rural location only disclosed upon booking &#8211; and literally, as it&#8217;s available for just a select few, wintery months of the year. And that&#8217;s because it&#8217;s geared towards tackling the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). You know, low mood from shorter, darker days, the aches and pains brought on by hibernating from the cold, tiredness, lack of motivation&#8230; (the miserable list goes on, doesn&#8217;t it?). 



A superb, and much-needed, concept brought to you by Kate Smith, a Harley Street trained, wellness practitioner and founder of prestige visiting massage service, <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/slow-you-down-wellbeing-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slow You Down Wellbeing</a>. With over 25 years in the wellness game, and a whole host of therapies in her arsenal, it&#8217;s safe to say she knows exactly what her customers need, and when they need it. Case in point The Norfolk Hygge Experience.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1084" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/SYDW-sign1.jpg" alt="Sign for The Norfolk Hygge Experience from Slow You Down Wellbeing in Norfolk" class="wp-image-62144" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/SYDW-sign1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/SYDW-sign1-800x578.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/SYDW-sign1-1000x723.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/SYDW-sign1-768x555.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



So what exactly is it? Though high praise (and true), to say this is just one of the best massages ever would be an injustice to everything that Kate has created here &#8211; and in her own home I might add. First of all you have the location. This gorgeous, rural hideaway which offers unparalleled views across the Norfolk countryside, where you&#8217;ll see kestrels swooping and deers strolling, is in itself a tonic to the winter blues, and as Kate very kindly puts it &#8220;a view too good not to share&#8221;. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/VIEWS0.jpg" alt="View from The Norfolk Hygge Experience" class="wp-image-62146" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/VIEWS0.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/VIEWS0-800x546.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/VIEWS0-1000x683.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/VIEWS0-768x524.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Talk about a view</figcaption></figure>



Then there&#8217;s the period post-massage, geared towards rousing you slooowly back to reality. You&#8217;ll sit fireside with a warming drink for as long as you need, looking out at that view, surrounded by all manner of mindful, SAD-busting tools. There was a lovely selection of books available, binoculars to nature spot, and a SAD lamp which Kate swears by. I personally was just happy not to be looking at a screen, and quietly sat drinking my tea admiring Kate&#8217;s lovely William Morris curtains. ALL of this was just as important as Kate&#8217;s miraculous unravelling of my sailor-knotted shoulders. The only thing I was SAD about after this experience, was having to leave. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1074" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/OILS.jpg" alt="Oil and room set up from The Norfolk Hygge Experience massage" class="wp-image-62143" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/OILS.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/OILS-800x573.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/OILS-1000x716.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/OILS-768x550.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The choice of massage oils</figcaption></figure>



Unequivocally, totally and 100% completely ALL about you. From the oils you are massaged with, to the music playing, pillow positioning, drink afterwards, heated or non-heated futon, everything is tailored to you, even how long you wish to stay post-massage. Kate is an incredibly welcoming host, I reckon she could make even the most massage-apprehensive, body conscious and stressed out people feel at ease. Though you are in her home, you never feel like she is waiting for you to leave, which is novel because at so many spas, let&#8217;s face it, you are one of many on a conveyor belt of bodies to be pummelled. But, like a spa you still get all the pot-bellied buddhas, plinky plonky music, mood lighting and aromatic smells which immediately pops your frazzled self into low power mode.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-treatment">THE TREATMENT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1035" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/room-and-futon0.jpg" alt="Treatment room set up for the Norfolk Hygge Experience from Slow You Down Wellbeing " class="wp-image-62145" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/room-and-futon0.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/room-and-futon0-800x552.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/room-and-futon0-1000x690.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/room-and-futon0-768x530.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The heated futon and room set up</figcaption></figure>



I received my dose of Norfolk Hygge at that point in the middle of December when you are already exhausted and have mentally checked out for Christmas but the to-do list rages on. After tearing myself away from the view, I was ushered into a cosy room where Kate explained the experience, and handed me a thorough paper consultation form (technophobes rejoice!) so she could better understand my needs and tailor the treatment accordingly. 



Kate is professional and knowledgeable, but also chatty, relatable and non-judgemental which I particularly appreciated when I reached the kind of questions on a health form I always want to lie about (exercise, alcohol intake etc). I was offered a choice of music and massage oil, before being left to get undressed and sinking onto the heated futon, which feels like a soft, toasty embrace from loveable Paul Mescal for those asking.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/460989050_17997486116677996_2876840007738556095_n.jpg" alt="Kate Smith from Slow Your Down Wellbeing massaging a woman" class="wp-image-58410" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/460989050_17997486116677996_2876840007738556095_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/460989050_17997486116677996_2876840007738556095_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/460989050_17997486116677996_2876840007738556095_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/460989050_17997486116677996_2876840007738556095_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/460989050_17997486116677996_2876840007738556095_n-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/scottrobinsonphotos/">@scottrobinsonphotos</a></figcaption></figure>



Though Kate talks quite a lot during the consultation, don&#8217;t for one minute think that she isn&#8217;t also watching you, reading you and eyeing you up for size. Like some sort of masseuse magician she could tell my hips were tight &#8211; the curse of the laptop jockey &#8211; just by how I was laying on my front when she re-entered the room.



She began the treatment with a bear walk up and down my body to the satisfying sounds of joints clicking, cracking and popping. Then the actual massage and muscle manipulation began where Kate seamlessly combines eight different massage techniques. She went from Thai stretching moves to shiatsu pressure points to some good ol&#8217; fashioned Swedish pummelling to Indian head massage. I swear, at one point I thought she must have a third arm hidden away somewhere that she was using to stretch out my arm while the other two worked the persistent knots from beneath my shoulder blades. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/461064891_17997486125677996_8612516904762437436_n.jpg" alt="Kate Smith from Slow Your Down Wellbeing massaging a woman" class="wp-image-58414" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/461064891_17997486125677996_8612516904762437436_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/461064891_17997486125677996_8612516904762437436_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/461064891_17997486125677996_8612516904762437436_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/461064891_17997486125677996_8612516904762437436_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/461064891_17997486125677996_8612516904762437436_n-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/scottrobinsonphotos/">@scottrobinsonphotos</a></figcaption></figure>



Kate constantly reminds you to breathe throughout, which not only encourages you to relax, it also makes the painful areas much easier to tolerate, but she does it in such a way that doesn&#8217;t wake you from the fugue like state that a good massage puts you in. This was also the case when she asked me to turn over or move. Nearing the end of the massage, I was asked to lay on my side which allowed Kate better access to my neck and shoulders, which was very effective and, surprisingly, something during a massage I&#8217;d never been asked to do before.



There was a few moments where I felt completely weightless, like floating on a lilo in a pool all to myself, once when she cradled my head like a marble between her hands, and again when she swung my legs from side to side like a jump rope. All in, I felt like every muscle was well and truly massaged, alleviating me of my persistent aches, pains and the compulsion to complete anything on my to-do list. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1174" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/RELAX-AFTERWARDS.jpg" alt="cosy armchair with SAD lamp as part of the Norfolk Hygge Experience from Slow You Down Wellbeing" class="wp-image-62141" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/RELAX-AFTERWARDS.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/RELAX-AFTERWARDS-800x626.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/RELAX-AFTERWARDS-1000x783.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/RELAX-AFTERWARDS-768x601.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Norfolk Hygge: The relaxing space post-massage</figcaption></figure>



After a solid hour and half massage, it was hard to get up. Luckily I only had to float a short way to the lounge where the fire was stoked and a lovely selection of teas awaited. I collapsed in this lovely armchair in the corner where I drank my tea. Kate popped in and out but for the most part I was on my own, calm, peaceful and resolving to have a massage more often.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/460880567_17997486104677996_5720991926526808935_n.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58411" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/460880567_17997486104677996_5720991926526808935_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/460880567_17997486104677996_5720991926526808935_n-800x798.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/460880567_17997486104677996_5720991926526808935_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/460880567_17997486104677996_5720991926526808935_n-768x766.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/460880567_17997486104677996_5720991926526808935_n-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/scottrobinsonphotos/">@scottrobinsonphotos</a></figcaption></figure>



I have had a lot of massages during my years of being a stress-head and from a previous life working in the health and leisure industry which I feel backs up my bold statement that this certainly was one of the best massages I&#8217;ve ever had. As someone who far from thrives in winter, my SAD was no match for Kate! She took my woeful, wintery self, pummelled it, pushed it around, ironed it out and moulded it into a serene, seasonally-effective member of society. 



I left my Norfolk Hygge Experience feeling chilled, a foot taller and in honesty a bit light-headed which could be attributed to all that extra oxygen from actually being reminded to breathe consistently. This chilled, happy buzz followed me home, and has remained with me, even when the usual post-massage stiffness and soreness kicked in a day or so afterwards which, I might add, was simply remedied by Kate&#8217;s useful stretches and aftercare advice which she sent me via email the following day. A very nice touch indeed.



GOOD FOR: Everyone really, however those who suffer from SAD or the wintery blues in general will get the most out of this.



NOT FOR: Anyone with certain health conditions which maybe contraindicated to massage (cancer for example) should be checked with Kate ahead of time. Aside from this, unless you have some aversion to massage there is no one who this wouldn&#8217;t be good for. 



THE DAMAGE: Incredibly reasonable for what you are getting. You are only paying for the length of treatment you have &#8211; £63 one hour, £83 for one and a half or £103 for two hours &#8211; not the time you spend there afterwards. The Norfolk Hygge Experience could easily take up a whole morning or afternoon. Bliss. For more details and to book, contact Kate directly on <a href="mailto:slowyoudownwellbeing@gmail.com">slowyoudownwellbeing@gmail.com</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-else">WHAT ELSE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/IMG_8393.jpeg" alt="Kate Smith from Slow You Down Wellbeing" class="wp-image-58246" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/IMG_8393.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/IMG_8393-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/IMG_8393-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/IMG_8393-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/10/IMG_8393-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kate Smith, miracle masseuse and founder of Slow Your Down Wellbeing</figcaption></figure>



This particular experience is only available from September until March. For the rest of the year you can see Kate at any of her wellness workshops that she does around the county (her next, <a href="https://wolterton.co.uk/product/slow-you-down-meditation-with-massage-workshop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a guided meditation and self massage workshop</a> at Wolterton Hall on Sat 15 Feb) or you can book Kate to come and massage you in the comfort of your own home all year round. 



<a href="https://slowyoudownwellbeing.co.uk/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slow You Down Wellbeing</a>, Email: <a href="mailto:slowyoudownwellbeing@gmail.com">slowyoudownwellbeing@gmail.com</a>, Tel: <a href="tel:07720298306">07720 298306</a> 







Words: Claire Hool

Review: The Norfolk Hygge Experience (aka the best massage EVER!)

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